BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A four-year honours degree, with years 1 and 2 taken as the HNC and HND Visual Communication, preparing students for careers in design and creative industries. It develops individual style and a clear understanding of contemporary design theory and practice, with work placements, live projects and national and international trips and competitions.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Years 1 and 2 are the HNC and HND Visual Communication. Year 3 core modules are Theory and practice: design, Research project: design, Professional design practice, Social design strategies and Design practice. Year 4 comprises Major design project: degree show, Major research project and Professional design practice.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for careers in digital media, design, broadcast, graphics, illustration or marketing, and can progress to the MA Art and Social Practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry to year 1 (HNC): 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, or 1 A level at grade D or above, with a portfolio of work and possible interview. Advanced entry to year 2: HNC Visual Communication with a Graded Unit result of B or above; to year 3: HND Visual Communication with a Graded Unit result of B or above. Access routes include NC Art and Design, NC Digital Media, NC Art, Design and Media, NC Computing with Digital Media, UAL Diploma Level 3 Award and Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students with a term-time address in Scotland (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status); full-time, years 3-4 (degree years) Source

International applicants: GBP 16,820 a year (2026/27). Full-time, years 3-4, term-time address in Scotland Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years

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