HNC Graphic Design

This practical, industry-led course combines digital innovation with traditional design principles, equipping you with the skills and confidence to succeed in one of the UK’s most fast-paced and evolving sectors. You’ll respond to live briefs, collaborate with real clients, and build a professional portfolio in our fully-equipped design studios using the latest software and tech.

Covering everything from branding and typography to UX/UI, editorial design and motion graphics, this course doesn’t just teach you how to design – it develops your ability to think critically, solve creative problems, and communicate ideas effectively.

Whether you’re looking to work in an agency, go freelance, set up your own studio, or progress to university, this qualification gives you the creative, technical and professional edge to move forward with confidence.

Units: A1 (Concept & Development), A2 (Creative Project)

Focus: Build core design knowledge, skills, and industry awareness through research, experimentation, and creative development.

Key Areas:

Contextual Understanding – Design history, cultural and social influences, key movements (e.g. Bauhaus, Postmodernism).
Idea Development – Brief analysis, research methods, brainstorming, testing, reflection.
Technical Skills – Typography, layout, image editing, motion graphics, UI/UX, print and packaging.
Professional Practice – Industry roles, ethics, health & safety, collaboration.
Communication – Presenting ideas, pitching, using appropriate formats for different audiences.

Units: B1 (Personal Professional Development), B2 (Professional Project)

Focus: Apply creative, technical, and professional skills to produce industry-ready work and plan for future careers.

Key Areas:

Advanced Contextual Thinking – Contemporary practice, design economies, global influences.
Professional Projects – Developing and managing complex briefs, working with clients/stakeholders.
Refined Technical Output – Specialisms in digital/print, 3D, motion, UI/UX, VR/AR.
Career Preparation – Portfolios, interviews, business planning, networking, pricing, freelance vs employment.
Communication for Industry – Pitches, proposals, feedback, marketing, building a personal brand.

You will complete the Level 4 HNC in the first year (120 credits), and have the option to progress to the Level 5 HND in the second year (a further 120 credits).

All assessment on the BTEC Higher Nationals in Graphic Design at Shrewsbury College is internally set and marked coursework. There are no exams.

Creative project work (response to briefs)
Research and idea development
Reflective writing and evaluations
Presentations and pitches
Portfolio and professional documentation

Assignments are designed to reflect real-world industry challenges and are assessed internally by your tutors at Shrewsbury College.