Visual Communication: Graphic Design HND

Course overview

The HND Visual Communication specialising in Graphic Design is an award-winning studio-based course with an exciting blend of employer engagement and industry collaboration working at the forefront of contemporary Graphic Design. The course has a strong reputation for producing industry-ready graduates who can think and execute design solutions across a range of print and digital formats.  

You will benefit from working in our dedicated Graphic Design studios and MacLabs to develop advanced specialist skills. The curriculum mixes research, problem-solving and teamwork skills with theory and practice in areas such as typography, colour, layout, publishing, and creative advertising.

HND Visual Communication student wins a D&AD Black Pencil in July 2024, The ultimate creative accolade, reserved for ground-breaking work. Only a handful of these are awarded each year if any Time to Change | 2024 D&AD New Blood Winner | Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty | D&AD (dandad.org)

We have an Education Network Membership with D&AD and our students regularly enter and win national and international design awards. We run the sector-leading Mentoring Programme and Partnership Initiative where you will work closely with a select group of industry professionals at leading agencies.  

welovedesignetc | the design courses blog for BA (Hons) and HN Vis Comm at Edinburgh College

Responding to industry-focused design briefs, working individually and in groups, you will gain the essential skills and professional attributes to support advanced progression onto Degree level study or employment in the fields of Graphic Design and Visual Communications.

Our Graphic Design students are very successful, progressing directly onto our one-year BA (Hons) in Visual Communications or employment/self-employment or Degree-level programmes across the UK to become in-demand Graphic Designers.

Year 1

• Art and Design: Creative Process
• Graphic Design
• Graphic Production for Commercial Production
• Typography
• Graphic Design: Three-Dimensional
• Visual Communication: Graded Unit 1
• Art and Design Context
• Digital Imaging
• Art and Design Project
• Art and Design: Desktop Publishing and Layout
• Web Design: An Introduction
• Visual Communication: An Introduction
• Working in the Field of Visual Communication

Year 2

• Web Design
• Design Production
• Digital Imaging Project
• Graphic Design: Advanced
• Graphic Design Project
• Typography Project
• Visual Communication: Graded Unit 2
• Creative Project for Artists and Designers
• Preparing for a Role in the Field of Visual Communication
• Client-Initiated Design Project

How the course is assessed

• Assessment is through practical projects where students tackle a range of client-initiated briefs, design competitions, and studio projects 

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week 

Entry requirements

• Year one: Two Highers or UAL Level 2/3 or Foundation Diploma or SQA NC at SCQF Level 6 
• Year two: Pass all 15 credits available at HNC Level 
• You must submit a portfolio that demonstrates your advanced art and design skills and an understanding of the creative process
•  Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course. 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

All applicants for this course are required to submit a Digital Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.

Specific information on Digital Portfolios and review Sessions for the course you have applied for will be sent to you after you submit your online application form.

For more information and advice on your portfolio please read the Art and Design Application and Portfolio Guide This includes advice on the content, formatting and size of your portfolio but also information on the portfolio review process, what to do if you don’t have a portfolio and the support available for Teachers supporting School pupils preparing portfolios for Art and Design courses. 

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English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

Students passing this course with a minimum B grade can progress onto our one-year BA (Hons) Visual Communications top-up Degree at Edinburgh College.

Recognised entry to second and third-year Scottish Degrees dependant on each institution’s specific entry requirements, for example:

• Graphic Design BDes (Hons) DJCAD
• Graphic Design BA (Hons) ECA Second-year entry
• Communication Design BA (Hons) RGU Gray’s School of Art
• Communication Design BA (Hons) GSA
• Communication Design BA (Hons) or Fashion Communication BA (Hons) HWU
• Graphic Design BDes (Hons) Edinburgh Napier
• BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design, year 3 entry to the University of the Highlands and Islands

Recognised second or third-year entry to Rest of the UK 3-year Degrees depending on each institution’s specific entry requirements.

Career options

• Graphic Designer
• Art Director
• Web/App Designer
• Communication Designer
• Freelance Designer