Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication) - Higher Diploma

HKCT Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication)

The government is committed to establishing Hong Kong as a hub of creativity in Asia. Beyond film, music, and innovative technology, design and creative media applications are vital components of the creative industries. This programme provides aspiring creative design professionals with a comprehensive foundation in design skills and knowledge, enabling them to master a diverse range of design techniques, communication, and presentation skills. In addition to emphasising graphic design skills, this Higher Diploma programme focuses on conveying messages through visual communication. Through diverse areas of study, students will enhance their competitiveness in both employment and further education.

This programme is subsidised under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). HKCT offers the lowest tuition fee after deduction of the SSSDP maximum subsidy when comparing with other institutions’ higher diploma programmes in the same discipline.

Programme Enquiry:

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Design graduates are like enthusiastic arcade gamers, becoming creative fighters on the design stage, full of passion, always challenging themselves. They use their honed design skills to bravely overcome obstacles, paving the way for the future in the design field, embarking on a new chapter in design.

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Contents

Programme Objectives

This Higher Diploma programme emphasises design and media applications, teaching students to master visual language from the ground up. It covers iconography, colour schemes, typography, and industry-level design software. Students will be able to apply this knowledge to various media and designs, including corporate branding, interactive design, packaging design, and multimedia design.

This design programme aims to cultivate students' creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and market awareness, enabling them to transform innovative ideas into design solutions that meet commercial needs. The programme has close ties with the design academia and industry, providing students with opportunities for industry placements, overseas exchanges, and participation in commercial projects. This broadens students' horizons, allowing them to keep abreast of industry developments and become competitive creative design talents.

Programme Contents

The Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication) features a comprehensive range of design theory, techniques, communication, and presentation, boosting students' competitiveness for future employment and further education. It equips students aspiring to a career in the creative design industries with professional skills and a solid, versatile design foundation. With the rapid development of technology, students need to master both traditional design skills and modern technology and media. In this programme, in addition to essential graphic design skills, students will use cutting-edge computer design software and integrate various design elements such as sound and interactive images in multimedia projects to develop their creativity and design talents.

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.
Diverse Learning: Beyond design techniques, this design programme covers creative applications in video production and interactive media, allowing students to choose future career paths based on their interests and strengths.
Catering to Market Demands: This programme equips students with professional design techniques and creative thinking methods, and trains students to analyse business market intelligence before developing design solutions that cater to market demand.
Diverse Opportunities: This 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: This programme includes design industry-standard software training, teaching various professional design software used in the field, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Premiere, 3D Studio Max, etc.
No Examinations: Students are assessed through professional practice and project assignments.
Career Oriented: This design 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 classes. Students can receive more individual attention.
Membership Recognition: Students are eligible to apply for student membership of the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA)

Featured Modules

Innovation and Information Technology in Society
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 his 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.

Articulation and Career Pathway

Graduates can articulate to bachelor's degree programmes related to the design discipline. (The bachelor's 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)
This Higher Diploma programme focuses on graphic design, visual communication, and media applications. Graduates can pursue positions such as graphic designers and media creative designers in a variety of industries. These areas include graphic design, advertising, print design for books and magazines, logos, packaging, video production, and motion graphics design.
2023 Graduation Progression
20% Articulated to Bachelor's Degree Programmes
80% Employment

Articulation Agreement with:

University of Sunderland

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

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

Internship

This design Higher Diploma programme partners with over 15 organisations to provide internship opportunities to students. Internships may be arranged for students in 4As advertising companies, student enterprises, or related overseas organisations to obtain practical work experience.

Student Achievements and Sharings

Student Achievements

The only self-financing institution to complete the production of giant murals 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 six 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

Chiu Ho Tin	'Collaborations with organisations like Guangzhou Chen Li Ji Pharmaceutical Factory and CLP Power offered practical experience, allowing me to apply design skills to real-world projects. Instructors provided comprehensive guidance, covering areas such as presentation and teamwork skills.'
Lee Lok Sze	'Frequent field trips to museums and art exhibitions inspired creativity through observation and experience. HKCT provided 24-hour design studios equipped with professional tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, large-format printers, and laser cutters.'

