Graphic Design - Level 5 Higher National Diploma
Start Date: 15th September 2025
Code: PHFB01074
- Higher Education
- Full-time
- Ballymena
- Add course to basket
Essentials
Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 15th September 2025
End date: 4th June 2027
Information Event: Yes
Course fees for each year.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Total Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | £2700 | £2700 | £5400 |
Fees are payable annually.
The fees for year 2 may be subject to change.
Find out more about eligibility for reduced course fees, payment options and financial support available in our fees and funding page.
Course Content
Graphic Design is one of the largest and consistently growing specialisms within the creative industries with a focus on visual communication and storytelling through both digital and print media. The role of the Graphic Designer within an organisation is interpreting ideas, producing visually engaging content, and satisfying the needs of both the client and the target audience. The skills developed as a Graphic designer allows you the opportunity to work across a range of specialisms within advertising, editorial, Illustration, product design, tv and film, fashion design, photography and many more.
Some of the units include:
- Graphic design practices
- Branding and identity
- Typography
- Professional development
- Photographic practice
- Art Direction
- Collaborative projects
This 2-year HND course set in our brand-new Ballymena campus will give you experience in developing imaginative concepts, interpreting client briefs, creating effective layouts, combining text and imagery and using industry standard software to produce professional quality designs with the aim to building an effective and diverse portfolio of work. Within the course we pride ourselves in our direct industry links, working on live projects, National competition briefs and consistent support from the core teaching team of practicing designers. This will allow you to build up a network of professional contacts, to experience dealing with real life clients, and gaining the up-to-date knowledge required to pursue your career in this competitive industry.
Work on real client projects
As part of our strong industry connections and real-world project experience, our students have had the opportunity to work on a range of exciting live briefs, including:
- Causeway Campus Training Restaurant – Students contributed ideas on branding and visual communication to develop a cohesive identity for the restaurant.
- Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Artwork – A collaboration with the local council to design and construct a modern silhouette featuring Queen Elizabeth II, Paddington Bear, and her corgis. This tribute will be placed in Anderson Park, Coleraine as part of a Queen Elizabeth II Remembrance Garden, with proposals for materials, size, and design led by our students.
- Christmas Card Design & Production – Creating festive designs for real-world use.
- Marketing Posters for the College – Designing promotional materials for campus-wide events and initiatives.
These real-world projects and work experiences help students build strong industry connections, enhance their portfolios, and develop the confidence needed to enter the competitive design industry
Work Experience Opportunities
Students gain hands-on industry experience through work placements and collaborations, ensuring they develop the professional skills needed for a successful career in graphic design. Key opportunities include:
- CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment) - Students have the chance to work within the multimedia team, gaining practical experience in design, digital content creation, and visual communication in a professional setting.
- Film and Creative Industries – Students have worked directly with real clients from the film industry, including developing logo identities for a jeweller and prop maker, gaining insight into branding within the creative sector.
- Pathways into Film Art Departments – Through working with producers and industry professionals, students have explored career routes into film art departments. As part of this experience, they have engaged in talks with producers and creatives, providing valuable industry knowledge and networking opportunities.
Due to the demand in the local design industry, we have had students successfully pursue careers within many well-established design and advertising studios, build successful careers as freelance designers, as well as providing a vital steppingstone to further education.
This is a great opportunity for individual who want to embark on a highly-rewarding, higher education programme in Graphic Design.
Watch and Explore the Incredible Talent of Our Students
We’re excited to present a selection of student portfolios that showcase the exceptional creative skills and innovative thinking of our talented artists. From stunning illustrations to imaginative creative collages and bold typography, each piece reflects the unique vision and dedication of our students. Watch these short videos and witness first-hand the creative flare and passion of our students.