Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication)

Introduction
HKCT Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication)
The programme features a comprehensive range of design theories and techniques and communication knowledge, with an aim to sharpen students’ competitiveness for articulation and future careers.
 
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). HKCT offers the lowest tuition fee after deduction of SSSDP maximum subsidy when comparing with other institutions’ higher diploma programmes in the same discipline.
2024 Graduation Show - D-Track
 

"D-Track" represents a train for the design path. Design enthusiasts hop on board, acquiring invaluable professional knowledge and skills throughout the journey. At each station, symbolizing milestones, they embark or disembark, allowing for the interflow of skills, embracing diverse goals, and being ready to contribute their unique design perspectives to the world.

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Contents

Programme Contents
Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication) features a comprehensive range of design theories and techniques and communication knowledge, with an aim to sharpen students’ competitiveness for future careers or studies, aspiring students who would like to join the creative design industry and designed to hone their professional skills and lay a good foundation of design. Students will take grasp of media and technology knowledge and use the latest computer software, design applications and audio-visual equipment, which effectively put their creativity and design talent into play.

Programme Features

  • Professional Programme Content: The curriculum integrates colour design, visual communication, graphic design, branding design, illustration, typography, packaging, editorial design, advertising, interactive media design, etc.
  • Catering to Market Demands: The programme equips students with professional design techniques and creative thinking methods, trains students to analyse business market intelligence before developing design solutions that cater to market demand.
  • Diverse Opportunities: The programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students to gain design experience. Students can participate in activities such as business projects, community mural creation, industrial sharing, and overseas exchanges.
  • Industrial-level Software: The programme includes various professional design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Premiere, 3D Studio Max, etc. 
  • No Examinations: Students are assessed through professional practice and project assignments.
  • Career Oriented: The programme is career-oriented, emphasising practical and applied learning. Students have more opportunities to utilise professional equipment and software.
  • Small Class Teaching: Lectures are conducted in small class size. Students can receive more individual attention.
  • Membership Recognition: Students are eligible to apply for student membership of the Hong Kong Design Association (HKDA)

Featured Modules

  • Creative Thinking
  • Digital Media and Design Appreciation
  • Typography Application
  • 3D Imaging
  • Introduction to Audio Visual Imaging
  • Photography and Art Direction
  • Project Development and Presentation
  • Interactive Media Practice
  • Branding Identity Design
  • Advertising and Promotion Design
  • Final Project (Visual Communication)

Star Teacher

Mok Tsz Ki (JKE M)
Founder and Design Director of OHH!MY LAB

JKE has won over 30 local and international design awards. He and his team have done over 800 design projects and over 350 branding projects. Some of the clients in recent years are Disney, Nike, Leica, Canon, IKEA, CASETIFY, Facesss, OLAY, DBS, ZENYUM, Pampers, Rimmel London, K-11, TWINS, Tsui Wah, GEOX, Hang Heung, Fox TV and BMW, etc.

Student Works
Willingness Slave Club by Huang Yinan
Willingness Slave Club by Huang Yinan
New Flow Music by Leung Ho Hei
New Flow Music by Leung Ho Hei
New Flow Music by Leung Ho Hei
Have A Good Trip by Sze To Sze Wing (2023)
Have A Good Trip by Sze To Sze Wing (2023)
WHY NOT TATTOO! by Lam Tsz Ching (2023)
WHY NOT TATTOO! by Lam Tsz Ching (2023)
My Day by CHEN YONG YAN (2022)
My Day by CHEN YONG YAN (2022)
Zeroplanet by Wong Suet Ying
Zeroplanet by Wong Suet Ying
Articulation and Career Pathway
  • Graduates can articulate to bachelor degree programmes related to the design discipline. (The bachelor degree programmes can be completed within a year.)

    Graduates may apply for the following top-up bachelor's degree programmes which include, but are not limited to:

    - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in Design (Advertising Design) (PolyU)
    - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in Design (Product Design) (PolyU)
    - BA in Creative Media (CityU)
    - BA (Hons) in Visual Arts (HKBU)
    - BA (Hons) in Creative Arts and Culture (Visual Arts) (EdUHK)

  • Graduates may pursue a graphic designer career in various areas, including printed matter design associated with graphic design, advertising design, books and magazines, corporate design and packaging. 

  • 2023 Graduation Progression
    20% Articulated to Bachelor's Degree Programmes
    80% Employment

Articulation Agreement with:

University of Sunderland


Our students have articulated to the below Bachelor's Degree programmes in recent years:

BA in Bimodal Bilingual Studies, Hong Kong Chinese University
Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Imaging Design and Digital Art, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) Graphic Design, University of Sunderland   

Internship

Over 15 organisations provide internship opportunities to students. Students may be arranged for internship in 4As advertising company/student enterprise/related overseas organization to obtain practical work experience.

