Course overview

This course explores and develops skills across a range of media, covering such disciplines as typography, editorial design, branding and packaging, advertising, motion and animation, interactivity and game design. You will work on live and simulated briefs with input from experienced practitioners, real clients and mentors from Bristol’s thriving creative industry. The programme equips students with the ability to solve problems, collaborate, develop and deliver well-crafted professional outcomes.

BTEC Higher Nationals are vocational Higher Education courses at level 4 (Certificate) and 5 (Diploma). These allow students to undertake a practical and vocational programme before entering employment, or continuing their studies. Students can complete a Higher National Certificate or top up to the Diploma; both the HNC and HND are recognised by employers. Completion of the Diploma also gives the option of progressing to a Bachelor’s degree.

Who is this course for?

If you want to develop visual design outcomes across a range of media and build professional and creative work that explores the broad subject of graphic communication, then this is the right pathway for you.

The purpose of Graphic Design and Visual Pathway is to use the Pearson Art and Design Framework to develop you as professional. You will become a self-reflecting individual that is ready and able to meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing design industry.

The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them using industry standard software, processes and scenarios built with employers to ensure a well-rounded experience to prepare you for the next stage of your career.

Future career and study opportunities

On successful completion, you can develop a career in the computing sector in roles such as:

• Graphic Designer
• Advertising
• Packaging Designer
• Motion Graphics Designer
• UX/UI Designer
• Web Designer
• Illustrator
• Concept Designer

Higher Nationals are also used as stepping stones to further Higher Levels of Study, and successful completion of a Level 4 (HN Certificate) can allow you the to progress onto a HN Diploma, or can apply for direct entry to any Second year of a Bachelor’s degree or foundation degree (subject to each individual university’s entry requirements).

Successful completion of the Level 5 (HN Diploma) will allow you to progress to a third year of a Bachelor’s degree (subject to each individual university’s entry requirements).