Pearson BTEC HNC in Graphic Design

This qualification will provide you with knowledge and practical experience in as well as other core skills required for employment within the creative visual industries.


Academic Year: 2025/26
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.

This course has an emphasis on learning skills current to the visual arts industry with the aim of increasing your employability and potential progression.  

The course is project driven and student focused, covering study a wide range of digital and production skills on the course which will include digital drawing, software use, photography, contextual studies, and animation., students who wish to develop skills in the visual arts. The course is highly practical, but it also demands academic ability.

Contextual studies increase your knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary art practices. You are taught academic skills and methods and learn to write analytically about graphic design and related concepts.

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 – This Unit is designed to enable the practice and development of underpinning knowledge, understanding and proficiency of creative practice through exploration of the subject area.

A2 Creative Project - This unit is designed to give students the opportunity to consolidate and apply their learning through the production of a portfolio of work related to project outcomes.

This course will allow you to explore a diverse range of graphic design topics and industries available, helping you to find your speciality and area of interest. It gives students with an enquiring creative mind give the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to achieve high performance in the graphic design environment

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 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.

Many universities offer specific Graphic Design degrees or related degrees for example; BA (Hons) Graphic Design

BA (Hons) Visual Communication  

BA (Hons) 3D Animation

BA (Hons) 2D Digital Animation

BA (Hons) Illustration

Employment

This Higher National programme has been designed to equip students with the knowledge required to thrive in the changing world of work. Roles may include, but are not limited to:

Graphic designer

Illustrator

Concept artist

Animator

Digital Designer

Pearson is committed to delivering learning that is rooted in the real world and to develop work-ready graduates with the professional skills and behaviours that employers need.  

The course will help learners develop a wide range of skills including, but not limited to:

Technical Skills

Contextual Knowledge

Ideas Generation and Development

Graphic Design Knowledge and Skills

Professional Practice

Employability Skills

Critical Thinking

Emotional Intelligence

Entrepreneurship

Leadership

Reflective Practice

Decision Making

Team Working

 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.

 

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.

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UCAS Information

You can apply directly to SERC for this course using the Apply Now buttons.

If you apply directly to SERC we will process a UCAS application on your behalf in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018/ UK GDPR.

Applications to our full-time undergraduate Higher Education courses can also be made through UCAS.

View SERC on UCAS

Available Sessions

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

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

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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.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

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.

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