Level 4 HNC Graphic Design in Selby

Cost£7,400.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Level 4 HNC Graphic Design in Selby. Classes run at Selby College, full-time during the day. This level 4 hnc graphic design course takes one year to complete. It gives you a specialist grounding in art, design, and media, with a strong focus on developing your individual creative practice. Entry requires 64 UCAS tariff points, including a relevant Level 3 qualification in art and design, plus a grade C or above in GCSE English. Complete the year successfully and you can progress to the Level 5 HND.

Who this course is for

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) and the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Graphic Design, Photography, Film and Television and Fine Art is a two-year programme providing you with a specialist vocational grounding in art, design and media. The programme is split into two one-year programmes. The HNC is a level 4 programme, when this is completed successfully you will have the opportunity to progress onto the HND at level 5.

There will be a strong emphasis on the development of both individual creative practice and an understanding of professional and employment-focused skills. The programme will also provide you with a higher level of contextual awareness of art and design practices, enabling you to progress onto top-up to a full degree.

Our goal is to prepare you for a successful career within the creative arts industry. Building on previous knowledge and skills in art, design and media, the course is structured to provide opportunities across a broad academic and vocational base, progressively deepening your knowledge and skills. Based on the current specification from the awarding body, you will undertake two units to complete the first year of the programme and two units to complete the second year.

A range of teaching and learning methods including seminars, lectures, group work, tutorials and e-Learning are used, with a work-related, problem-solving and research-based approach emphasized. You will engage in practical workshops, theoretical studies, group and individual critiques, lectures and both physical and online exhibitions. Residential trips both home and abroad are an important part of the course but are optional.

Entry requirements

64 UCAS tariff points (NEW UCAS TARIFF) from either: A Levels (including Art and Design or another relevant subject) UAL level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) The following are also required: A grade C or above in GCSE English Two satisfactory references A grade C or above in GCSE Maths is also desirable. Applications from mature students with relevant professional/life experience are welcome.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop specialist skills in graphic design practice and visual communication.
  • You'll explore art, design, and media concepts at higher education level.
  • You'll build an individual creative practice through project-based work.
  • You'll learn to research, develop, and present design ideas professionally.
  • You'll study the context and history that shapes contemporary graphic design.
  • You'll produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills to employers and universities.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based classes, project work, and individual creative development. Assessment is typically through coursework, portfolios, and project submissions rather than written exams. Classes are delivered in person at Selby College during the day. The programme is structured to build your skills progressively across the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Selby College 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
  • Digital designer, producing assets for websites and social media
  • Brand designer, developing visual identities for organisations
  • Print designer, working on editorial and marketing materials
  • Freelance designer, taking on commercial creative projects independently

What you could study next

  • HND in Graphic Design (Level 5) at Selby College. The natural next step after the HNC, deepening your specialism over a second year.
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Many universities accept HNC or HND holders onto the second or third year of a degree programme.
  • Level 5 qualifications in related areas such as Photography, Film, or Illustration if you want to broaden your creative practice.

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