Graphic Design & Illustration

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.

Intake

September

Course Duration

3 years full-time

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.

Study Pathway Overview

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.

Course Modules

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.

Accredited international qualifications with international pathways

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 Styles

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.

Lecturers

Lin Jac profile image

Lin Jac

Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design

Evgennia Ivanycheva profile image

Evgennia Ivanycheva

Lecturer in Illustration, Interior Architecture & Design

Sam Murdoch profile image

Sam Murdoch

Drawing & Illustration Lecturer

Career Opportunities

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.

Alumni & Students

dani

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.”

minh hoang

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.”

Entry Requirements

  • High School Graduate or an equivalent international foundation course qualification which includes art and design.
  • English language certificate of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent. If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country and haven't completed a degree in English, you'll need to provide evidence of your English language ability to study with us. English for Design courses are available before and during the course for students who need to improve their English level to study with us.
  • Have ability in drawing or illustration or show interest (through interview). For students who are not based in Hanoi, portfolios and interviews can be done via Skype or submitted electronically.

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.

Find out more

Fees

3 terms/ year, 8 terms

  • VND 92,500,000 per term, 3 terms per year
  • VND 239,000,000 per year

Accomodation

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.

How to Apply

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.