Art and Design
Visual Communication: Illustration HND
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 8
Study mode Full time
Duration 41 weeks
Start date
Aug 2023
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Visual Communication in Illustration HND is a vibrant and creative course designed to give you a thorough understanding of the visual communication industry. This course will allow you to discover dynamic knowledge and develop the skills needed to work as a freelance illustrator or progress on to university degree courses.
You will learn industry-relevant programmes in specialised illustration areas such as editorial, design, advertising and book publishing. Our aim is to promote your individual creativity, develop your artwork and prepare you for working in the industry. You will be taught by experienced illustrators and there will be options to undertake client-led live projects and briefs set by professionals from the creative industry as well as take part in national design and illustration competitions. This is an invaluable practical experience to prepare you to work as a professional illustrator. Throughout the course, you will also develop a range of vocational and transferable skills which are highly sought after in today’s competitive job market. Edinburgh is a creative hub and it is a gift to study art and design in such a cultured city. HND students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in prestigious galleries for the general public, industry professionals and future colleagues to view.
The course has a dedicated Facebook page. If you’d like to see some of our students’ work or simply look at things that inspire us, please follow the link here:
ILLUSTRATION ETC Graduates 2021
Here is a link to our ‘moving image’ videos:
https://vimeo.com/illustrationetcvids
And a link to some of our graduates who are now working in the industry:
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/Illustrationetc/_saved/
What you will learn- Visual Communication Skills and Knowledge
- Project Work Based on Specialised Illustration Areas: Editorial (Magazines and Newspapers) Design, Advertising, Moving Image and Book Publishing
- Drawing Skills
- Printmaking
- Design, Typography and Layout Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Preparing and Organising Work and Meeting Deadlines
- Portfolio Production
- Producing Self-Promotion and Marketing Materials
- Transferrable Core Skills
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.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
Recognised entry to second and third year Scottish 4 year Degree, 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
Career options
- Freelance illustration
- Working in a design or advertising agency
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 28/08/23 | 41 Weeks |
