HNC/HND Graphic Design

Aimed at those wanting to develop their skills in graphic design after Level 3 study, this course aims to develop students’ knowledge, expand their portfolio and gain employability skills for the sector.

Iconic UK brands such as Virgin, Jaguar Land Rover, O2, Dyson and Diageo depend on brilliant design for their growth and success. The story behind the logos requires skills in corporate identity and branding, digital photography and web design, Typography, illustration, publicity and packing design. The design industry is worth over £3bn to the UK economy and is one of the fastest growing sectors.

Our HND in Graphic Design can help you to build the skills to meet graphic design challenges in both 2D and 3D and put them into practice through national competitions, exhibitions and live industry projects. You are also taught the skills needed to understand how you can apply yourself to the industry as a freelance designer, as well as an in-house designer. You will develop your portfolio and professional practice to an industry standard.

The course contains a range of general and specialist units, both core and optional, each with a clear purpose, so there is something to suit each student’s choice of programme and future progression plans. There is fully revised content that is closely aligned with the needs of employers, professional bodies, vendors and higher education for a skilled future workforce. The opportunity to develop transferable skills useful for work and for higher education, including research skills, the ability to meet deadlines and commutation skills.

Assessments and projects chosen to help students progress to the next stage (this means some are set by the centre to meet local needs, while others are set by Pearson).

After completing this course, you will have the chance to top-up to the BA (Hons) Creative Practice course, studied at the Hinckley Campus and awarded by Coventry University to complete your full degree.

Year 1

A1: Concept and Development (mandatory core module)
A2: Creative Project (mandatory core module)

Year 2

B1: Personal Professional Development (mandatory core module)
B2: Professional Project (mandatory core module)

You will be assessed through a variety of methods that show your knowledge of theory and mostly a portfolio showing your exploration of graphic design.

This course is a degree level qualification which consists of:

Specialist Subject Learning
Professional and Industry Experience
Academic Tutorials and Progress Reviews
Independent Study and Research
Assessment Through Assignments, Projects and Presentations
Development of Academic, Professional and Employability Skills

We offer a range of support services to help you succeed during your studies, including:

Financial support and funding advice
Student finance support
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) guidance and support
Support from our dedicated Higher Education team
Personal academic tutoring and study support
Wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding services
Access to the Student Minds mental health and wellbeing resources
Academic skills development, including research, referencing and study skills workshops
Careers education, information, advice and guidance
Employability support and progression to university or employment

The tuition fee for this course is £6,100 per year for full-time study or £3,050 per year for part-time study.

There are three ways to pay for your course:

Student Finance. Eligible students can apply for a Higher Education Tuition Fee Loan through Student Finance England.
Self-Funding. Students can pay their tuition fees in full at enrolment or spread the cost across three instalments throughout the academic year.
Employer Sponsorship. If your employer is funding your studies, payment can be made directly by them.

Some Higher Education courses may be eligible for funding through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), subject to eligibility criteria and funding availability. Please contact the HE Team for the latest information and to discuss the options available to you.

If you would like further information about course fees, funding options, or payment arrangements, please contact the HE Team at HEenquiries@nwslc.ac.uk

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Higher Education Team and the Course Lead.

In some cases, where applicants have the relevant qualifications and/or professional experience, we may be able to make a decision based on the information provided in the application and issue an offer without the need for an interview.

For other applicants, we may invite you to attend an interview to discuss your previous experience, career aspirations and suitability for the course to ensure you meet the entry requirements. This also provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the course and ensure it is the right choice for your future.

Please ensure you regularly check your emails, as all updates regarding your application and any next steps will be communicated by the Higher Education Team.

HNC/HND Graphic Design

Higher Education · Hinckley
14/09/2026

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Disclaimer

The information provided about this course was accurate at the time of publication. Course details may be subject to change, often as a result of external factors such as amendments to awarding body or examination board specifications. While every effort is made to ensure that the information on this website remains accurate and up to date, prospective students are advised to confirm course details with the Admissions Team prior to enrolment to ensure the course meets their requirements. The institution accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information presented.