HND in Graphic Design

This course is ideal for creative individuals who want to turn their passion for graphic design into a professional career. Whether you're progressing from A-Levels, BTEC Level 3, or returning to education to retrain, the HND at Shrewsbury College provides the knowledge, skills, and portfolio you need to stand out in the industry.

Applicants will typically need:

• A Level 3 qualification in Art & Design or a related subject (such as a BTEC Diploma)

• A portfolio of creative work

• GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

Mature applicants without formal qualifications but with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply. Entry is subject to a successful interview and portfolio review.

Units: A1 (Concept & Development), A2 (Creative Project)

Focus: Build core design knowledge, skills, and industry awareness through research, experimentation, and creative development.

Key Areas:

• Contextual Understanding – Design history, cultural and social influences, key movements (e.g. Bauhaus, Postmodernism).

• Idea Development – Brief analysis, research methods, brainstorming, testing, reflection.

• Technical Skills – Typography, layout, image editing, motion graphics, UI/UX, print and packaging.

• Professional Practice – Industry roles, ethics, health & safety, collaboration.

• Communication – Presenting ideas, pitching, using appropriate formats for different audiences.

Units: B1 (Personal Professional Development), B2 (Professional Project)

Focus: Apply creative, technical, and professional skills to produce industry-ready work and plan for future careers.

Key Areas:

• Advanced Contextual Thinking – Contemporary practice, design economies, global influences.

• Professional Projects – Developing and managing complex briefs, working with clients/stakeholders.

• Refined Technical Output – Specialisms in digital/print, 3D, motion, UI/UX, VR/AR.

• Career Preparation – Portfolios, interviews, business planning, networking, pricing, freelance vs employment.

• Communication for Industry – Pitches, proposals, feedback, marketing, building a personal brand.

All assessment on the BTEC Higher Nationals in Graphic Design at Shrewsbury College is internally set and marked coursework. There are no exams.

• Creative project work (response to briefs)

• Research and idea development

• Reflective writing and evaluations

• Presentations and pitches

• Portfolio and professional documentation

There are no exams. Assignments are designed to reflect real-world industry challenges and are assessed internally by your tutors at Shrewsbury College.

• You will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud and other industry-standard software.

• Support is available from experienced tutors and dedicated technicians.

• You’ll be encouraged to build a professional online portfolio and take part in exhibitions, networking, and employer engagement.

• Optional enrichment activities and visits to design agencies, galleries, and creative events are part of the course.

• Duration: 2 years full-time for HND

• Location: Shrewsbury College, London Road Campus

• Start Date: September

Not 100% sure if this course is the right fit for you? That’s totally okay – we’re here to help.

Come along to one of our Open Events to meet the tutors, tour the studios, and get a real feel for what life as a design student at Shrewsbury College is like. You can ask questions, get advice on your portfolio, and even chat to current students about their experience.

Or simply drop us a message – whether you're curious, excited, or just exploring your options, we'd love to hear from you.

📧 admissions@scg.ac.uk 
📞 01743 342333 
🌐 www.scg.ac.uk

To join this course please click the Register Interest button to receive an email with a unique link and instructions to register with UCAS at www.ucas.com and then apply through UCAS.

You will then receive a confirmation email from UCAS and the college will be in contact with an interview date. Current Shrewsbury Colleges Group students should seek support from their tutor before applying.

If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the programme most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Admissions Team on 01743 653333 or email courseadvice@scg.ac.uk