Visual Communication HNC
Course code: 712W
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time., You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.
Course type: HNC
International: Not eligible for international students
Study at: Inverness; Perth
Start in: September
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre., You access classes and/or materials digitally.
Duration: Full-time: 1 year; Part-time: 2 years
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.
What is special about this course?
Looking to combine your love of design with your interests in technology and communication? Join our dynamic and multi-disciplinary programmes, using state-of-the-art software and printmaking facilities to explore creative tools and techniques relevant to graphic design; photography; design for screen and print; animation and illustration.
Enhance your employment opportunities with live project work in liaison with industry. These courses form the first two years of our BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design.
Special features
- Introduction to a breadth of visual communication tools and techniques
- State-of-the-art software and printmaking facilities
- Dynamic project briefs aligned to industry standard skills development
- Opportunities for field trips to enhance your experience
- You can study full time or part time to suit your personal and professional circumstances
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above OR
- 1 A level at grade D or above
- Individual competence in art, design or lens-based skills evidenced by a portfolio of work will be considered
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
- You may also be required to submit a portfolio and may be invited for an interview
Access routes
- NC Art and Design
- NC Art, Design and Media
- NC Digital Media
- NC Computing with Digital Media (SCQF level 6)
- University of Arts London: Diploma Level 3 Award
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media
You will study the following modules:
- Art and design context
- Visual communication: an introduction
- Visual communication: graded unit 1
- Working in the field of visual communication
- Digital imaging
- Art and design project
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Developmental drawing
- Portfolio production
- Photography: an introduction
- Graphic production for commercial printing
- Typography
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
You will study by way of face-to-face lectures, tutorials and remote class sessions, tutorials and practical work in the classroom and design studio.
Students will be expected to supply most of their own materials, approximate cost £350. However, there may be grants available for eligible students to help cover these costs.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
- Inverness
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,440 | £7,886 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £496 | £526 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,925 | £9,460 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £595 | £630 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
Students are expected to fund the materials required for the production of projects and should allow a starting budget of £150 per year for this.
Optional course trips are available in some campuses at a fee of between £300 – £600, dependent upon selected destination.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of your course you might like to consider careers in art, digital media, design, broadcast, graphics or illustration.
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress to the HND Visual Communication.
I choose UHI as I don’t like larger cities and here felt more relaxed. This course had a good variety of projects which allowed for us to explore different types of visual communications. I have used software that is employers look for designers to have experience with as well as teaching me how to balance and prioritise large workloads.
I made a lot of friends living in the halls of residence, I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere here and the lecturing staff are great! For me, the best thing about living here is the outdoors. You never need to go too far away to take a break from everything.
Robyn studied the BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design at UHI Inverness.
I didn’t consider any other universities. The Visual Communications and design course allowed me to explore a multitude of mediums and modes of expression, helping me to discover my creativity and nurturing my existing skills into a professional practice. I entered my studies as someone with very little self-confidence or direction and left with passion and a drive to do something with my life.
I always felt supported to do my best work and was in a constant state of inspiration, the lecturers for the creative industry courses are extremely knowledgeable and very happy to share their experience.
My studies at UHI Perth have allowed me to develop as a professional and have pushed me to explore avenues which I’d had otherwise thought to be out of reach. Some of live creative briefs I tackled during my studies are still part of my portfolio today and have helped illustrate the skills and experience I bring to creative projects. What I like most about UHI is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Gregor studied the BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design at UHI Perth.
Apply for Visual Communication HNC
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.