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Design Discipline

Higher Diploma in Illustration

Programme code DE114112

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 programme aims to equip students with creative and effective illustration skills including critical and analytical thinking, graphic manipulation, visual expression and concept visualisation. Areas of studies 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.
 
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 be recruited as illustrator, concept artist, character designer, mural artist, storyboard artist, comic artist, graphic designer, event and project coordinator, pre-production artist and visual artist 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 illustrator, artist or design entrepreneur and set 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) Fine Arts#
    (Registration Number of Non-local Higher and Professional Education: 253254)
  • 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 course 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 Digital 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).

Students can become associate member of the Hong Kong Society of Illustrators (HKSI) through it’s selection process.
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.