Visual Communication HNC
Course code 712W
What is special about this course?
Looking to combine your love of design with your interests in technology and communication? Join our dynamic and contemporary programmes, using state-of-the-art software and printmaking facilities to explore creative tools and techniques relevant to graphic design, photography, moving image, and illustration.
Enhance your employment opportunities with live project work in liaison with industry. These courses form the first two years of our BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design.
Special features
- Introduction to a breadth of visual communication tools and techniques
- State-of-the-art software and printmaking facilities
- Dynamic project briefs aligned to industry standard skills development
- Opportunities for national and international trips to enhance your experience
- You can study full time or part time to suit your personal and professional circumstances
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above OR
- 1 A level at grade D or above
- Individual competence in art, design or lens-based skills evidenced by a portfolio of work will be considered
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
- You may also be required to submit a portfolio and may be invited for an interview
Access routes
- NC Art and Design
- NC Art, Design and Media
- NC Digital Media
- NC Computing with Digital Media
- University of Arts London: Diploma Level 3 Award
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media
Year 1 - HNC
Mandatory units are:
- Art and design context
- Visual communication: an introduction
- Visual communication: graded unit 1
- Working in the field of visual communication
- Digital imaging
- Art and design project
Option units may include:
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Mixed media
- Developmental drawing
- Portfolio production
- Photography: an introduction
- Personal development planning
- Art and design: creative process
- Typography
Option units available may vary depending on study location, for more information contact your chosen campus
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
You will study by way of face-to-face lectures, tutorials and practical work in the classroom and design studio.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,110 | £7,110 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £474 | £474 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,980 | £8,775 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £532 | £585 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
Students are expected to fund the materials required for the production of projects and should allow a starting budget of £150 per year for this.
Optional course trips are available in some campuses at a fee of between £300 – £600, dependent upon selected destination.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of your course you might like to consider careers in art, digital media, design, broadcast, graphics or illustration.
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress to the HND Visual Communication.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Visual Communication HNC
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.