Graphic Design - Level 5 Higher National Diploma
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
14 September 2026
2 June 2028
Location
Ballymena
Interview Required
Yes
The aim of this course is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to make a successful career within the creative arts industry. This qualification has been designed to meet the needs of the contemporary creative industries. This dynamic and rapidly changing sector of the global economy covers a wide range of subjects, including those of art and design. The pathways of this qualification are intended to provide students with opportunities to explore the creative industries through a focused curriculum that prepares them for further degree-level studies or working in the industry.
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:
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.
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:
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
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:
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.
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.
Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Art and Design are assessed using a combination of internally assessed centre-devised internal assignments (which are set and marked by centres) and internally assessed Pearson-set assignments (which are set by Pearson and marked by centres). Pearson-set assignments are mandatory and target particular industry-specific skills.
Graduates from the HND can apply for direct entry into the second year of courses at many universities in similar qualifications. This arrangement is usually based on students' final grades and a portfolio of work generated throughout the HND programme. It should be noted that this progression route is outside the remit, scope, and control of Northern Regional College.
The HND qualifies the holder for employment in graphic design or broader creative industries.
Possible career options include:
As well as careers in the film industry such as Storyboard Artist, Set Designer, and Production Designer.
Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £2773 |
| Year 2 | £2773 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
The aim of this course is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to make a successful career within the creative arts industry. This qualification has been designed to meet the needs of the contemporary creative industries. This dynamic and rapidly changing sector of the global economy covers a wide range of subjects, including those of art and design. The pathways of this qualification are intended to provide students with opportunities to explore the creative industries through a focused curriculum that prepares them for further degree-level studies or working in the industry.
Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Art and Design are assessed using a combination of internally assessed centre-devised internal assignments (which are set and marked by centres) and internally assessed Pearson-set assignments (which are set by Pearson and marked by centres). Pearson-set assignments are mandatory and target particular industry-specific skills.
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:
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.
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:
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
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:
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.
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.
Graduates from the HND can apply for direct entry into the second year of courses at many universities in similar qualifications. This arrangement is usually based on students' final grades and a portfolio of work generated throughout the HND programme. It should be noted that this progression route is outside the remit, scope, and control of Northern Regional College.
The HND qualifies the holder for employment in graphic design or broader creative industries.
Possible career options include:
As well as careers in the film industry such as Storyboard Artist, Set Designer, and Production Designer.
Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.
Course Fees
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £2773 |
| Year 2 | £2773 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.