Entry requirements
Four passes at National 5 level or equivalent to including Art and English/Communication.
Appropriate Level 5 course.
For those returning to education, life skills and experience may allow entry.
Why take this course?
This course has been designed for those with an interest in developing skills that are relevant for the creative design sector. This project-based course is ideal for those who wish to pursue a career in computer arts or graphic design – an exciting and rapidly expanding area of the creative industries.
What you will experience
- Drawing skills
- Digital media
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Packaging design
- Typography
- Use of industry standard software
- Promotion design
- Client projects
- Communication design for diverse purposes of advertising
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will need
A list of materials will be sent to you before the start of the course.
What you will get
SQA units in Art & Design and Digital Media (SCQF Level 6).
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place in winter 2024.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
University
If you choose to complete an HND course after this course, you may want to then consider moving on to a university degree. Depending on the university, you could enter into year 2 or year 3 of a related course.
Employment
Further study could lead to employment in careers such as:
- Graphic Designer
- Content Producer
- Media Assistant
- Typographer
- Advertising and Promotional Designer
- Illustrator
Student Stories
Katherine Martin
Art, Design & Photography
HND Contemporary Art Practice
“Coming to College turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I grew in confidence, and it really prepared me for university.”
Read more about Katherine's story
Amanda Charteris
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“I’m living proof that it is never too late to follow your dreams. I’m amazed at how far I’ve come in such a short time and studying at NESCol really gave me the confidence to go on to university.”
Read more about Amanda's story
Nora Bandyopadhyay
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“Never stop learning. Life is what you make of it. When you grow older, your priorities change. I decided to follow my heart and I am so much happier learning and being creative.”
Read more about Nora's story
Iain Cridland
Art, Design & Photography
HND Photography
“Coming to NESCol couldn’t have worked out better for me – I’m enjoying the experience, getting a qualification and have found related employment, I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
Read more about Iain's story
Bryan Campbell
Art, Design & Photography
HND Visual Communication
“I’m a huge champion of the College and the value of practical courses they offer. My time there undoubtedly contributed to the career I have today and there is a large alumni of talented creatives working in agencies and freelance both locally, nationally and indeed globally who started out from NESCol.”
Read more about Bryan's story
Regan Gray
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“NESCol is a great college – it has a really relaxed atmosphere and is in a great location. It was so easy to get to after dropping my son off at nursery, and the lecturers are so encouraging and involved.”
Read more about Regan's story
Hannah Bisset
Art, Design & Photography
HND Photography and HND Visual Communication
“I didn’t really enjoy the subjects I learned at school, so I think the best part of studying at college was being able to choose what I wanted to study. I was able to gain knowledge in something I was extremely passionate about which made a huge difference.”
Read more about Hannah's story
Jo Reynolds
Art, Design & Photography
HND Photography
“The lecturers have got such diverse photography experience and they love sharing their own experience and work they’ve done… We really get a chance to sample all aspects of photography at NESCol. I also really like the facilities. The college has got their own studios, they’ve got so much different equipment, and they’ve got a dark room. So I get to experience all those things without buying the equipment.”
Read more about Jo's story
Diane Shearer
Art, Design & Photography
HND Fashion & Textiles
“I was so nervous about starting College and felt uncertain about my abilities but NESCol completely changed that. I loved the course, learned so much from my lecturers and it gave me a new found confidence. It’s not easy at times being a busy Mum and juggling study but I have proven I can do it. When I started at NESCol I would never have believed I’d end up studying at a prestigious art school and firmly believe that my time at College has given me an advantage in coping with the demands of a degree. I’d say to any parents out there who feel they want a second chance at education to go for it and grab the opportunity with both hands, it really can change your life. “
Read more about Diane's story
Lynn-Marie Duncan
Art, Design & Photography
HNC Art and Design
“I am really enjoying experimenting with mixed media especially textiles”
Read more about Lynn-Marie's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
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Starts Aug 2024
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Duration 1 year
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Course Code PAMVC
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to sign an enrolment form. In signing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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