Graphic Design (and Illustration) Higher National Diploma - HND

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.