Course summary
The graphic design and illustration industries in the UK are thriving, offering a wealth of opportunities for creative professionals. With a strong foundation in creative innovation, a history of cultural impact, and a forward-looking approach to visual communication, these industries continue to play a crucial role in the UK’s creative economy and global cultural landscape. On the HND Graphic Design (and Illustration) programme, students will develop the underlying knowledge and skills that will enable them to begin their journey either as a working Graphic Designer or Freelance Illustrator. Combining research, development and production, students will explore the creative impact within the field of visual communication. At the end of the two-year study, this qualification ensures that you are either interview-ready or equipped to set up your own freelance business with a substantial portfolio of creative work. Throughout the program, students are engaged in exciting and imaginative projects that cover various aspects of the industries, including editorial/magazine design and illustration, logos and branding, poster design, book cover design, typography, packaging design/illustration, and self-promotion. Students will learn the major disciplines behind graphic design and illustration while mastering Adobe software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. Additionally, students research design and art movements, building awareness of the work of leading contemporary graphic designers and illustrators. They will learn to think creatively, tapping into their ability to think outside the box and create original and exciting designs. The course is taught by an industry professional in both graphic design and illustration. In the second year, there is an opportunity for a cultural trip to destinations like New York, Paris, Lisbon, Berlin, and Barcelona. Connections are made with local design groups, commercial printers, and guest speakers from the industry. Students receive a comprehensive schedule of professional practice training, including marketing themselves as graphic designers and/or illustrators, alongside portfolio and business website development, interview techniques, and a final graduation show. The program offers access to a purpose-built professional studio with an exceptional print room (featuring etching, screen-printing, T-shirt print, Risograph, and letterpress), as well as a photographic studio and darkroom, editing suites, and film cameras and studios. Skills gained: · Client presentations · Business marketing skills · Interview Techniques · Live Industry-led projects in both design and illustration · Professional output of print ready designs for brochures, magazines, flyers, branding and moving Graphics · Freelance business mentoring Employment opportunities will cover a range of sectors within the Graphic Design industry, as follows: · Editorial Design · Advertising · Freelance Illustration · Packaging Design · Publishing – Book cover design · Music Industry design departments · Marketing · Information Graphics Alternatively, onward progression to further study to either BA top up year or MA academic enquiry. Past students have moved on to BA Degrees in Graphic Communication, Illustration, Printmaking, Studio Management and Visual Communication.
Modules
YEAR 1 Module A: Process and Practice Module A1 : Concept & Development Module A2 : Creative Project YEAR 2 Module B: Professional Creative Practice Module B1 : Personal Professional Development Module B2 : Professional Project
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- GD24
- Institution code:
- N34
- Campus name:
- North Star Campus
- Campus code:
- N
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We are unable to consider applicants on a student visa.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - DD - A*A*
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - M
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Portfolio
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | No less than 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £7000 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £7000 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £7000 | Year 1 |
Wales | £7000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Information about our scholarships and bursuries can be found here: https://he.newcollege.ac.uk/students/higher-education-scholarship
Provider information
New College Swindon University Centre
New College Drive
Swindon
SN3 1AH
Clearing contact details
HE Admissions
01793491591
Additional information
Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm