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Graphic Design (Top-Up)

Walsall College

UCAS Code: 012W | Higher National Diploma - HND

Entry requirements


UCAS Tariff

120

From completed Pearson HNC Graphics or HNC Art and Design (Pass grade)

You may also need to…

Attend an interview

Present a portfolio

About this course


Course option

1year

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Graphic design

This course is the natural progression from the HNC Graphic Design and enables further development and exploration of your studies to top-up your achievement to HND level. Students build on their prior learning to explore advanced typography along with design projects based around: corporate identity and advertising (for print and screen). Live/competition work is a major part of the programme. The course culminates in a negotiated final major project and exhibition.

The aim of the HND Graphic Design is to enable you to develop conceptual, cultural, creative and practical skills and to encourage flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development.

A large part of the course will stretch you in terms of cultural understanding and the interpretation of it in contemporary and historical design and although this course will give you a vocational training that will prepare you for industry, it will also act as a tool to open your mind, make new associations in your environment and will make you begin to question the depth and originality of responses.

Modules

By undertaking this HND Graphic Design you will develop skills to a high level, both personal and technical including:

• synthesis of a range of concepts, knowledge and skills relating to fine art

• the application of complex theories to practical realistic work situations in the Graphic Design sector

• independence of approach to study and the generation of Graphic Design evidence

• the ability to engage with complex and/or unpredictable situations in Graphic Design contexts

• the ability to take responsibility to manage and direct your own and others’ activities

• insight and judgement in relation to serendipity and the margins and consequences of error

• research and investigative skills

• be responsive to change and ability to multi-task

• the ability to innovate and work in a creative way

Course Content

The course will provide opportunities to develop your ability to interpret client briefs as well as express a personal vision through exploration of ideas and areas of specific interest. It will also encourage you to develop your creative skills across the various graphic design mediums.

You will also study corporate identity, packaging, editorial, brochure design and advertising. many course projects link with industry based assignments. The course will provide opportunities to develop your ability to interpret client briefs as well as express an interest. It will also encourage you to develop your creative skills. Private study is required.

Units:

Unit 32. Professional Practice
Unit 33. Applied Practice Collaborative Project (Pearson-set)
Unit 39. Advance Graphic Design Studies
Unit 47. Branding and Identity
Unit 48. Conceptual Practice
Unit 49. Art Direction

Assessment methods

Assessment is continuous and is based on assignments, projects, group projects, lectures, workshops and formative tasks.

Knowledge and understanding of a subject is often developed through lectures and workshops as well through practical formative tasks. Direct teaching methods are frequently supported by students on directed study (use of example texts, textbooks, journal articles and internet) and assessed formally via summative assignment briefs requiring the student to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. Witness statements and observational statements can support such assessment.

Intellectual skills such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and problem solving may be demonstrated and applied through active learning via formative tasks and summative assignments and projects.

Group projects are used where appropriate to the industry experience or process however each student is always assessed as an individual against the learning outcomes. Assignments can also set independent project work to assess intellectual skills linked to specialist knowledge, understanding and practical skills.

Practical skills are developed through opportunities to practise the activity in an appropriate learning context and assessment involves practical demonstration through processes and final outcomes / artefacts / performances etc.

Transferable skills are readily convertible to employment and other contexts, such as in a problem solving, working effectively as part of team or meeting the needs of client etc.

These often address wider skills such as written communication (developed and assessed through essays or reports and evaluations; oral skills through presentations in seminars). Both written and verbal feedback is given.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

England
£6,000
for the whole course
Northern Ireland
£6,000
for the whole course
Scotland
£6,000
for the whole course
Wales
£6,000
for the whole course

The Uni


Course location:

Walsall College

Department:

Art and Design, 3D, Graphic Design, Fashion, Floristry

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