Art and Design
Visual Communication: User Experience Design HND
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 8
Study mode Full time
Duration 41 weeks
Start date
Aug 2023
Course enquiry form
Course overview
User Experience Design is at the forefront of emerging creative industries. In this immersive course, you will use cutting-edge and interactive technology. This course is a step towards a fulfilling, innovative and successful career as an interaction designer, visual designer, user researcher, or user experience specialist.
You will exercise your creative potential through learning subjects in websites, apps, digital publications, experiential spaces and motion graphics. Your designs will be brought to life through visual and creative development workshops in our open-plan studios. Edinburgh College’s school of art offers largely project-based units, allowing you to explore your individual skillset. This course includes training in Adobe Suite and a study trip to Berlin.
We have an Education Network Membership with D&AD and our students regularly enter and win national and international design awards. The live project will allow you to interact with clients in order to understand, redefine and execute project briefs. Edinburgh is a creative hub and it is a gift to study art and design in such a cultured city. HND students will be able to exhibit their work in prestigious galleries for the general public, industry professionals and future colleagues to view.
What you will learn
Year one:
- Visual Communication Introduction
- Working in the field of Visual Communication
- Art & Design Context
- Art & Design Project
- Typography Introduction
- 2D Computer Animation
- Web Design
- Digital Imaging
- New Media
- Creative Project for Artists & Designers
- Graded Unit 1
Year two:
- Information Graphics Advanced
- Web Design Project
- Digital Imaging Project
- Compositing for Motion Graphics
- Advanced Compositing for Motion Graphics
- Design Production
- Creative Arts Project (Development)
- Creative Arts Project (Production)
- Preparing for a Role in the Field of Visual Communication
- Portfolio Production
- Graded Unit 2
How the course is assessed
- Assessment is through practical projects where students tackle a range of client-initiated briefs, design competitions, and studio projects
- The curriculum mixes research, problem-solving and teamwork skills with theory and practice in digital and experiential design
Number of days per week
- 3 days per week
Entry requirements
- Year one: Two Highers or relevant Btec 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.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression 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
Career options
- Work in a variety of design environments
- This course will also allow graduates to apply for junior positions and internships across the Creative Industries
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 28/08/23 | 41 Weeks |