Wong Siu Man
'I would like to thank both my teachers, Karty and Kiki. Although my foundation in design wasn't very strong, Karty offered suggestions tailored to my perspective on how to improve and frequently checked on my progress. Kiki was very clear about each student's strengths and weaknesses, preparing homework topics specifically to address individual areas for improvement. Through assignments and targeted training, they have helped me immensely.'

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

Tse Kam Wai
'I lacked a foundation in art and design software, so the course was initially challenging. However, the teacher was very patient and provided various resources to help me overcome these difficulties.'

Mok Tsz Ki (JKE M)
Founder and Design Director of OHH!MY LAB
'I would like to thank my teacher for never giving up on me and dedicating immense effort to nurture my potential, allowing me to identify my goals and develop my design talents. As a result, I won multiple scholarships and various awards in competitions.'

Cheng Siu Tung (Winston)
Founder and Design Director of Beeswork Design & Production Limited
'During my two years of study, I would like to thank HKCT for exposing me to different design disciplines, which allowed me to discover my strengths in specific aspects of the industry. HKCT also provided me with an internship opportunity from which I learnt a lot. The skills and experiences I gained from the internship allowed me to launch my career with greater ease.'

Tong Ka Yeung (Andrew)
Bachelor of Graphic Design, University of Sunderland
'Throughout my two years studying in the HKCT design programme, I feel I have learnt and grown a lot. HKCT invited various guest lecturers to broaden our understanding of the design and creative industry. This helped me understand what kind of designer I want to become. Finally, I would like to thank HKCT for everything they have 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 2026

Duration

2 Years

Location

HKCT Jockey Club Undergraduate Campus

Entry Requirements

Attained Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects¹, including Chinese Language² and English Language, and the performance in Applied Learning subjects would be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
Pass in 1 A-Level or 2 AS-Level subjects in HKALE; and 5 passes in HKCEE including Chinese Language and English Language; or
Holder of Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or
Holder of Diploma and
- in the relevant discipline at QF Level 3 with a total learning size of normally 150 QF Credits; and
- learning contents covering Chinese and English Languages; or
Aged 21 or above with 1 year working experience; or
Equivalent qualifications;
AND
Pass the admission interview.

¹ With effective from 2024/25, 'Attained' in 'Citizenship and Social Development' (equivalent to 'Level 2' for the HKDSE subject 'Liberal Studies' before 2024/25), or the attainment of 'Level 2' in Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 or Module 2) is also recognised as meeting the general entry requirements.
² '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.

Teaching Facilities

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 partitions. It is open 24 hours and can be divided into individual studios as needed, allowing students to focus on their graduation projects.

Professional Design Lab

This design lab is equipped with iMacs and professional software, including the Adobe Creative Suite for animation, graphic design, film production and image processing. In addition, we have 3D Studio Max, AutoCAD, Vray, SketchUp, Unreal Engine and BIM specifically for students on our interior design programme.

Visual Imaging Studio
This studio is equipped with Sony A7S III full-frame mirrorless cameras, boasting ultra-high ISO sensitivity, as well as professional Sony FX6 cinema cameras capable of 4K 120p cinematic shooting. These are complemented by a comprehensive professional sound recording system, wireless microphone sets, and mixers. Professional lighting equipment includes LED fill light sets, softboxes, soft umbrellas, cinematic lighting kits, and a professional background stand (9 ft x 4 ft), along with a three-axis stabiliser. The studio features a complete lighting control system, ensuring that design programme students can create all types of visual content in the most professional environment.

Tuition Fees and Assistance

Tuition Fees

Year 1: $58,984 Year 2: $64,848

The tuition fee above is under 2026/27 Cohort.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2026/27 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 $18,254. 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.

