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Design Discipline

Higher Diploma in Visual Arts and Culture

Programme code DE114105

The following section presents the programme information offered in September 2023. Application information for AY 2024/25 will be announced in early November 2023.
Duration of Study
2 Years
Mode of Study
Full-time
Offering Campus(es) / Venue(s)
HKDI
Entrance Requirements
Five HKDSE subjects at Level 2 or above, including English Language and Chinese Language; OR VTC Diploma of Foundation Studies; OR VTC Diploma of Vocational Education / Diploma of Vocational Baccalaureate; OR Diploma Yi Jin; OR Equivalent.
Remarks :
  1. An "Attained", "Attained with Distinction (I)" and "Attained with Distinction (II)" in an HKDSE Applied Learning (ApL) subject (Category B subjects) are regarded as equivalent to an HKDSE subject at "Level 2", "Level 3" and "Level 4" respectively, and a maximum of two ApL subjects (excluding ApL(C)) can be counted for admission purpose.
  2. 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, and one Other Language subject can be counted for admission purpose.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
Programme Aims
This interdisciplinary programme offers all-rounded immersion in contemporary visual arts media and engages students actively with the cultural industries at large. Through collaboration and innovation with the arts sector, the programme creates a lively environment where interdisciplinary arts projects flourish. Graduates are also nurtured to become professional arts practitioners.
 
From the conceptual to the practical, the programme provides a dynamic and vibrant environment that inspires students to experiment with ideas and develop their own artistic language to encourage originalities in art creation. Graduates are cultivated to steer and support their art concepts based on theoretical insights, practical skills and understanding of culture. With faculty mentoring, such concepts can be developed as professional fine art works as well as basis for entrepreneurial ideas.
 
Integration with the arts community is promoted through collaborative work with visiting fellows or artists-in-residence, museum or gallery visits, exhibitions and internships. Such synergy not only enhances their passion for creative engagement, but also enriches their practical know-how. The latitude of experience deepens their understanding in the fields of visual arts, culture, curatorial projects and arts management.
 
This 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
Apart from professional artists, graduates will have full potential to take up other career opportunities. These include graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, exhibition designers, visual merchandisers, etc. They can also be art administrators at the assistant level in art centres, gallery, cultural and educational organisation to run cultural programmes or art exhibitions. The graduates are capable to be future entrepreneurs who can turn concepts into art entrepreneurial ideas or they can be curators, critics, educators, cultural programme administrators in the future.
Articulation
Graduates can pursue relevant degrees locally or overseas. They are eligible to apply for admission to top-up degree programme offered by the following university in collaboration with the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) :
  • UWE Bristol, UK: BA (Hons) Fine Arts#
    (Registration Number of Non-local Higher and Professional Education: 253254)
# It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead. Please refer to the corresponding programme page in the website of SHAPE.

Graduates can also apply for admission to relevant degree programmes of local universities:
  • The Hong Kong Baptist University: BA (Hons) in Visual Arts
  • Lingnan University: BA (Hons) in Visual Studies
  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong: BA in Fine Arts
  • The Education University of Hong Kong: BA (Hons) in Creative Arts and Culture (Visual Arts)
  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: BA (Hons) in Product Design
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 of the Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong (GAAHK) and the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA).
Notes
Students may be required to attend classes on other VTC campuses. VTC reserves the right to cancel any programme, revise programme content or change the offering institute(s) / campus(es) / class venue(s) if circumstances so warrant.