The course offers a very different style of teaching and learning, that is unique in Hanoi, possibly throughout Vietnam with much more focused on the designer as an intellectual and creative person, capable of working across a wide range of activities and therefore a more sought after commodity in the employment market.
The course introduces students to the professional role of the Graphic Designer, with a fundamental focus on the creative process of independent visual thinking and problem solving through the development of ideas. The programme provides a comprehensive experience in graphic design disciplines and their applications, ensuring a ‘real world’ context for potential employment in various fields including: corporate identity, advertising, illustration, and packaging.
The unique nature of this course is its emphasis on creating and developing ideas appropriate to the needs of the identified problem. Students are encouraged to explore traditional techniques such as drawing and crafting before moving on to digital finishing processes, where the emphasis shifts to output quality. While training is provided in relevant software, students are expected to develop software proficiency independently.
A strong emphasis is placed on the development of a professional portfolio, which is an essential tool for showcasing a designer’s capabilities throughout their career.
Year One introduces foundational design practices, including typography, packaging, and design methods, alongside a study of historical and cultural contexts.
Year Two expands into specialist and vocationally focused skills, such as branding and identity, animation, and collaborative projects, often delivered through ‘live’ briefs and industry placements.
Year 3 (Top-Up Year):
Students who complete the HND may choose to continue with a one-year BA(Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration (Level 6) top-up degree, awarded by Liverpool John Moores University (UK). This final year builds on prior learning to prepare students for professional practice, emphasizing independent creative development, critical research, and industry readiness.
Year 1 & 2:
Year 3 (Top-up):
LCDF-Hanoi provides a full-time bachelor programme with flexible study options, including progression from the HND to a UK-accredited degree. The three-year programme culminates with the BA(Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration Level 6, awarded by Liverpool John Moores University, UK. Please refer to the programme specification via this link Course Catalogue
In addition to completing the full programme at LCDF-Hanoi, many students have transferred to complete their degrees at other prestigious institutions in the UK, USA, Italy, and France. Students are therefore able to experience more of an international lifestyle by studying outside Vietnam.
Teaching encompasses design studio practice, formal lectures, group seminars, tutorials, exhibition and store visits, presentations and practical workshops.
Assessment occurs at the end of each semester with informal critiques held at appropriate times throughout the year.
Lin Jac
Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design
Evgennia Ivanycheva
Lecturer in Illustration, Interior Architecture & Design
Sam Murdoch
Drawing & Illustration Lecturer
The employment potential is very wide in the graphic industry, and the personal portfolio with which the student leaves, should demonstrate a bias to a chosen profession. Areas such as Branding, Illustration, Advertising, Packaging, Publishing, Website, UX - UI design, Animation are only a few examples.
Dan Ni
Graphic Designer
“I am very happy to be surrounded by this creative environment. The teaching methodology is very new and different form other colleges and universities here. I have learned to think independently and creatively.”
Nguyen Minh Hoang
Graphic Designer
“UK lecturers and international students here make me feels like studying in the UK. After studying at LCDF Hanoi, I have become more mature in my life as well as improving my design knowledge. Practice help me stimulate my creativity, raise research skills and generate my own personal style.”
Intensive Design Foundation
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you may be able to apply for a preparation course to help you gain entry to our undergraduate study.
3 terms/ year, 8 terms
If you need any further information about accommodation nearby us and cost of living in Hanoi, please refer to the website below or feel free to ask us for support. You can find lots of information on houses in Tay Ho District, which is close to the college.
You can apply the course online or obtain application form from our college.
For further information on how to apply, please visit the How to Apply page.