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Design Discipline

Higher Diploma in Visual Communication

Programme code DE114106

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 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
  • Higher Diploma in Visual Communication (Brand Design)
  • Higher Diploma in Visual Communication (Information Design)
  • Higher Diploma in Visual Communication (Publishing Design and Print Media)
  • Higher Diploma in Visual Communication (User Experience Design)
The 1st semester is a common semester. Students will progress to the streams in the 2nd semester, subject to their stream choice, academic performance and study place availability in specific streams.
Programme Aims
This 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, user experience 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.
 
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
Graduates can become as graphic designer, information designer, brand consultant, user experience designer, user interface designer, 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.
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) Graphic Design#*
  • UWE Bristol, UK : BA (Hons) Illustration#*
# 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.
* Application for registration of this couse has been submitted to Non-local Courses Registry and is under process.



Graduates can apply for admission to relevant degree programmes of local universities:
  • City University of Hong Kong: BA Creative Media
  • Hong Kong Baptist University: BA (Hons) in Visual Arts
  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: BA (Hons) in Advertising Design / BA (Hons) in Communication Design / BA (Hons) in Interactive Media / BA (Hons) in Social 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 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.