Pearson BTEC HND Diploma Art & Design - Graphic Design

Course Structure

The Higher National Diploma in Art & Design at David Game College is a fast track pathway to a successful career in the creative industries.

The Graphic Design specialist pathways provide an introduction into a wide range of graphics disciplines, allowing you to specialise in whichever aspect of the graphic design industry you wish to pursue.

This course focuses on the development of design skills, practical programme knowledge and technical ability to work in a Design environment. You will study a range of modules, that develop skills in typography, digital output, infographics, packaging, motion graphics and editorial design. You will also be further prepared by core skills development in visual communication, responding to professional briefs & contextual studies.

The course is delivered via a combination of practical workshops, lectures, one-to-one tutorials as well as field trips to galleries and museums.

YEAR 1

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Graphic Design

Units	Level	Credit
Typography	4	15
Graphic Design Practices	4	15
Communication in Art & Design	4	15
Visual Narratives	4	15
Professional Practice	4	15
Contextual Studies	4	15
Pearson Set Project	4	15
Techniques & Processes	4	15
Total credits		120

YEAR 2

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Certificate in Graphic Design

Units	Level	Credit
Advanced Graphic Design	5	30
Digital Animation	5	15
Art Direction	5	15
Branding & Identity	5	15
Professional Practice	5	15
Applied Practice Collaboration Project	5	30
Total credits		120

Note: The HND is awarded on completion of a minimum of 240 credits.

+ Entry Requirements

UK and EU students:

A level standard or overseas equivalent
Other UK level 3 qualifications (e.g. Foundation Diploma, Access to HE Certificate, a BTEC Diploma/National, Advanced GNVQ or AVCE)
Overseas Qualifications equivalent to Level 3 (e.g. Diploma de Baccalaureate, Brandos Atestas, Ensino Medio, etc )
Portfolio of artwork (Click here to see the Portfolio expectations)

In exceptional circumstances, mature entry applicants (21+) without the standard academic background, but with relevant and substantial work experience (min 2 years), may be considered for entry. They will be interviewed by the Head of Admissions, undergo functional skills testing and will be required to submit two detailed references in support of their suitability for the programme. Such applicants must be able to demonstrate their readiness for a return to study and ability to cope with the rigours of the programme. Admissions decisions will be made on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements:

Applicants for undergraduate programmes whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English sufficient for them to derive full benefit from and succeed in passing their chosen programme. The level required for entry onto the HND is typically an overall score of IELTS 5.5 or above.

Restrictions on learner entry

The BTEC Higher National qualifications are accredited on the RQF for learners aged 18 years and over.

+ Admissions Process

The College will ensure that entry requirements are applied in accordance with institutional policy and that the admissions process will take the following format.

Step 1: Apply

All applicants must first create an online portal account with David Game Higher Education and complete the application form

Step 2: Upload Documents

All applicants must upload the following documents on the portal:

Examination transcripts (English translation where necessary), or notarised copies and English Language examination transcripts (where applicable)
Your CV
A copy of your passport
A 300-500 word personal statement outlining the reasons for applying to your chosen programme, how you feel you will benefit from the programme of study, what contributions you will make to the College and how this will help your future career aspirations
Photo (Passport style picture)

Note: If you are not able to submit the documents online you can bring them into the college and a staff member can do it on your behalf. If requested, applicants must provide two references in support of their suitability for the programme.

Step 3: Arrange an Interview

Applicants will be subject to a personal interview where possible either by a member of the admissions team or approved agency (where this is not possible acceptance will be based on the information contained in the application form and any supporting documents)
Arrange an appointment to visit DGHE to present certain original documents and attend an interview. You can do this via email admissions@dghe.ac.uk or via telephone 02032200347

Applications can also be submitted in person at our DGHE campus.

Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Note: All applicants must present original examination transcripts on the interview day.

Step 4: Internal English Test

Applicants whose first language is not English, with no formal or recognised qualification, will be required to take the DGHE English Entry test to determine whether their level of English is appropriate for the course applied. The level required for entry onto the HND is typically an IELTS 5.5 or above.

Step 5: Accepting your Offer

Selection will be in the light of previous qualifications, past experience, and future aspirations.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application after completing steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the assessment day.

If the application is successful, the applicant will be sent a formal ‘Unconditional Offer’ letter via email. Once the applicant accepts the offer, they are entering into a legal contractual agreement with the College.

A ‘conditional offer’ can be issued to an applicant with one or more outstanding conditions to be met. These can include for example, passing an English language test or providing an original copy of evidence referred to in their application form. After such conditions are met, the College will issue the Unconditional Offer letter.

Note: Closer to the start of the course, the Admissions Team will send information regarding the induction day and timetable.

+ Course Specifications

Campus Name: David Game College

Course Duration: Two years, full time

Course Delivery: Two days per week

Course Fees: £6000 (Student Loans available)

Course Start Date: 04th October 2021

Awarding Body: Pearson

Note: UK/EU students may be eligible for study loans/grants from the Student Loans Company. This support can help finance both your studies and day-to-day living expenses (depending on the course level). You can find more information related to Student Finance and EU students by visiting the corresponding links. For more information, please contact the admissions team at info@dghe.ac.uk or T: 0203 220 0347

+ Assessment

Formative assessment is a continuous component of the programme. Your coursework will develop into a working portfolio and select pieces will feature in a final year exhibition. Alongside practical projects you will also be assessed with group presentations, case studies and reflective academic essays.

Most units on the BTEC HND level courses are worth 15 UK credits. You will be expected to commit at least 150 notional hours towards completing the learning outcomes per unit. This usually consists of a combination of direct teaching time and independent study time (e.g. preparations for research, assessments and background reading).

+ Progression

On successful completion of the Level 5 course, students are entitled to continue their studies at university level. Through a collaborative agreement with the University of Gloucestershire, HND graduates will be able to continue with their studies at DGHE Centre to study the Top-up in Visual Communication. For a comprehensive list of universities that offers for other the top-up degrees pathways, please find out more here https://degreecoursefinder.pearson.com/

+ Careers

The focus on specialist pathways, at Level 4 and Level 5, provides students with a clear set of skills and goals for further study or entering employment. Students who complete a BTEC Higher National in Art and Design may find work in:

Pathways

Job Roles

Graphic Design

Graphic designer

Print Production

Webdesign studios

Animator

Creative Director

Illustrator

Design Agencies

Advertising Agencies

Magazine features editor

Fashion Design Studios

Branding Agencies

Publishing Companies

+ HNC

The HNC consists of the first year of the HND (i.e. 120 credits at Level 4 Higher National Certificate). Please enquire today if you want to study for the HNC programme; the start dates are as per the HND.

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Apply through UCAS

Applications to our full-time undergraduate courses must be made through UCAS. If you haven’t started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to HND in Healthcare Practice for England, you can apply directly to us using our direct application form/portal here and we will process your UCAS application for you.

Last updated: 03/05/21