Edinburgh College Banner

Art and Design

Visual Communication: Graphic Design HND

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 8

Study mode Full time

Duration 41 weeks

Start date Aug 2023

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

Course overview

The HND Visual Communication in Graphic Design is an award-winning and studio-driven course with an exciting blend of employer engagement, industry collaboration and contemporary design projects. 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 learn the elements of visual design for both web and print. The curriculum mixes research, problem-solving and teamwork skills with theory and practice in areas such as typography, colour, layout, publishing, and creative advertising. You will undertake a work placement at one of Scotland’s prestigious design companies and work on creative briefs to ensure you have practical experience in the design process. HND students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in professional galleries for the general public, industry professionals and future colleagues to view. 

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.  

What you will learn

  • Graphic Design
  • Personal Development Planning
  • Creative Industries
  • Web Design: An Introduction
  • Art and Design: Creative Process
  • Art and Design Project
  • Graphic Production for Commercial Production
  • Typography
  • Art and Design: Desktop Publishing and Layout
  • Art and Design Context
  • Digital Imaging
  • Visual Communication
  • Web Design
  • Creative Project for Artists and Designers
  • Design Production
  • Digital Imaging Project
  • Graphic Design Project
  • 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. 
  • Privacy Notice School Of Art And Design

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

Recognised entry to second and third-year Scottish 4-year Degrees, for example

  • DJCAD
  • ECA Second-year entry
  • Grays School of Art
  • GSA
  • HWU
  • Napier and Abertay
  • Recognised second-year entry to R.U.K 3 year Degrees
  • BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design, year 3 entry to the University of the Highlands and Islands 

Career options

  • Each year, a high number of graduating students progress directly into design roles in agencies or pursue freelance work.  

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date Duration
Granton Campus Full time 28/08/23 41 Weeks

You may also be interested in these courses

Art and Design

Art portfolio preparation 1

Graphic and Digital Design NC is designed to develop your creative potential using digital technology. Immerse yourself ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Evening

Duration
12 weeks

Art and Design

Introduction to Fashion and Textiles

Introduction to Fashion and Textiles is an evening class taught once a week at Edinburgh College’s Granton campus. The c...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Evening

Duration
12 weeks

Art and Design

Introduction to Interior Design

Introduction to Interior Design is an evening class taught once a week at Edinburgh College’s Granton campus. The course...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 4

Study mode
Evening

Duration
12 weeks

Art and Design

Art Portfolio Preparation 2 (January Course)

This evening course is designed for beginners with little or no Art and Design experience or adults and school pupils wh...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Evening

Duration
14 weeks

Art and Design

Introduction to Fashion and Textiles 2

This is a popular course and can either be studied on a Monday or Thursday evening. Please indicate which day you are ap...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Evening

Duration
15 weeks

Art and Design

Introduction to Interior Design 2

Introduction to Interior Design 2 is designed for adults or school pupils with a keen interest in this subject or beginn...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 4

Study mode
Evening

Duration
14 weeks

Art and Design

3D Animation HND

3D Animation is a diverse, immersive and forward-thinking course designed to develop your creative potential. You will e...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 8

Study mode
Full time

Duration
41 weeks