Level 5 HND Graphic Design in Selby

Cost£7,400.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 5
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Level 5 HND Graphic Design in Selby. Classes run at Selby College, full-time during the day. This level 5 hnd graphic design course is the second year of a two-year programme. You'll typically complete the Level 4 HNC in year one, then progress to this HND at Level 5 in year two. The programme builds specialist skills in art, design and media, with a strong focus on developing your individual creative practice. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design is a well-regarded hnd graphic design qualification that opens routes into professional design roles and further study.

Who this course is for

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) and the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Graphic Design, Photography 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

HNC Graphic Design, Photography, Film & Television & Fine Art The following are also required: A Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Two satisfactory references A Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths is also desirable. Applications from mature students with relevant professional/life experience are welcome. You might be required to provide further evidence to decide on your suitability for the course and an admissions test may be used in certain circumstances.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop an individual creative practice across graphic design disciplines.
  • You'll build skills in visual communication, layout, and typography.
  • You'll work with industry-standard design tools and software.
  • You'll produce a professional portfolio of design work.
  • You'll explore art, design and media in a specialist vocational context.
  • You'll apply design thinking to real briefs and project-based work.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based classes, project work, and tutor-led sessions at Selby College. Assessment is coursework-based, using assignments and portfolio submissions rather than written exams. You'll build a body of work across the year that demonstrates your skills and creative development. The full-time daytime timetable means you spend significant time in the studio each week.

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, shaping the visual direction of projects
  • Brand designer, developing identity and marketing materials
  • Digital designer, producing assets for web and social media
  • Layout designer, working in publishing or editorial design
  • Motion graphics designer, combining design with animation
  • Packaging designer, creating product and retail packaging

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, a top-up degree that takes your HND to degree level in one year at many universities.
  • BA (Hons) Illustration or Visual Communication, if you want to specialise further.
  • Postgraduate study in design, once you have a full degree, for roles in research or senior creative positions.

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