ART AND DESIGN - GRAPHIC DESIGN Level 5 Higher National Diploma

Level 5
Higher Education
Banbridge Campus
Pearson

Overview

Are you ready to transform your passion for visual communication into a thriving career? Our Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design - Graphic Design is your gateway to the exciting world of professional design.

This HND encourages creativity and an understanding of the practical realities of professional graphic design and photographic practice. Students will be given the opportunity to carry out ‘live work’ for private and public sector clients, combining traditional and contemporary methods based in our new Banbridge campus with outstanding facilities, studios and equipment.

The course is offered on an intensive part-time basis over 2 years with 14 hours in-college learning delivered two days each week (Tuesday & Wednesday). Over the course of a year there will be approximately 448 hours of student contact. Students will also be required to complete up to 8 hours of home study each week. To progress to the second year of the course, students must pass all year one modules.

Over two years, students will immerse themselves in a dynamic learning environment that blends cutting-edge theory with hands-on practice. This comprehensive programme is designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections needed to excel in the fast-paced field of graphic design and commercial photographic practice.

The course also avails of Southern Regional College's Design Centre, which enriches students' experience by allowing them to work with established design agencies.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants should normally have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language.
For the HND in Art & Design – Graphic Design applicants must present a portfolio of work at interview.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules will include creative practice where students will develop skills in:

Design Methods
Typography
Printmaking
Advertising
Editorial Design
Visual Language
Logo Design
Branding
Photography
Graphic Design Practice
Final Major Project (Exhibition)

Students will be assessed on a regular basis throughout the programme using a range of appropriate assessment methods such as written and practical assignments, projects, presentations and live briefs. Each project lasts approximately 5-12 weeks and is assessed at the end. During each module, students will have formative assessment and regular tutorials.

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 25/26. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 or 3 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...

Students are required to travel to galleries and other places of interest in relation to their studies. Field trips cost approximately £40 per year. There is also a visit to the London galleries and exhibitions which is not mandatory but will aid personal, professional and creative development This costs approximately £250.

On successful completion of this course, students may wish to continue their education at the College and progress onto the BA (Hons) in Creative Imaging delivered at the College's Banbridge campus.

Alternatively, students may progress to courses at other higher education institutions to study graphic design or specialise in other design related fields.

On completion of this course, students will have developed a strong foundation of knowledge and specialised skills in graphic design. This course will open up various career opportunities within the creative industry which may include roles such as: