Visual Communication: Illustration HND

Course overview

The HND Visual Communication specialising in Illustration is a well-respected advanced studio-based course that prepares students for a successful career as an accomplished and professional Illustrator.

Drawing and contextual research underpin the course delivery. You will benefit from working in our dedicated Illustration studios and MacLabs to develop advanced skills in media handling, specialist software and contemporary approaches to Illustration. Experienced illustrators support you in exploring a wide range of digital and 2D / 3D media to produce personal design solutions for a range of Illustrative contexts for example Editorial (Magazines and Newspapers) Design, Advertising, Moving Image and Book Publishing.

Students undertake client-led live projects and briefs considering colour, narrative, character, composition, audience, formats and typography to evaluate and present effective Illustration outcomes. We aim to promote your creativity to develop an advanced portfolio of resolved artwork and self-promotional and marketing materials to become a professional Illustrator.

• You can take a look at examples of HND Illustration student's work.
• See our ‘moving image’ videos.
• Some of our graduates work, who are now working in the industry.
• see our 2024 students' work here ILLUSTRATION ETC Graduates 2024

We have an Education Network Membership with D&AD and our students regularly enter and win national and international design awards.

Our Illustration students are successful, progressing directly onto our one-year BA (Hons) in Visual Communications or employment/self-employment or degree-level programmes across the UK and becoming successful practising illustrators.

Year 1

• Illustration
• Mixed Media
• Printmaking and Producing Print
• Developmental Drawing
• Observational Drawing
• Portfolio Production
• Visual Communication: Graded Unit 1
• Art and Design Context
• Digital Imaging
• Art and Design Project
• Art and Design: Desktop Publishing and Layout
• Typography: An Introduction
• Visual Communication: An Introduction
• Working in the Field of Visual Communication

Year 2

• Specialist Illustration
• Design Production
• Developmental Drawing Portfolio
• Digital Imaging Project
• Art and Design: Desktop Publishing and Layout Project
• Client-initiated Design Project
• Mixed Media Portfolio
• Illustration Project
• Visual Communication: Graded Unit 2
• Creative Project for Artists and Designers
• Web Design: An Introduction
• Preparing for a Role in the Field of Visual Communication

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 BTEC/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:

• Illustration BDes (Hons) DJCAD
• Illustration 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
• BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design, year 3 entry to the University of the Highlands and Islands

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

Career options

• Freelance illustration 
• Working in a design or advertising agency