- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 7
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HNC
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 Year (August to June)
Applications open 15th January 2025
If your aim is to build an art and design portfolio for entry to 1st or 2nd year at Art School, then this broad-based HNC Art and Design course could be the one for you. Our programme is fast-paced and has creative abstract thinking at its core. Delivered by a team of established artists and designers it covers a wide range of subjects which will help you to produce a strong portfolio of work suitable for art school entry. This HNC course is also part of the Glasgow School of Art Associate Student Scheme. The Associate Scheme offers students an additional programme of engagement which helps prepare you for admission and progression to GSA whilst studying for your HNC qualification.
What will I learn?
This Art and Design course will teach you how to use research to explore and develop ideas, extend your drawing skills, and teach you how to develop a creative abstract process in your work. You will be challenged to work out of your comfort zone, as you are introduced to new and exciting ways of working. The first term focuses on a broad range of skills, methods, and ways of working whilst term two will be driven by your art school application and developing your work through a personal project and lots of one-on-one teaching. Your third term will focus on the final project, your graded unit, which will challenge you to undertake a graded self-directed project.
Key subjects covered by the course include:
- Observational drawing, developmental drawing and sketchbook work
- Research skills and art in context
- The design process including research, development, and production
- 3D design construction including sculpture
- 2D processes including printmaking, mixed media, painting, and illustration
- Digital artwork
- Self-directed project work
- Portfolio presentation including digital presentation
- Preparation for interview
- UCAS applications
Life drawing is an important additional element and may be offered by the College.
Please click on the following links to see samples of previous students' work:
Hear from HNC Art and Design alumni Misha who progressed onto Glasgow School of Art
Entry requirements (minimum)
- Two Highers at C level or above, preferably Art and English, plus a strong portfolio of work, or
- Level 3 Diploma Art and Design, or
- NQ in an art or design-related area, plus a very strong portfolio of work
- Foundation/Modern Apprenticeship Award
- Applications are also invited from those without formal qualifications but who have relevant life and/or work experience.
Entry requirement equivalency table
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Please note: if you are planning to use this course to apply direct to Art School, you may require additional Highers, please check with the individual institute.
Employer and industry links
The College has well-established links with professional Artists and Designers as a result, you will be given the opportunity to participate in live industry projects.
Previous projects include residencies at:
- The House for an Art Lover
- The Ice-cream Factory
- Art Residency on Isle Skye
Articulation Routes
HNC students who meet the eligibility criteria and prefer to progress directly into Year 2 will have the opportunity to participate in the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) Associate Student Scheme as their first choice. The Associate Scheme offers a programme of activities to help support students on their applications to and readiness for Year 2 of a range of programmes at the GSA. Around one-third of HNC Art and Design students participate in the Associate Student Scheme each year. Participation in the Associate Student Scheme does not guarantee the offer of a place at the GSA. For more information visit the GSA website.
Jobs and further study
This course is ideal if you are looking to progress to either degree-level study or an HND qualification.
Former students have progressed to the following universities and art schools including Glasgow School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, Queen Margaret University, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Gray's Art School, Edinburgh Napier University, Central St. Martins, Camberwell College of Art and Design, University of Creative Arts, Heriot-Watt University, University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University, University Arts London, as well as a variety of HND programmes at Glasgow Clyde College.
And some other HNDs offered elsewhere including HND Jewellery, HND Graphic Design for Print and New Media: Visual Communication and HND Computer Arts and Animation.
Take a look at the course progression map for art and design courses.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and if you meet the entry requirements you will be:
- Invited to book an information/ interview session on campus where we will look at your work and discuss your options. It is recommended that you book up early as places can fill quickly.
- Or alternatively if you do not meet the entry requirements you will be invited to attend a small group session and have a one-on-one interview where you are given the chance to show us your artwork.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
Here are the following offers we can make:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements, and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is currently full, and you have been placed on the waiting list. If a place becomes available, you will be contacted by the college. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.
