Graphic Design BTEC HND (part-time) (top-up from HNC) (with BA Hons degree pathway option)
This qualification is designed to equip you with the knowledge, flexibility and skills required for a successful career within an exciting and ever-widening industry. The course will provide you with the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio, covering branding, corporate identity, design for print, advertising, illustration, editorial design, typography, digital design, and animation.
You will regularly engage with leading UK design professionals through ‘live projects’ and talks, and benefit from our impressive track record for both gaining employment and winning national competitions. The course is an active member of British Design and Art Direction (D&AD), and has forged strong industrial links with both local and national designers. At the end of the year you will exhibit your work both in Bedford and at a major London venue as part of D&AD’s New Blood exhibition. Work experience opportunities will also be made available to you in the latter stages of the course. A list of visiting contacts and speakers is available on request.
“When I finished my Foundation Degree course I had the option to go to university but I specifically chose to stay at Bedford College and do a HND. The main reason why I chose this route was because I had spoken to the teachers and students on the HND course and realised how good it was. It was also a much cheaper option than university because I could live at home.”
“The course was designed to provide as much professional exposure and experience as possible, and that was why so many students went on to great success. We undertook live projects and each one focused on a different area of graphic design such as advertising, magazine layout, corporate identity and web design. For each area we learnt how to use the latest industry software including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.”
“The teachers were brilliant. They each had their individual talents and industry knowledge that helped to enhance what they taught us in the classroom. For example our graphics teacher also worked as a designer at Bonfire design agency and he arranged for our class to have a portfolio assessment with one of his colleagues. I’m sure that’s one of the reasons why I got my current job as a designer for an events company so quickly.”
“Overall, I had an amazing time at College – they taught me everything I needed to know for a successful career in design.”
Lauren - Graphic Design HND
Entry requirements
To begin this course you will need an Art & Design Foundation Diploma, or a National Diploma in an Art & Design subject, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, or relevant professional experience. Applicants from A-Level programmes displaying high levels of creativity will also be considered, as will mature students, who will be considered individually on experience rather than qualifications.
Learners applying to the HND course will pursue an HNC in Graphic Design in their first year, which represents the first year of study for this two year programme (see separate listing for the HNC Graphic Design course).
Entry will also be subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to present a portfolio of your creative work, including developmental worksheets or sketchbooks.
You will be suited to this course if you can evidence the ability and/or potential to:
- Work imaginatively in graphic and visual media
- Generate and develop creative ideas in response to a wide range of briefs
- Articulate and communicate your creative intentions clearly
- Show willingness to collaborate and discuss your work in group situations
- Reflect critically on your activities and learning, and demonstrate intellectual inquiry
- Embrace new ways of thinking and exploit digital technologies.
Course content
To achieve HND status you will have studied the following modules
(Year 1 HNC study modules are marked HNC):
- Professional Development (HNC)
- Contextual Studies (HNC)
- Individual Project (HNC)
- Techniques and Processes (HNC)
- Typography (HNC)
- Graphic Design Practices (HNC)
- Professional Practice
- Applied Practice Collaborative Project
- Advanced Graphic Design Studies
- Communication in Art & Design (HNC)
- Surface Design (HNC)
- Branding & Identity
- Conceptual Practice
- Art Direction
Assessment methods
You will work with a range of specialist lecturers, including practicing designers, in well-equipped studios and workshops. Projects briefs will be set for each assignment, and you will be encouraged to develop a personal response to each task. All activities will be supported through one-to-one tutorials and group discussions to inform you of personal progress and to aid assessment. Assessment will be continuous throughout the course, with assignments graded at the end of each task.
Further study and career options
On successful completion of the HND you can move directly into employment within the design or advertising industry, or alternatively top-up the qualification to a full Bachelor’s degree at Bedford College or elsewhere.
Upon successful completion graduates are employed as graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, web and digital designers throughout the UK with some entering Europe and the USA. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Master of Arts (MA) qualification at University.
Additional information
You will need to study six hours per week, Thu-Fri 9.15am-4.30pm. The days and times will depend upon the units you choose study.
Additional costs
- Basic art & design equipment such as layout pads, pens, scalpel, ruler, and external hard drive as per materials list.
- Resource fee of £75 to cover all in-studio colour laser printing, use of specialist studio materials, papers and adhesives, provision of studio journals, two key texts, visiting speakers’ travel expenses and for completing students a contribution towards exhibiting at a major London venue.
- Developing a personal portfolio (completing students) and self-promotional items approx. £100, and occasional visits by train to London.