For detailed arrangements of application for AY2025/26 programmes with available study places and transfer between offers, please click here.
Programme Edges
Transform Passion into Profession
Conveying Aesthetics and Values Through Visual Language.
Transform Passion into Profession
Conveying Aesthetics and Values Through Visual Language.
Basic Information
The programme aims to develop students’ ability to communicate visually through conventional and digital means that is effective as well as creative. The focus of the programme is to equip students with visual communication skills on analytical thinking, visual expression and problem solving, message interpretation, manipulation and communication through a wide range of graphic design areas including typography, branding and marketing, persuasive strategy, information design, digital publishing design and visual manipulation. It aims at nurturing self-motivated problem-solvers who are observant, curious, passionate and dare to explore new frontiers in visual communication.
The programme is designed with an emphasis on generic, language and communication training, whole-person development and workplace experience to better prepare students for further studies and employment after graduation.
The programme is designed with an emphasis on generic, language and communication training, whole-person development and workplace experience to better prepare students for further studies and employment after graduation.
Mode of Study
Full-time
Duration of Study
2 Years
Offering Campus(es) / Venue(s)
HKDI
Study Places
HKDI - 60
Admission Score
Average Result: 15 1
Score Range: 10 - 19 1
Score Range: 10 - 19 1
Programme Stream
Students may choose one of the following streams so as to enhance professional knowledge and skills in specific areas:
- Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design
- Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design (Publishing Design and Print Media)
The Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design also offers an Earn-and-Learn alternation scheme, enabling students to gain practical experience while studying:
- Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design (Earn and Learn scheme)
The first three semesters consist of a common curriculum, and students can decide to enter the Earn-and-Learn scheme in Semester 3. From Semesters 4 to 7, students will engage in part-time study within the Earn-and-Learn scheme (DE314116). Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design (Earn and Learn scheme) from Semester 1 to Semester 7 can typically be completed in 3 years.
Professional Recognition
Students are eligible to apply for student membership of the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA).
Remarks
- Admission score in 2024 refers to score of the best 5 HKDSE subjects, including Chinese Language and English Language of admitted students in 2024. For reference only. (Scoring scale: 5** = 7 points; 5* = 6 points; 5 = 5 points: 4 = 4 points; 3 = 3 points; 2 = 2 points; 1 = 1 point).
Notes
- The programme information is applicable to local applicants. For non-local applicants, please visit here.
- Students may be required to attend classes on other VTC campuses. VTC reserves the right to cancel any programme, revise programme title, content or change the offering institute(s) / campus(es) / class venue(s) if circumstances so warrant.
- The revalidation of the programme will be conducted in 2025. The curriculum will be updated if circumstances so warrant.
Entrance Requirements
- HKDSE
Chinese Language
2
English Language
2
Core/Elective Subject
2
Core/Elective Subject
2
Core/Elective Subject
2
- VTC Diploma of Foundation Studies; OR
- VTC Diploma of Vocational Education / VTC Diploma of Vocational Baccalaureate; OR
- Diploma Yi Jin / Diploma of Applied Education; OR
- Relevant and substantial work experience and/or prior qualification(s) obtained in or outside Hong Kong (e.g. assessed through recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation and transfer), with demonstrated ability to undertake sub-degree education; OR
- Equivalent
Remarks
- Applicants can use HKDSE Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (except ApL Chinese) for admission purpose. An "Attained", "Attained with Distinction (I)" and "Attained with Distinction (II)" in an ApL subject (Category B subjects) are regarded as equivalent to an HKDSE subject at "Level 2", "Level 3" and "Level 4" respectively for admission purpose.
- For 2024 HKDSE and before, a "Grade D or E" and a "Grade C or above" in an HKDSE Other Language subject (Category C subjects) are regarded as equivalent to an HKDSE subject at "Level 2" and "Level 3" respectively; From 2025 HKDSE onwards, Language Proficiency Level A2 or above in French / German / Spanish, N3 or above in Japanese and TOPIK II: Grade 3 or above in Korean are also recognised as one of the five HKDSE subjects in fulfilling the general entrance requirement. For details, please click here. One Other Language subject can be counted for admission purpose.
- An "Attained" in HKDSE Citizenship and Social Development is regarded as equivalent to an HKDSE subject at "Level 2" for admission purpose.
- If one of the five HKDSE subjects is Citizenship and Social Development, the general entrance requirement would become "Attained" for Citizenship and Social Development and Level 2 or above in four other HKDSE subjects including Chinese Language and English Language. Besides, Level 2 or above in Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 or Module 2) is also recognised as one of the five HKDSE subjects in fulfilling the general entrance requirement. If applicants have taken both Module 1 and Module 2, either one of the modules (with a higher level) will be counted for admission purpose.
- Applicable to holders of Diploma in Vocational Education / Diploma of Vocational Education (DVE) (students admitted to DVE in AY2017/18 or before are required to complete prescribed further studies modules).
- Upon completion of the Diploma of Vocational Baccalaureate (DVB) programmes, students can progress to Higher Diploma programmes in VTC, subject to their BTEC and IGCSE results.
- Applications with work experience and/or prior qualification(s) submitted will be assessed individually by the departments concerned.
Articulation / Employment
Articulation
Graduates may apply for admission to relevant Degree programmes offered by local or overseas universities.