Student Activities
CLP Substations with Mural Design
Inno4life - Creative Culture and Technological Innovation Exhibition
Student Chiu Ho Tin was awarded the Merit Award in the Student Graphic Design Category at 'The 15th Hong Kong Anime Figure Design Competition 2024'
Student Lee Lok Sze was awarded the Commendation Award in the Student Graphic Design category at 'The 15th Hong Kong Anime Figure Design Competition 2024'
Design Graduation Show
Tokyo Art and Design Study Tour
Visit the Printing House of Fingerprint
Explore ‘Sing Tao’ Tour
Printing Plant Tour in Sing Tao News Corporation
Student Achievements and Sharings

Student Achievements

  • The only self-financing institution to complete the production of giant mural in all 18 districts
  • Successfully completed the production of Hong Kong's largest campus 3D mural
  • Design and media production students have received over 40 design and media competition awards for three consecutive years
  • For five consecutive years, students won the championship and outstanding work award in the AIDS Care Mask Design Contest
  • Invited by a renowned brand to design Mother's Day gifts and eco-friendly packaging for two consecutive years

Student Sharings


Wong Siu Man
“I would like to thank both teachers, Karty and Kiki. My foundation in design wasn't very strong, but Karty would offer suggestions from my perspective on how to improve, and would frequently check on my progress. Kiki is very clear about each student's strengths and weaknesses, and prepares homework topics tailored to each person's weaknesses. Through homework and targeted training, he has helped me a lot.”

Huang Yinan
"One of my most memorable experiences was when I asked the teacher a question in the early hours of the morning. The teacher was willing to join Discord to discuss with us. It's rare to find a teacher willing to sacrifice their own rest time to guide us, which made a lasting impression on me."

Tse Kam Wai
“I didn't have a foundation in art and design software, so it was initially challenging. However, the teacher was very patient and provided various resources to help me solve problems.”

Mok Tsz Ki (JKE M)
Founder and Design Director of OHH!MY LAB
"I would like to thank my teacher for never giving up and using 120% of her efforts to cultivate me, allowing me to find my goals and develop my design talents. I won multiple scholarships and various awards in competitions. "

Cheng Siu Tung (Winston)
Founder and Design Director of Beeswork Design & Production Limited

"In my 2-year study, I would like to thank HKCT for providing me different design practices which let me realize my strength in specific aspects of the industry. HKCT also gave me a chance of internship from which I learnt a lot. The skills and experiences I got from the internship allowed me to start my career more easily."

Tong Ka Yeung (Andrew)
Bachelor of Graphic Design, University of Sunderland

"Throughout two years studying in HKCT design programme, I think I had learnt and grew a lot. HKCT had invited different guests as tutors for us to know and learn more about the design and creative industry. It can help me to understand what kind of design and person I can be in the future. Finally, I would like to thank HKCT for everything that it had done for me. I hope I can use these skills and knowledge to establish my own design company in the future. "

Programme Details
Mode of Study

Full Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

September 2025

Duration

2 Years

Location
Entry Requirements
  1. Attained Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects*, including Chinese^ and English [each applicant is allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning subjects at ‘Attained’ level as equivalent to Level 2 in the application] ; or
  2. Pass in 1 A-Level or 2 AS-Level subjects in HKALE; and 5 passes in HKCEE including Chinese Language and English Language; or 
  3. Holder of Diploma Yi Jin/ Diploma of Applied Education; or
  4. Holder of Diploma for Tertiary Studies; or 
  5. Holder of Pre-Associate Degree; or 
  6. Holder of Diploma and 
    - the qualification should be awarded by one of the local or overseas recognised tertiary institutions / post-secondary colleges; and 
    - the length of study is at least 450 teaching hours; or 
  7. Aged 21 or above with 1 year working experience; or 
  8. Equivalent qualifications; 
    AND 
  9. Pass the admission interview. 

* ‘Attained’ in ‘Citizenship and Social Development’, or the attainment of ‘Level 2’ in Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 or Module 2) is also recognised as one of the five HKDSE subjects.
^ ‘Attained’ level of Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) is accepted as Chinese Language qualification for the admission, but it is not considered as an elective subject.

Creative Studio

Creative Studio
HKCT recognises that creativity thrives in ample space. We provide this studio for students to engage in discussions, brainstorming, and creative pursuits. It is equipped with 3D printers, large-scale printing machines, and flexible partition settings. It is open 24 hours and can be divided into individual studios as needed, allowing students to focus on their graduation projects.

Profession Design Lab
Professional Design Lab

Design Lab provides iMacs and professional software, including Adobe Creative Suite for Flash, animation, graphic design, and image processing. Moreover, 3D Studio Max is also included for 3D modeling, which is useful for Interior Design students.

Visual Imaging Studio

Visual Imaging Studio
This Studio is equipped with professional studio equipment including: Nikon SLR camera, 4”x5” large view camera, 120 medium camera, Sony NEX & Panasonic video recorder, lightings, camera flash light, softbox, shoot through umbrella, tungsten light for film and video recording, 9ft x 4ft background stand and tripod.

Tuition Fees

Year 1: $58,000 Year 2: $63,765

The tuition fee above is under 2025/26 Cohort.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2025/26 academic year, a subsidy of up to $40,730 per academic year will be provided to each eligible local student admitted to this laboratory-based programme. The first-year tuition fee after subsidy is $17,270. HKCT offers the lowest tuition fee after deduction of SSSDP maximum subsidy when comparing with other institutions’ higher diploma programmes in the same discipline. Please note that only local students* are eligible for the relevant subsidy.
*Including the applicants holding the "dependent visa" or other special visas. For more information, please visit the web page.

QF Level
The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.
QF level:4
QR Registration No.:21/000169/L4
Registration Validity Period:1/9/2021 to 31/8/2027

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirement may apply for a 1-year Diploma/ Diploma of Applied Education (listed below) and articulate to this higher diploma programme.

Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2025/2026 academic year, a subsidy of up to $40,730 per academic year will be provided to each eligible local student admitted to this laboratory-based programme. The first-year tuition fee after subsidy is $17,270. Only local students are eligible for the subsidy under SSSDP.