Non-local Student Admissions

Apply Now

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.

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

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

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.