Art, Design & Digital Media - Foundation: NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Develop your independent creative voice and prepare for degree-level study in Scotland’s vibrant arts sector.
HND Art & Design Year 2 builds on the skills you gained in the HNC, supporting you to become a confident, independent artist or designer with a strong personal practice. You’ll work within a supportive community of students, lecturers, artists, and makers while being part of Glasgow’s wider cultural scene — with opportunities to showcase work, collaborate, and engage with external partners.
This year has a strong interdisciplinary focus. You’ll explore multiple creative processes across our studios, printmaking workshops, sculpture facilities, digital labs, and gallery spaces. You’ll complete three major projects, allowing you to experiment broadly or specialise deeply depending on your pathway. Throughout the course, you’ll refine your conceptual thinking, develop professional presentation skills, and create a portfolio ready for university applications or work in the creative industries.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have the practical, creative, analytical, and professional skills required to progress confidently onto degree-level study or into entry-level creative roles.
This course is a great match if you:
- Have successfully completed HNC Art & Design Year 1
- Want to develop an independent creative practice
- Enjoy exploring multiple disciplines and approaches
- Are preparing for degree-level study in art, design, or a related field
- Want to strengthen your portfolio for university interviews or industry opportunities
What you will learn
You’ll build on your HNC foundation through advanced creative, technical, and conceptual development. Key areas include:
- Creative Development – taking ideas from initial research to resolved outcomes
- Critical & Reflective Practice – critiques, tutorials, and professional feedback to strengthen your thinking
- Professional Presentation – preparing work for internal and external exhibitions
- Collaborative Practice – working with peers, community groups, and partners
- Portfolio Building – developing a coherent body of work ready for degree applications or creative industry progression
You’ll gain experience across painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, installation, digital practices, and mixed-media work depending on your chosen project pathways.
Entry requirements
To apply for the HND Art and Design Year 2, you should have:
✅ An HNC Art & Design Year 1 pass (minimum 15 credit passes) AND
✅ An A/B grade pass in Level 7 Graded Unit 1 AND
✅ Portfolio
ℹ️ Due to Health & Safety, Awarding Bodies stipulations or Legislation set by Governing Bodies - you must be 16 years old at the start of this course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
The HND prepares you for a wide range of creative roles within Scotland’s growing arts sector. Potential pathways include:
🎨 Artist / Illustrator (freelance or commissioned)
🖌 Graphic Designer (studio, agency, or freelance)
🏫 Art & Design Technician in schools, colleges, or studios
🎭 Community Arts Worker delivering workshops and creative projects
🖼 Gallery or Museum Assistant supporting exhibitions and curation
📚 Art Teacher or Lecturer (with further study)
📱 Creative roles in marketing, media, or content creation
👩💼 Arts administration / project coordination
🚀 Independent creative business or studio founder
Future prospects
Graduates regularly progress to competitive degree programmes across Scotland and the UK, including:
- Glasgow School of Art (Fine Art, Communication Design)
- Edinburgh College of Art
- DJCAD – University of Dundee
- Gray’s School of Art
- UHI, UWS, University of Cumbria, Falmouth, Central St Martins, and more
Depending on your specialism, entry may be at year 1, 2 or 3.
You may also choose to enter the creative industries directly, supported by your expanded portfolio, professional skills, and exhibition experience.
