HNC/HND 3D Design

The HNC and HND in 3D Design encompass a range of generic Art and Design units and specialist design disciplines. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop specialist skills and knowledge in one one of the following key areas of specialised study: Exhibition Design; Furniture Design; Interior Design; Model Making; Product Design.

This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.

HNC 3D Design

Access to this group award will be at the discretion of the centre, depending on your qualifications. Normally, one or more of the following would be desirable:

  • SQA National Units and courses in relevant areas at Higher level (SCQF level 6), eg Art and Design
  • SQA National Certificates in Art and Design at SCQF levels 5 or 6
  • An appropriate grouping of GCSEs
  • GCE 'A' level in Art and Design related subjects or other relevant GCE awards.

HND 3D Design

Access to this group award will be at the discretion of the centre, depending on your qualifications. Normally, one or more of the following would be desirable:

  • HNC 3 D Design
  • An appropriate grouping of SQA National Units and courses in relevant areas at Higher level, eg Art and Design or the National Certificate in Art and Design at SCQF level 6, National Progression Awards in art/design related areas or Advanced Highers (SCQF level 7) in related subjects
  • Scottish Wider Access Programme Access courses in Art and Design or similar
  • GCE 'A' level in Art and Design related subjects and other relevant GCE awards

To achieve the HND in 3D Design you will need 30 credits. Candidates would therefore be expected to have achieved the HNC in 3D Design with a minimum of 12 credits after Year 1 for entry to year 2.

Candidates with qualifications in a related field, eg, HNC Art and Design, HNC Computer Arts & Design may also be able to access Year 2 through APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning), credit transfer or accelerated assessment.

Progression and employment

HNC 3D Design

Completing the HNC would allow you to progress to the HND 3D Design.

On completion of this award you would have employment opportunities in: Interior Design practices; Architectural practices; Product Design practices; Product Development companies; Exhibition Design companies; Model Making companies; Theatre or film production; Design consultancies.

HND 3D Design

The HND could lead to employment opportunities in: Interior Design practices; Architectural practices; Product Design practices; Product Development companies; Exhibition Design companies; Model Making companies; Theatre or film production; Design consultancies.

The HND offers a wide range of routes to higher education. Depending on the HE Institution, candidates with an HND may obtain entry to 2nd year or 3rd year of degree programmes. Entry usually depends on satisfactory UCAS references and portfolio of design work. The creative design work produced during your HND course will contribute to a comprehensive portfolio.

What you'll learn?

HNC 3D Design

The HNC 3D Design encompasses a range of generic Art and Design units and specialist design disciplines. Normally your course will focus on one of these disciplines to enable you to develop specialist skills and knowledge. The specialist design areas covered in the HNC are: Exhibition Design; Furniture Design; Interior Design; Model Making; and Product Design.

The HNC also allows you to develop these generic skills: fluency in drawing - the language of the designer; understanding of design as a problem solving activity; ability to arrive at and evaluate design proposals; knowledge of the stages of developing design solutions from conception to final production drawings/3D work; proficiency in the production of design drawings/3D work; proficiency in IT skills in specialist software; professional presentation of design work, including visual, oral and written material; understanding of the links between creativity and drawing; understanding of the significance of health and safety; the ability to research and synthesise information relevant to the design activity; the ability to make well reasoned evaluation of design work; time management.

HND 3D Design

The HND 3D Design develops the range of design disciplines introduced in the HNC. You will have the opportunity to develop specialist skills and in-depth knowledge in one of the following key areas of specialised study: Exhibition Design; Furniture Design; Interior Design; Model Making; Product Design.

You will also have the opportunity to further develop the following skills: fluency in drawing - the language of the designer; understanding of design as a problem solving activity; ability to arrive at and evaluate design proposals; knowledge of the stages of developing design solutions from conception to final production drawings/3D work; proficiency in the production of design drawings/3D work; proficiency in IT skills in specialist software; professional presentation of design work, including visual, oral and written material; understanding of the links between creativity and drawing; understanding of the significance of health and safety; the ability to research and synthesise information relevant to the design activity; the ability to make well reasoned evaluation of design work; time management.