Level 4 HNC Graphic Design in Blackpool. Classes run full-time during the day at Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus. This level 4 hnc graphic design course takes one year and is built around the realities of the creative industries. You'll develop practical design skills alongside the critical thinking employers look for. The course is structured as the first stage of a flexible degree pathway, so you can progress toward a BA (Hons) in Creative Practice or pause and return later, while holding a recognised level 4 hnc graphic design qualification at each stage.
Who this course is for
The HNC in Illustration and Visual Communication is the first step on a flexible pathway towards a BA (Hons) degree in Creative Practice. Built around the realities of the creative industries and the need for flexibility, this course allows you to develop your degree one year at a time. You can progress, pause or change direction, while still gaining a recognised, industry‑relevant qualification at each stage. This staged approach means you don't need to commit to three full years of study from the beginning. The course enables you to: explore your creative direction and visual identity; build skills and confidence at a manageable pace; gain a recognised qualification at the end of each stage. You can step away at the end of any year with a formal award that supports creative employment, freelance work or progression to further study. Based at Blackpool School of Arts, you'll study in a dynamic and supportive creative environment where ideas, images and communication take centre stage. You'll benefit from: a multi‑disciplinary curriculum covering illustration and visual communication practices; opportunities to collaborate with students from other creative programmes; small class sizes and personalised tutorial support. This approach encourages exploration, collaboration and the development of a confident visual voice. Alongside developing your creative practice, you'll build practical skills that support a sustainable career in the creative industries.
Entry requirements
Grade 4/C in both GCSE Maths and English, or L2 equivalent; A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline or 2x A Levels in appropriate discipline or Level 3 Extended Diploma or Merit from Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate discipline or Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma or Foundation Diploma Art & Design or An international equivalent of the above qualifications. Anyone who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge can also be considered on an individual basis.
What you will learn
You'll develop visual communication and design thinking skills used across the creative industries.
You'll produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates your creative and technical abilities.
You'll explore illustration, typography, layout, and image-making techniques.
You'll learn to research, develop, and present design concepts professionally.
You'll study the context of graphic design, including its history and contemporary practice.
You'll use industry-standard tools and processes relevant to design production.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, with daytime sessions at the centre. Assessment on the Pearson Edexcel BTEC HNC is coursework-based. You'll complete assignments, projects, and a portfolio of practical work rather than sitting written exams. Each unit is assessed separately, with grades awarded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer: creating visual content for brands and campaigns
Junior art director: supporting creative direction in agencies
Illustrator: producing images for print, digital, and publishing
Visual content creator: designing assets for social media and marketing
Layout designer: working on editorial, packaging, or advertising
Digital designer: producing graphics for websites and apps
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Creative Practice: the natural next step from this HNC, available through the same flexible staged pathway at the college.
Level 5 HND in Graphic Design: a Pearson Edexcel Higher National Diploma that deepens your skills and sits between the HNC and a full degree.
Degree apprenticeship in Design: combines work and study at degree level, useful if you want to earn while you learn.
