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:

• Graphic Design Practice
• Drawing Techniques
• Professional Development
• Visual Communication
• Ideas Generation
• Typography
• Packaging
• Contextual & Cultural Referencing
• Photographic Skills
• Visual Narratives
• Branding & Identity
• Web Design
• Work Industrial Placement
• Animation
• Professional Practice

Year 3 (Top-up):

• Graphic Arts Research Project
• Studio Projects
• Future Focus.

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.

• Northumbria University (Newcastle)
• University of the Arts London
• University of Creative Arts (London)
• The University of the West of England (Bristol)
• The University of Middlesex (London)
• The University of Gloucestershire (Cheltenham & Gloucester)
• Birmingham City University (Birmingham)
• Instituto Marangoni (London)
• Instituto Marangoni (Italy)
• Arts University Bournemouth
• Kingston University (Greater London)
• University of East London
• University of Hertfordshire ( Hatfield)
• Loughborough University (Cambridge)
• Nottingham Trend University
• Salford University (Manchester)
• Sheffield Hallam University
• Savannah College of Arts and Design (USA)
• Colombus College of Arts and Design (USA)
• Lisaa School of Design (France)

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.

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.