Pearson BTEC HNC in Graphic Design

This full-time 1 year course has an emphasis on learning skills current to the visual arts industry with the aim of increasing your employability and potential progression. We mainly work as a project-based course for students who wish to develop skills in the visual arts. The course is highly practical, but it also demands academic ability. The outcomes on this course are developed with the student groups in mind and are tailored to meet the interests and requirements of each group, your work will be largely driven by your own focus and interests and pitching these to meet the briefs. You will study a wide range of digital and production skills on the course which will include digital drawing, software use, photography, contextual studies, and animation. On successful completion of the HNC, students may be invited to progress to the HND year.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 11163
Campus: Bangor
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Art & Design
Course Structure
The HNC in Graphic Design course is delivered FT over 3-4 days a week to allow students to balance other work and commitments alongside their course of study. We use Project Based Learning (PBL) approaches which give you industry relevant learning, mimicking industry style briefs and projects. This will help prepare you for employment in the creative arts industries.

This programme is delivered using a range of on-campus and online synchronous and asynchronous approaches.

The programme has two modules which are

A1 Concept and Development

A2 Creative Project

15 hours contact hours per week to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials. Student workload usually includes 2 to 3 assessments per module.

Personal Study

A further 10 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments.

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.  You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process. 

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. 

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

• Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points including:

• GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile C [to include Art and Design, or a visual arts related subject)

OR

• [RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma In Art Design and Media Practice with overall award profile P

OR

·      Level 3 Diploma in Graphic Design with overall award profile MP

OR

• An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

Accreditation of Prior Learning 

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).   Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills) 

• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)

• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Students are assessed using a range of different methods.

You will have both formative and summative assessments throughout the programme

These may include coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical activities, role-play, products and case studies. 

This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. 

Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Successful completion of the HNC  Graphic Design course may provide you with the opportunity to complete a further year leading to the Level 5 HND in Graphic Design

The course will prepare you with a portfolio of work that demonstrates a range of practical, professional skills that can be used to seek employment opportunities in the creative industries or for further study at higher education level.

The specific vocational content of this course, along with access to a state-of-the-art software and equipment provide an invaluable pre-requisite to employment in all aspects of the creative digital art & design industry

The HNC course has been designed to provide students with a solid theoretical background to television and film production as well as extensive experience working with professional equipment on live projects throughout the year. The combination of knowledge and skills students acquire on the HNC are all transferable into an industry setting.

 

The course aims to help students to develop industry connections through a strong programme of masterclasses, workshops and industry visits. The teaching team all work within the media industry in Northern Ireland and can offer advice and support to those seeking employment or further study in the field of creative media production.

 Field trips are not compulsory, however there are occasions when lecturers will organise talks or trips off campus which the teaching team deem supportive to the students' studies. 

The department recognises the importance of providing students with the opportunity to see professional environments, both locally and internationally. 

Costings for field trips are based on the confirmed total number of students wishing to partake and costs are kept to a minimum

A standard kit of art materials such as sketch books, paints, brushes, pencils, pens. Approx. £100

A digital SLR camera. Approx. £150 upwards

A portfolio case with sleeves A3 or above dependent on own practice. Approx. £40-£60

A memory cards for both video and audio files approx. £25.  Or

A portable hard drive (1TB/2TB) approx. £50 

Students are asked to budget approx.

  The course is provided and regulated by Pearson.

 

 A1 Concept and Development

A2  Creative Project

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

Customer Enquiries

Need more information or have a question about this course? Send us a message below and we will get in touch.

Start New Enquiry

Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Explore Higher Education