Higher National Certificate Live Online

This lesson introduces you to the world of graphic design, covering its purpose, impact, and key visual concepts like design elements and principles. You will explore different specialisations, reflect on your learning style and digital skills, and get hands-on with basic design tools. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of what graphic design involves and where you might fit within it.

This lesson develops practical skills in the design process, from planning and research to creative exploration. Students begin to observe and analyse visual material critically, using mood boards, concept boards, and case studies to turn inspiration into structured design ideas.

This lesson builds essential visual design skills through hands-on exploration of colour theory, typography, and layout. Students experiment with colour schemes, learn to apply typographic principles, and begin working with layout software to bring their designs together in structured, visually effective ways.

This lesson strengthens critical thinking by guiding students through design analysis, case studies, and reflection. They apply their skills in a design makeover task, explore the components of a design brief, and prepare for their summative assessment through structured evaluation and planning.

In this lesson, students are introduced to the role of graphic design in society and the range of disciplines within the field. They explore how context influences meaning in design through examples like street art and functionalist design. A brief overview of design history is included to ground students in the evolution of visual communication. Finally, students learn how and why to keep a sketchbook as a creative tool for recording, developing, and reflecting on visual ideas.

In this lesson, students build a foundational understanding of design elements—shape, colour, line, space, form, value, and texture- and principles like balance, contrast, repetition, and hierarchy. They explore how these tools support accessible, engaging compositions and visual storytelling. Colour theory, emotional association, and inclusive design for colour blindness are introduced. Exercises include tonal value and layout techniques such as the rule of thirds. Students also examine Gestalt theory, visual hierarchy, margins, and typographic layout to support critical interpretation and prepare for more advanced design projects.

In this lesson, students learn to analyse client briefs and conduct design research to support creative decisions. They explore how research helps define client needs, audience expectations, and market position. Students discover how primary and secondary research can be supported by methods like case studies, discourse analysis, thematic analysis, and surveys. Emphasis is placed on avoiding bias, using reputable sources, and applying research ethics. Students apply these skills in a practical case study, linking theory to real-world design challenges

In this lesson, students develop and refine ideas using creative thinking, problem-solving, and iterative design methods. They explore ideation techniques like brainstorming, SCAMPER, mind mapping, and lateral thinking, supported by tools such as sketching, mood boards, and De Bono’s ‘Thinking Hats’. Colour theory is revisited with emphasis on accessibility including contrast considerations and colour choices for different types of colour blindness. Students practise reflection and testing, evaluating ideas for clarity, legibility, and stakeholder feedback. These skills are applied to a practical project - designing packaging inspired by a historical movement- encouraging refinement through experimentation, critique, and informed revision.

In this lesson, students begin their assessed creative project, building on the principles from the previous four lessons. They review the brief and handbook, clarifying project goals and expectations. The lesson focuses on branding and identity as visual language, exploring how design communicates values and engages audiences. Students examine poster design and apply concepts through hands-on tasks. Activities include sequencing visual development, using the design cycle, and evaluating work in terms of typography, colour, layout, and branding.

In this lesson, students explore two key foundations of graphic design: typography and image creation. They study the history, anatomy, and styles of type - such as serif, sans serif, and decorative, and learn to choose and adapt typefaces for various audiences. Emphasis is placed on legibility, aesthetics, and how typography conveys meaning. Students also explore image creation using raster and vector formats, digital tools, and various styles. They begin a hands-on project to create an impressionistic image using both digital and analogue methods, which continues into the next lesson.

In this lesson, students deepen their design skills by integrating photography, layout, and packaging. They explore camera settings, lighting, and lenses to develop photography techniques that enhance visual storytelling. In layout design, they explore how design elements and principles come together to create effective layout and composition. The lesson also introduces students to different types of packaging design, along with various packaging materials and structural techniques. Through hands-on tasks like creating vintage-style images or editorial layouts, students apply and refine their technical skills across multiple formats, strengthening their overall design practice.

In this lesson, students are introduced to the fundamentals of UI and UX design, exploring how they work together to shape effective digital experiences. They examine basic principles of interaction design and web usability, including information architecture and layout. The lesson also introduces motion design through the 12 principles of motion, with a focus on how movement enhances clarity and engagement. Students practise foundational techniques like visual hierarchy, storyboarding, and designing with movement in mind to support user-centred outcomes.

In this lesson, students build essential technical and organisational skills to support professional design workflows. They learn to meet project briefs through clear execution, quality assurance, and market suitability. Topics include documentation, testing, version control, and file management—such as naming conventions, formats, resolution, and backup strategies. Students explore the core printing methods: relief, intaglio, planographic, stencil, and digital, and how they bring designs to life across packaging, publications, and more. The lesson also introduces professional print finishes like varnishing, embossing, foil stamping, and die-cutting to enhance visual impact.

In this lesson, students continue developing their creative project by refining design ideas. They explore additional creative thinking techniques such as role-playing, scenario creation, and forced relationships to strengthen their idea generation process. The lesson deepens their understanding of design, including grids, flat plans, and binding methods. Students are introduced to digital tools such as CAD and the Adobe Illustrator toolbar to support their design work. They also review key design principles to inform their creative decisions.

In this lesson, students develop professional communication and presentation skills to effectively share design outcomes with clients, stakeholders, and peers. They learn to adapt methods like pitches, feedback sessions, and sign-off documentation for various audiences. The lesson covers project and asset management, with a focus on documentation, and ethics—including accessibility and copyright. Students also explore information visualisation techniques and presentation formats such as mock-ups, print-ready files, and digital previews.. By mastering industry conventions for formatting and delivery, students are equipped to present their work clearly, confidently, and professionally across diverse platforms.

In this lesson, students learn to present their design work and manage creative projects using professional tools and strategies. They explore platforms like Prezi, Canva, and PowerPoint, and consider both digital and physical formats. Emphasis is placed on structure, timing, voice, and audience awareness. Students practise pitching, giving and receiving feedback, and adjusting communication for different contexts. They also learn project management basics and managing design workflows for professional practice and collaboration.

In this lesson, students explore the importance of reflection and feedback in professional design. They learn to tailor presentations for different audiences and gather feedback through interviews, surveys, and exercises like “What Went Well” and “Even Better If.” Students analyse feedback to refine their work, using evaluation techniques and a reflective practice guide to improve design and project management. The lesson also addresses emotional resilience—handling critique and rejection—and encourages personal growth through individual and group reflection, helping students develop as adaptable, lifelong learners in the creative industries.

In this lesson, students prepare for employment in the graphic design industry by exploring roles across creative, technical, and managerial functions. They examine the hard and soft skills needed for different career paths and complete a skills analysis to identify strengths and growth areas. The lesson reinforces time and resource planning, collaboration, and team structures. It also addresses health, safety, and wellbeing. By the end, students gain clarity on their career goals and create a personal development plan to support their progression.

In this lesson, students complete their assessed creative project, demonstrating the full design process- from research and concept development to execution and presentation. They develop their digital portfolios and learn how to record and deliver effective video presentations to showcase their work. A personal development plan and structured lesson support encourage reflection on professional behaviours and real-world practices. By the end of the lesson, students finalise and present their work, synthesising key course concepts in preparation for professional progression or further study.