Course summary
The Communication Design programme develops three key areas of conceptual, applied and entrepreneurial forms of communicating information through a variety of media. The evolving technological components, growing ease of social media, and globalisation of communication require the design and interpretation of information to go beyond existing industrial and capitalistic formats. This new type of communication design deals within collaborative experiences, socially dynamic and inclusive agendas, and provides key forms of critical informational research. This programme enables studio cooperative learning within a life-centred design approach in four evolving areas: moving image/animation, photography, graphic design (inclusive illustration), and interaction design (UX/UI). This is further supported by elective courses in entrepreneurship, design management, art direction, and fashion communication which will prepare students for a variety of roles within the design industry and beyond including film, media, and social enterprise. In the end, it promotes a new type of student for a new type of world, where the disciplinary divisions are erased to promote a transdisciplinary approach to design.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W6CD
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Scottish Borders
- Campus code:
- S
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BCC - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Scottish Higher - ABBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
T Level
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible. We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Scottish Higher - BBBC
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Scottish HNC - Pass
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
T Level
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories: Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets. Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
The digital portfolio: Your application must include a portfolio of 10 to 15 carefully curated images in jpeg or PDF format. Please ensure that the images are high resolution and of good quality. These images should include examples of past work and must include evidence of the following: Research and investigation: To show the level of your engagement in visual investigation and research and how well you and apply and integrate it within a design project. This could be through the medium of note taking, sketches, photographs, painting, collages and so on… Design development: To show your ability to explore and develop ideas in a creative and critical way; and your level of skill and ability in the use of different visual methods and techniques to express development. We want you to show a strong evolution of your work and ideas. Visual communication and presentation: To clearly communicate and visually express your design projects from start to finish in a professional way. Statement: In addition to the digital portfolio please include a written personal statement of 300 to 400 words about why you have applied to Heriot Watt University and what has motivated you to choose this subject/s.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £19456 | Year 1 |
| International | £19456 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS