Art and Design
Graphic and Communication Design NC
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This NC is a course suited to school leavers or adult returners looking to expand their existing skills and portfolio in the specialist areas of Graphic Design and Communication Design before studying a Foundation Diploma, HND, or Degree in Graphic Design, User Experience Design, or Visual Communication.
A range of industry-focused briefs gives you stimulating opportunities throughout the year to produce and present effective design outcomes within our design studios and MacLabs. You will use industry-specific software alongside sketchbooks to explore your ideas and concepts, while investigating the work of historical and contemporary designers to contextualise and critically evaluate your own work. Design thinking and the design process underpin the course, giving you the skills to realise and produce successful digital outcomes for both print and web.
Reflecting on your own and other designers' work allows you to identify your strengths and which areas of Graphics and Communication Design interest you for further study.
Experienced lecturers will support you to produce a suitable portfolio for more advanced-level study in your chosen specialist area of Visual Communications. Students from this course regularly progress to either HND Visual Communications: Graphics or User Experience at Edinburgh College, before advancing to degree-level study or employment.
What you will learn
- Graphic Design
- Creative Industries
- Art and Design: Creative Process
- Art and Design Project
- Art and Design Context
- Digital Imaging
- Visual Communication
- Design Production
- Digital Imaging Project
- Graphic Design Project
How the course is assessed
- This is a practical, studio-based course assessed through portfolio submissions throughout the year.
Number of days per week
- 3 days per week
Entry requirements
- Four National 5s or UAL Level 2 or equivalent
- A good general understanding of the creative process from either a school, college, or previous study and experience
- You must submit a portfolio that demonstrates your advanced art and design skills, as well as 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 prepare a Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.
Specific information on 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 Guid.e This includes guidance 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.
Privacy Notice School Of Art And Design
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Progression on successful completion of the course onto an HND within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College, for example, HND Visual Communications: Graphics or User Experience at Edinburgh - dependent on portfolio review.
- Progression on successful completion of the course onto the UAL Level 3 or Foundation Diploma within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College - dependent on portfolio review.
- Progression possible to degree-level study - dependent on each institution’s specific entry requirements.
Career options
- Graphic Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Art Director
- Web/App Designer
- Product Designer
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
