Entry requirements
- National 5 Art & Design
Why take this course?
Learn how to combine hands-on drawing skills with Adobe software to create art and design ideas for projects such as packaging, promotion, branding, and visual communication.
What you will experience
The course is project-based, with themes linked to popular and contemporary culture. This gives you a taste of industry-style projects similar to those studied on full-time visual communication courses, helping you prepare for progression to further study and future employment.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will need
Art and design materials will be provided, but you may choose to buy your own once you’ve tried the projects and discovered which materials you enjoy using.
What you will get
SCQF Level 6 units from a College devised program of study.
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 several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
Upon successful completion of this course, you could progress to the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
University
Those with the relevant qualifications may be able to progress to university degree level study following successful completion of this course.
Employment
A range of trainee-level job opportunities may be available in graphic design, including:
- Packaging
- Branding
- Information graphics
- Promotional materials
- Typography
- Illustration
Student Stories
Flavio Silva
Art, Design & Photography
HNC Fashion Business
“I enjoyed learning more about the fashion industry, studying topics such as fashion history and visual merchandising.”
Read more about Flavio's story
Thea Carr
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“The courses have not only widened my knowledge and skills, but they’ve also provided me with great practical experiences and opportunities that have improved my confidence.”
Read more about Thea's story
Zee Weston
Art, Design & Photography
HND 3D Computer Animation
“The College has given me the confidence to return to education, without the worry of whether I would fit in.”
Read more about Zee's story
Oleksandra Ivanova
Art, Design & Photography
HNC Fashion Business
“I loved attending NESCol, it’s a welcoming and supportive environment.”
Read more about Oleksandra's story
Jenny Ross
Art, Design & Photography
HND Art & Design
“I would certainly recommend NESCol to anyone and everyone. It really is the most amazing experience, and one I wished I had the chance to do so much earlier in my life.”
Read more about Jenny's story
Cosmin Mihai
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“I would recommend this course to whoever thinks this is the path in life they have to take. You will find support from tutors and classmates, and you will also make some friends too.”
Read more about Cosmin's story
Jeremy Varcl
Art, Design & Photography
Creative & Digital Media Foundation Apprenticeship
“The Foundation Apprenticeship has helped me grow my connections, expand on my professional skills such as accounting and communication, and add to my game design portfolio.”
Read more about Jeremy's story
Jack Coutts
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“The opportunities you get with this course are amazing, and that includes what you get taught in the classroom along with the trips, events and everything in between.”
Read more about Jack's story
Lucy Wiseman
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“NESCol has helped me figure it out and get ready, without feeling too rushed to go to university.”
Read more about Lucy's story
Lane Craigie
Art, Design & Photography
HNC Fashion Business
“This was the role I went to College for and I achieved it within one year of finishing my HNC! The course gave me a good foundation to build my career from.”
Read more about Lane's story
Applications
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once submitted, this will be processed by our Admissions team.
Aberdeen City Campus
Starts02 Jun 2026
Duration1 year
DayTuesday and Thursday
Time2:00pm - 4:00pm
Course CodeC01186
Similar courses for you
Here are some courses you may also be interested in.