Assistance

Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) (Including Student Travel Subsidy(STS))
The Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)
Student Travel Subsidy
Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors

Scholarships and Grants

CT Entrance Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement
Scholarship for Best Talents
Community Services Scholarship
Overseas Activities, Conference & Travel Grants Scholarship

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

Other Information

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 design higher diploma programme.

FAQs

What is the outlook for Hong Kong's creative industry? What are the career prospects after studying this design programme?
Hong Kong is currently experiencing a period of high demand for 'brand elevation' and 'digital content', with a significant market need for high-quality brand imagery and social media assets. Designers possessing strong typographic skills and a dynamic visual mindset are highly competitive.
Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication) can pursue careers in graphic design, advertising and branding, editorial design, packaging design, motion graphics design, and video production.
Learn more about career development for designers

Can I apply for this Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication) if I did not study Visual Arts (VA) in secondary school?
Absolutely! Many of our past students had never studied VA before enrolling. We welcome students from Arts, Science, and Commerce streams. HKCT's design curriculum is specifically tailored for students from diverse backgrounds, so you can study with us even without prior design experience.
Start from scratch: Regardless of whether you have learnt to draw, we start teaching from the very foundations of colour theory, typography, and layout principles.
Comprehensive skillset: You will master industry-standard design software and cover various areas including graphic design, brand identity, advertising design, video production, filming techniques, and motion graphics. This ensures you graduate with multimedia creative capabilities to meet the current market demand for all-round designers.

Do I need to prepare a personal portfolio when applying?
A portfolio is not required when applying for this design programme. Whilst not mandatory, we recommend that if you have any drawings, photography, or design-related work from your daily life, you organise them into a portfolio to present and display during the interview. This allows tutors to see your creative potential and passion, increasing your chances of admission. The interview focuses primarily on understanding your interest in the design industry and your attitude towards learning.

Is there still a chance to enrol if my HKDSE results do not meet 'Level 2 in five subjects' or if I do not meet the academic requirements?
Yes. If your HKDSE results do not meet the minimum entrance requirements (Level 2 in five subjects, including Chinese and English Language) or if your academic qualifications do not meet the minimum standards, you can first enrol in HKCT's one-year 'Diploma in Creative Design'. Upon successful completion, you can articulate directly into this Higher Diploma programme.

Is this programme subsidised by the government (SSSDP), and will the tuition fees be more affordable than at other institutions?
Yes. This programme has been included in the Education Bureau's 'Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors' (SSSDP). For the 2026/27 academic year, eligible local students can receive an annual subsidy of up to $40,730. After deducting the subsidy, the tuition fee for the first year is $18,254. Compared to similar SSSDP Higher Diploma design programmes at other institutions, our tuition fee is the lowest in Hong Kong, significantly reducing the financial burden on students.

I am very afraid of exams; does this design programme require written examinations?
No, this is a key feature of our design programme: there are no traditional examinations. We utilise 'Project Assignments' and 'Professional Studies' as our assessment criteria. You will demonstrate your learning outcomes by completing various design projects, such as brand design, packaging, advertising, and interactive media design. This approach aligns more closely with the actual working models of the design industry.

Will the school provide professional design software?
The school understands the needs of design students and has established multiple creative studios, such as the Professional Design Lab and the Visual Imaging Studio. These are equipped with iMacs and industry-standard software (such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, 3D Studio Max, etc.). We also provide 3D printers and large-scale printing machines, so students do not need to worry about equipment issues.

Disclaimer

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 the2026/2027 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 $18,254. Only local students are eligible for the subsidy under SSSDP.

Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Visual Communication)

Programme Objectives

Programme Contents

Programme Features

Featured Modules

Star Teacher

Articulation Agreement with:

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

Mode of Study

Teaching Mode

Commencement of Study

Duration

Location

Entry Requirements

Tuition Fees

Assistance

Scholarships and Grants

QF Level

Related programme

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Higher Diploma in Creative Design and Media (Moving Image)

Higher Diploma in Interior Design

Higher Diploma in Music Production for Creative Industries

Professional Diploma in Graphic Design

Diploma of Applied Education [Creative Photography (Commercial and Advertising)]

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