HND Graphic Design

Within the HND year you will build on the skills learned in your HNC year whilst also developing more complex use of materials, equipment, and techniques. You will also deepen your understanding of contextual references whilst developing an analytical and reflective approach to your work.

The programme can be studied full time over one year (attending two days per week) or part time over two years (attending one day per week).

This course is delivered by highly specialised staff who have a wealth of industrial and teaching experience. The projects you will undertake will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to progress into industry. There will be a wealth of opportunity to develop your creative practice within a supportive learning environment. The course is delivered via a combination of practical workshops, lectures, one-to-one tutorials, and field trips to galleries and museums.

The course will consist of three core mandatory units:

• Unit 32: Professional practice
• Unit 33: Applied practice collaborative project (Pearson set)
• Unit 39: Advanced graphic design studies.

Three optional units:

• Unit 50: Materials, selection, and specification in art and design
• Unit 47: Branding and identity
• Unit 48: Conceptual practice.

Please note that modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change. We do not guarantee that a non-mandatory unit will always run in any given academic year as options may be dependent on student numbers, sector requirements, and staff expertise.

As part of the course, you will be assessed through a variety of assessment tasks. These include projects, portfolios, presentations, case studies, reports, and research.

The assessments are intended to provide maximum opportunities for you to demonstrate the links between theoretical knowledge and understanding and practice. The assessment process will be facilitated via consideration of work-based practical scenarios in addition to reference to your own work-related practical experience, where appropriate.

Following completion of the HND you can progress on to university to complete a top-up to a BA hons degree, become a freelance designer, or gain employment within the creative industries.

Visiting artists and guest lecturers will deliver talks and technical demonstrations throughout the course. Working processes and techniques are developed in line with industry and this will be articulated throughout the programme. There will be opportunities to work on live briefs for local and national clients, allowing you to gain feedback to further improve your professional practice.

All students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work both internally and externally in order to create links with industry professionals.

All HE students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed. All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/study/higher-education

The college offers a very high-quality education for HE students. HE student feedback is strong, and students are highly complimentary of their learning experience. HE students have access to specialist facilities and resources to support their programme of study as well as designated HE learning spaces to support independent study.

Here at Warrington & Vale Royal College we have a team of dedicated, experienced staff who can share their extensive knowledge and skills with you. Learning in a friendly and inclusive environment, you will be fully supported to achieve your goals.

You must have the following:

• A HNC in Graphic Design, as the HND one year programme is a direct follow on from the HNC.

AND

• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (language or literature)
• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE maths is also recommended.

Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below. This is necessary before being recruited to the programme, as the programme is both taught and assessed in English:

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
• IELTS 5.5; reading and writing must be 5.5.

All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement and curriculum-set task prior to an admissions interview being offered. Further information on this will be provided to you upon receipt of your application. You will also be required to provide a reference from one of the following options:

• A previous course leader/teacher (if progressing from a recently attended further or higher education course)
• A recent or current employer
• An appropriate professional who can provide a character reference (if you have not been in recent education or employment)

Students applying to study on a Higher Education course can apply for a HE student loan at www.gov.uk/student-finance.

For further finance support and enquiries please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education

You will be required to purchase sketchbooks/layout pads for the duration of the course. You will also be advised to put together a collection of your own personal stationary such as fine liners and pencils. A list of desirable equipment and materials plus where to purchase these from will be provided during induction.

In addition to materials, we run a range of trips to local universities, museums, and galleries e.g., University of Chester, Tate Liverpool, and Manchester City Art Gallery. There is usually a cost of approximately £10 per local trip.

The college provides all students with an initial £3 print credit, for printing from our standard printers. Any further printing will incur a cost. Additionally, you may be required to print high quality imagery of your final designs for submission and presentation purposes. This will approximately cost between £40-£50 per academic year.