Course summary

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) and the Higher National Diploma (HND) is a two-year programme providing you with a specialist vocational grounding in a wide range of disciplinaries, you can choose to follow Photography, Fine Art, Graphic Design or Film and TV. The programme is split into two one-year programmes. The HNC is a level 4 programme, when this is completed successfully you will have the opportunity to progress onto the HND at level 5. There will be a strong emphasis on the development of both individual practice and an understanding of professional and employment-focused skills. The programme will also provide you with a higher level of contextual awareness of art and design practices, enabling you to progress onto top-up to a full degree. Our goal is to prepare you for a successful career within the creative industry. Building on previous knowledge and skills in art, design and media, the course is structured to provide opportunities across a broad academic and vocational base, progressively deepening your knowledge and skills. Based on the current specification from the awarding body, you will undertake two modules to complete the first year of the programme and two to complete the second year. This full-time programme is run over one year per level with daytime sessions blocked over two days. The course is divided into semesters which are designed to give you a broad overview of your chosen subject area. You will be provided with the opportunity to specialise in a dedicated subject area, with creative industry focus. A range of teaching and learning methods including seminars, lectures, group work, tutorials and e-Learning are used, with a work-related, problem-solving and research-based approach emphasised. You will engage in practical workshops, theoretical studies, group and individual critiques, lectures and both physical and online exhibitions. Residential trips both home and abroad are an important part of the course but are optional. The cost varies and is dependent on current rates for the destination and current restrictions.