Higher Diploma in Illustration

Duration of Study

2.5 Years
[Students are required to follow the programme arrangements stipulated by HKDI, on average 3 to 4 evenings in weekdays per week, normally 3 semesters (with summer semester) per academic year.]

Mode of Study

Part-time (Evening)

Offering Campus(es) / Venue(s)

HKDI

Required No. of Credits for Graduation

348

Programme Aims

The Higher Diploma in Illustration aims to equip students with creative and effective illustration skills including critical and analytical thinking, graphic manipulation, visual expression and concept visualisation. Areas of study include visual language and expression, narrative skills, concept visualisation, media art, illustration appreciation, lettering and typography, and visualisation skills such as drawing, painting and computer graphics. Areas of contextual studies will include cultural studies, professional practice and entrepreneurship. The programme also provides professional level training in the observation, exploration of communication methodology and visual interpretation.

The programme provides a broad educational experience with creativity, project management, interpersonal communication and team-building skills which match industry demands for flexible, articulate graduates who are able to compete in a dynamic, fast-paced and ever-changing regional creative environment.

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.

Career Prospects

Graduates may be recruited as illustrators, concept artists, character designers, mural artists, storyboard artists, comic artists, graphic designers, event and project coordinators, pre-production artists and visual artists in areas as diverse as illustration, mural, spatial illustration, design studio, design consultant, branding, advertising, magazine, storybook design, event and exhibition promotion, film art direction, pre-visualisation for game and animation design, and packaging design. Graduates frequently work as individual illustrators, artists or design entrepreneurs and set up their own studios.

Articulation

Graduates may pursue relevant degrees locally or overseas.

The programme is developing articulation to top-up degree programmes offered by universities overseas, of which the potential partnering programmes include:

UWE Bristol, UK

BA(Hons) Fine Art^#
(Registration Number of Non-local Higher and Professional Education: 253254)
BA(Hons) Illustration^#*

^#It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead. Please refer to the corresponding programme page in the website of SHAPE.
^*Application for registration of this course has been submitted to Non-local Courses Registry and is under process.

Graduates may apply for admission to relevant degree programmes of local universities. Some examples are :

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University :

BA (Hons) in Communication Design
BA (Hons) in Advertising Design
BA (Hons) in Digital Media
BA (Hons) in Social Design

City University of Hong Kong : BA Creative Media
Hong Kong Baptist University : BA (Hons) in Visual Arts

Upon admission to relevant degree programmes, graduates can apply for credit exemption. The level of exemption will be considered on individual basis.

Professional Recognition

Students are eligible to apply for student membership in the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA).
Students and graduates may become associate members of the Hong Kong Society of Illustrators (HKSI) through its selection process.

Notes

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.

Programme code DE524112