Higher National Diploma 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.

In this lesson, students explore the building blocks of visual persuasion. They examine foundational communication theories and psychological principles that influence perception and decision-making. The lesson also introduces the basics of visual design elements, including typography, helping students understand how these tools contribute to persuasive visual messages.

In this lesson, students will learn a variety of problem-solving methods including GROW, lateral thinking, and problem-based approaches. They'll explore design processes, develop project planning and quality assurance strategies, and apply user-centred design tools like wireframes and UX principles. The lesson emphasizes reflective practice, collaboration with stakeholders, and using digital tools for project management and testing. Students will focus on visual and conceptual design for mobile apps, rather than coding, preparing them to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

In this lesson, students advance their design capabilities by developing sophisticated visual language systems that work across digital platforms. They create and adapt brand narratives for multi-platform contexts, exploring visual hierarchy, motion graphics, and emerging design formats. Emphasis is placed on audience awareness, cultural adaptability, and stakeholder communication. Through case studies and downloadable resources, students practice building consistent, scalable brand systems and refine their visual strategies through structured feedback and collaborative critique.

Students develop advanced skills in combining handcrafted and digital techniques across typography, layout, and image-based design. They explore methods for asset capture, texture creation, and vector enhancement to build cohesive brand systems. The content also covers colour precision, output preparation, and structured design documentation. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice and integrating analogue and digital tools to produce distinctive, platform-ready visuals.

This lesson explores how historical and cultural influences shape design today, with a focus on sustainability, globalisation, and cultural representation. Students learn to contextualise their work within past and present practices and consider how it impacts diverse audiences. The unit includes practical tools for stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, and the implementation of sustainable design across digital and print platforms. Through reflective tasks and visual analysis, students develop the critical and technical skills needed to create work that is both relevant and responsible in contemporary contexts.

Students develop design responses to real-world challenges using structured problem-solving approaches. They explore design trends, analyse external influences through frameworks like PESTEL, and consider ethical, cultural, and environmental impacts. Emphasis is placed on cross-cultural awareness, inclusive communication, and systems thinking. Through case studies and scenario-based tasks, students critically assess how their design decisions influence broader social, economic, and ecological systems.

In this lesson, students advance their understanding of responsive typography through system architecture, accessibility standards, and performance optimisation. They explore how to build scalable, inclusive typographic systems for digital platforms, with a focus on professional implementation and real-world application. The unit also encourages critical reflection on typography’s strategic role within broader design systems.

This lesson equips students with strategies for analysing and responding to complex, often ambiguous design briefs. They learn to identify hidden requirements, manage competing priorities, and align creative ideas with business objectives. Through practical tools and structured analysis techniques, students translate client needs into clear design actions. Emphasis is placed on effective communication, critical reflection, and maintaining design integrity as project requirements evolve.

In this lesson, students explore how to manage complex project timelines, maintain design quality, and align outputs with client expectations. Using professional tools and workflows, they learn to organise assets, balance competing demands, and implement licensing and compliance protocols. Throughout the process, students refine their ability to deliver polished, scalable outcomes in real-world design contexts.

In this lesson, students consolidate their learning by developing a professional design brief that integrates research, creative strategy, stakeholder collaboration, and ethical communication. They explore cultural and economic influences on design, apply techniques in time-based, lens-based, print, and digital 3D media. Project management, ideas development and quality assurance, are applied throughout, ensuring readiness for complex, real-world challenges.

In this lesson, students learn to identify, assess, and address risks in complex, multi-stakeholder design projects. They explore risk prevention strategies and common failure points through real-world case studies, visual tools, and exercises. Students develop practical approaches to stakeholder coordination, interim reviews, and quality checks to maintain progress and standards. They also refine collaboration and communication skills to support reflective problem-solving. By the end of the lesson, students are equipped with tools and strategies for confidently managing high-stakes creative work.

In this lesson, students develop professional project management capabilities through advanced scoping, pricing, and client communication strategies. They learn how to define project scope, estimate costs using value-based pricing models, and document deliverables clearly. Through practical tools and interactive scenarios, students explore how to manage scope changes, justify design value to clients, and approach billing with ethical awareness. The lesson also focuses on communication strategies for progress updates, negotiation, and maintaining transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

In this lesson, students develop scalable brand architecture systems and supporting documentation for complex design projects. They apply principles of layout, composition, typography, and visual structure, using systematic approaches to sub-brand development and consistency. Focus areas include hierarchy, platform adaptability, and the integration of quality assurance methods. Clear documentation and professional formatting are emphasised throughout. The lesson supports preparation for the final Professional Project by simulating the management and delivery of a real-world brand brief.

In this lesson, students apply inclusive design principles to develop and present a cohesive visual language for a client brand. Using structured frameworks, they analyse cultural sensitivity, accessibility, and identity representation in complex design systems. Students apply modular, component-based strategies and measurable adaptation methods to evaluate and refine their work. The focus is on building integrated, culturally adaptive campaign systems that function effectively across platforms. Through structured project management and creative problem-solving, students produce visual systems that meet technical, ethical, and strategic standards while communicating clearly to diverse audiences.

In this lesson, students synthesise their learning to plan and present a final industry-standard design proposal. They focus on advanced visual narrative systems, data visualisation for design decisions, and real-time stakeholder communication. Students develop contingency strategies for hybrid presentation environments and practise dynamic stakeholder engagement through scenario-based exercises. The summative project allows students to apply their individual strengths while meeting the technical, strategic, and ethical expectations of professional design practice.