HND Graphic Design

982 Views

HND Graphic Design course will provide you with an opportunity to work in the graphics industry sector. This programme will help you to develop the knowledge, understanding and methods required by todays graphic designers. It is a great blend of theory and practice and aims to produce designers capable of confidently solving a breadth of visual design problems. The aim of the HND Graphic Design is to enable you to develop conceptual, cultural, creative and practical skills and to encourage flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development.

What the HND Graphic Design course will do for you

The HND Graphic Design will enable you to develop your creative ability and technical graphic skills, allowing you to determine the career path you wish to take. The course is delivered via a combination of practical workshops, lectures, one-to-one tutorials and field trips to galleries and museums. You will engage in creating your own portfolio and will have the choice to specialise within a discipline of your choice, such as illustration, digital media, advertising or typography. You will study a range of practical subjects, including graphics software, photography and video. The qualification prepares learners for employment in the design sector and will be suitable for learners who have already decided that they wish to enter this area of work. HND in Graphic Design will allow you progression into or within employment in the design sector, either directly on achievement of the award or following further study to degree level.

This course enables further development and exploration of your studies to HND level. You will build on your prior learning to explore advanced typography along with design projects based around: corporate identity and advertising (for print and screen). Live/competition work is a major part of the programme. The course culminates in a negotiated final major project and exhibition.

A large part of the course will stretch you in terms of cultural understanding and the interpretation of it in contemporary and historical design and although this course will give you a vocational training that will ready you for industry, it will also act as a tool to open your mind, make new associations in your environment and will make you begin to question the depth and originality of responses.

Course Length: 2 years;
Start dates: January/April/August/September;

Career opportunities

The course is aimed at students wanting to develop a career in various strands of the Graphic Design industry such as magazine design, publishing, branding and design agencies, art direction and advertising, website design, work in the television and film industries, founding their own design studio, further study and research. Our students also develop skills that can enable them to develop careers in a wide range of related industries such as Arts Administration, Education, Media Practice and research and much more.

Entry requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years old;
Applicants are required to submit proof of prior certificated learning (e.g. Secondary School Diploma/Baccalaureate/Level 3 qualification) or relevant work experience;
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language;
An interview with the college is compulsory prior student registration.
Applicants must bring their original certificates when coming for registration;

Course structure - Modules

Year 1

Visual Communication in Art and Design
Ideas Generation and Development in Art and Design
Contextual and Cultural Referencing in Art and Design
Professional Practice in Art and Design
Ideas in Context
Typographic Skills
Corporate Identity in Graphic Design
Drawing Techniques and Processes in Art and Design

Year 2

Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation
Products, Marketing and Advertising Media
Art Direction for Advertising
Copywriting for Advertising
Advanced Typographic Design
Packaging in Graphic Design
Interactive Media Web Authoring
Animation Techniques for Interactivity in Art and Design

* The units can vary, depending on the optional modules which your institution will choose for the course structure.

Assessment

On this course you will develop thorough grounding in the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for a career in graphic design. The strong emphasis throughout the course is on creativity and practical work. You will be challenged to experiment with advanced projects in art and design in an imaginative and considered way. You will work with both given and self-defined briefs to create a portfolio of art and design work. You will be given an opportunity to explore different areas of graphic design, such as, digital imaging, corporate design, and contextual referencing, typography and idea generation techniques. You will also develop a critical awareness of the historical and professional issues relevant to graphic design practice. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions. You will be working in teams to simulate industry practice and further enhance your transferable skills. You will be assessed through individual and group projects, visual and oral presentations and written assignments.

Progression

On successful completion of the Level 5 HND, students will have the opportunity to apply to study for a full degree at many universities in the UK. This course is for anyone interested in developing their design skills to a professional level and preparing their portfolio for industry or continuing their education with a top-up third year on an appropriate BA (hons) course (e.g. graphic design, illustration, animation, web design/interactive design, advertising, games design etc.).

Funding

Self-Funding

The Tuition Fee of the course will vary depending on the institution you wish to study in, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU and International Students as well. Please contact us to find out the tuition fee for a specific course you’d like to know about.

Government Funds – Student Finance England

If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on Indefinite stay, you can receive support from the government via Student Loan Company to cover tuition fees and some living costs while studying, depending on your circumstances. Tuition fee loans, to cover the full cost of your course, are paid directly to the course provider. Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time, lending you money at the start of each term. You won’t have to pay back the loan until after your course, when you’re earning above a certain level. Students can still apply for grants if they’re eligible for certain benefits, disabled, or need help with childcare costs.