Illustration HND
(SCQF level 8)
Design, Creative Industries
Mode of Study
Full-time
Start Date
25th Aug 2025, 2 years
Location
City Campus
Applications from International Students Welcome
Overview
This course will develop your knowledge and skills to become an illustrator or freelance creative practitioner. You'll develop initial ideas in your sketchbook, through to finished illustration artwork. A strong emphasis is placed on drawing. On completion of the course, you'll have created a broad portfolio of work including editorial, packaging, publishing, advertising, competitions and live projects.
In addition to giving you the skills to work as an illustrator, we will provide you with the knowledge and skills to move onto University or Art School. This will include an understanding of the role that process plays in art and design and is reflective of your own creative practice. We continually underpin the importance of developing individual ideas rather than copying existing styles.
It is expected that this course will be delivered using a blend of on campus and online activities. Normally you would attend classes on campus for a minimum of two full days.
This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements
Year one
- Higher Art and Design at Grade C or above AND National 5 English at Grade C or above; OR
- National Certificate in Art and Design or related subject; OR
- Other equivalent qualifications or experience.
Year two
- HNC Illustration OR
- First year of HND Illustration.
Submission of Digital Portfolio
Create a single document that contains 5-10 images and save it as a PDF. Include your best work, we would rather see quality over quantity. Under each image, write a short sentence that explains the work.
We want to see your work, rather than work you have collected by other people. We want to see your ideas rather than designs or characters that you have copied from other people. We want to see drawing, observational and developmental. If you have any life drawing or drawing of people, please include it but this is not essential.
Submit a portfolio of your own art and design work that contains:
- 2-3 examples of finished art or design work that could include 2D or 3D work.
- 2-3 examples of research for art or design work that might include observational drawing or photography.
- 2-3 examples of development work for art or design work where you show us sketches, thumbnails, experiments and developments.
Photograph your work carefully, preferably in natural light. Crop the image so that we can see it. You can include more than one image on each page, especially if it is from the same project.
Successful candidates will be invited for a course information session.
Additional selection requirements
- You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.
- You'll be asked to provide examples of your art and design work - Portfolio Guidance.
ESOL entry requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.
What you study
Year one
- Introduction to Visual Communication.
- Observational Drawing.
- Creative Process.
- Mixed Media.
- Art and Design Project.
- Creative Industries.
- Digital Imaging.
- Illustration.
- Printmaking and Producing Print.
- Experimental Illustration.
- Life drawing from the Nude Model.
Year two
- Design Production.
- Creative Project.
- Illustration Project.
- Digital and Bitmap Imaging.
- Developmental Drawing Portfolio.
- Observational Drawing Portfolio.
- Working in the Creative Industries.
- Client-Initiated Design Project.
- Advanced Illustration.
After the course
Careers
The HNC/D course can lead to self-employment as a freelance Illustrator working with advertising agencies, design consultants, and book, magazine and newspaper publishers, or in your own private practice.
Continuing Study
- Year two of BA (Hons) Communication Design at Glasgow School of Art.
- Year two or three of BA (Hons) Visual Communication at Dundee University.
- Year three of BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice at City of Glasgow College.
- Year three of BA (Hons) Digital Art at the University of the West of Scotland.
Teaching
How the course is taught
The course is taught through a series of practical studio-based projects, theoretical study and lectures. There are opportunities to work on live projects and take part in national student competitions. Throughout the year there are visits to exhibitions and professional studios.
In addition, we have a robust programme of visiting professionals and guest speakers, providing insight into the real-world aspects of working in the creative industries.
Assessment methods
Coursework is continually assessed throughout the academic year. The year is divided into 3 teaching blocks and so the assessment is spread evenly throughout the course. There are opportunities for re-assessment throughout the year. There are no end of term exams.
Additional Information
Materials
You'll be expected to provide your own basic materials including a USB pen drive or another storage device, steel ruler; craft knife & blades, glue stick, scissors, pencils & eraser, masking tape, paints, inks and brushes.
Throughout the course, you'll need a number of notebooks/sketchbooks for research and development work.
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Mode of Study:
Full-time
Full-time
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Start Date:
25th Aug 2025, 2 years
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Location:
City Campus
Applications from International Students Welcome