Career Prospects
Graduates may be employed as graphic designer, information designer, brand consultant, event / promotion art director, packaging designer, book designer, illustrator, storyboard artist and character designer, in areas as diverse as graphic house, design consultant, branding, advertising, magazine and publication media, book design, printing, packaging, digital marketing, event and exhibitions, illustration, environmental and spatial graphic, museum display, art / event promotion and image direction. Graduates frequently work as individual design practitioners and design entrepreneurs setting up their own studios.
Curriculum
- Creative and Design Thinking
- Digital Imaging and Motion
- Essential Workplace Communication: Effective Oral Interaction
- Graphic Language
- Typography: Expression and Information
- Whole Person Development - MindShift: Achieving Personal Growth & Effectiveness
- IT Essentials – Smart Living
Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design
- Cultural Studies
- Graphic Arts
- Infographics: Diagrams and Data Graphics
- Photography for Visual Communication Design
- Studio: Design to Read
- Vocational Chinese Communication: Putonghua Conversation and Reports
- Essential Workplace Communication: Digital Written Correspondence
- Whole Person Development - Collaboration, Teamwork & Social Engagement (Part 1)
- Enrichment Module A
Higher Diploma in Visual Communication (Publishing Design and Print Media)
- Cultural Studies
- Print Media Production: Fundamentals
- Printing Substrates and Materials
- Studio: Design to Print
- Typography: Editorial Design
- Vocational Chinese Communication : Putonghua Conversation and Reports
- Essential Workplace Communication: Digital Written Correspondence
- Whole Person Development - Collaboration, Teamwork & Social Engagement (Part 1)
- Enrichment Module A
Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design
- Aesthetics and Sustainability
- Infographics: Maps and Instructional Illustrations
- Packaging Design
- Professional Workplace Communication: Storytelling and Job Search
- Whole Person Development - Collaboration, Teamwork & Social Engagement (Part 2)
- Enrichment Module B
Higher Diploma in Visual Communication (Publishing Design and Print Media)
- Aesthetics and Sustainability
- Colour Management in Print Media
- Print Media Production: Technology
- Professional Workplace Communication: Storytelling and Job Search
- Whole Person Development - Collaboration, Teamwork & Social Engagement (Part 2)
- Enrichment Module B
Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design
- Graduation Project Development for Visual Communication Design
- Studio: Design to Promote
- Visual Identity System
- Vocational Chinese Communication: Putonghua Presentations and Promotional Text Writing
- Professional Workplace Communication: Proposal and Report Writing
Higher Diploma in Visual Communication (Publishing Design and Print Media)
- Operation and Business Innovation for Print Media
- Packaging Design
- Studio: Design to Publish
- Vocational Chinese Communication: Putonghua Presentations and Promotional Text Writing
- Professional Workplace Communication: Proposal and Report Writing
Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design
- Cultural and Creative Design: Visual Communication Design
- Graduation Project: Visual Communication Design
- Professional Workplace Communication: Pitching and Persuasive Presentation
- Whole Person Development - Enhancing Competencies in the 21st Century Workplace
Higher Diploma in Visual Communication (Publishing Design and Print Media)
- Cultural and Creative Design: Visual Communication Design
- Graduation Project: Visual Communication Design
- Professional Workplace Communication: Pitching and Persuasive Presentation
- Whole Person Development - Enhancing Competencies in the 21st Century Workplace
Tuition Fees
1st Year Tuition Fees (HK$)
$33,310
2nd Year Tuition Fees (HK$)
$33,310
Remarks
- The study duration of Higher Diploma programmes is normally 2 years. The tuition fee is payable in two installments each year.
- In addition to tuition fees, students will be required to pay other fees, such as caution money and students’ union annual fees. Students of Higher Diploma programmes will be required to pay the study package fees for Chinese & Putonghua modules.
- Some students may be required to study bridging modules or enhancement programmes to support their study; or to attend additional training, industrial attachments, public examinations for which separate fees will be charged.
- Tuition fees are subject to annual review. The tuition fee levels for 2nd Year will be reviewed subject to inflationary adjustments and other relevant factors.
- The information listed above is only applicable to local students.
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Programme Code DE110512
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Programme Code DE110513
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Higher Diploma in Advertising Design
Programme Code DE114105
Higher Diploma in Visual Arts and Culture
Programme Code DE114110
Higher Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects
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Higher Diploma in Film, Television and Photography
Programme Code DE114112
Higher Diploma in Illustration
Programme Code DE114112K
Higher Diploma in Illustration (Medium of Instruction: Chinese (Putonghua))
Programme Code DE114113
Higher Diploma in User Experience Design
Programme Code DE114201
Higher Diploma in Arts Technology
Programme Code DE114202
Higher Diploma in Music Production
Programme Code DE114203
Higher Diploma in Digital Media Production
Programme Code DE114303
Higher Diploma in Fashion Image Design
Programme Code DE114305
Higher Diploma in Fashion Media Design
Programme Code DE114306
Higher Diploma in Costume Design for Performance
Programme Code DE114308
Higher Diploma in Fashion Design
Programme Code DE114309
Higher Diploma in Digital Fashion Branding and Buying
Programme Code DE114309K
Higher Diploma in Digital Fashion Branding and Buying (Medium of Instruction: Chinese (Putonghua))
Programme Code DE114511
