AAS College Thessaloniki
School of Art & Design
COURSES | ADVANCED DIPLOMA
The Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication is a contemporary, industry-focused programme designed to develop creative professionals for the evolving digital and design industries.
Grounded in the principles of visual communication, the programme emphasises graphic design, digital media, and creative technologies, enabling students to create compelling visual content across print and digital platforms. While the qualification framework includes multiple specialisms, this pathway focuses specifically on design for modern media environments, including branding, digital design, web, and multimedia.
Students develop a strong foundation in design thinking, visual storytelling, and professional practice, combined with advanced technical skills in digital imaging, layout, typography, and new media production. The course reflects the needs of the creative industries, where designers must combine creativity with technical expertise, strategic thinking, and an understanding of audience engagement.
As highlighted in the programme framework, visual communication integrates key areas such as graphic design and new media as central disciplines within the field, supporting a focused and industry-relevant specialisation.
Throughout the programme, students work on practical projects and live briefs, simulating real-world design scenarios. They learn how to research, develop, and present creative solutions, responding to client needs and industry standards. Emphasis is placed on portfolio development, as success in the creative sector depends on the ability to demonstrate strong, professional work.
The course also develops essential professional skills, including project management, communication, collaboration, and critical evaluation—ensuring graduates are prepared to work in fast-paced creative environments or continue to higher education.
By the end of the programme, students will have produced a high-quality portfolio showcasing their abilities in graphic design and digital media, positioning them for careers in design studios, digital agencies, media production, and related creative fields.
Graduates may progress into roles such as graphic designer, digital designer, web designer, multimedia designer, or content creator.
Duration:
2 years
Educational form:
Taught
Education Variants:
Fulltime
Language:
English
October’s Intake:
Classes Start Date:
5th October 2026
British Degree:
Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication
STUDENT WORK
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is 100% coursework and you will be continually assessed throughout the course.
Assessment will be through assignments including design briefs (project work), competitions, presentations, seminars and group activities.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
On the BA(Hons) Animation course we are aiming to produce animators capable of entering the industry in the creative department of it or working as artist animators, directors and games designers – amongst other things.
Many of our graduates have careers with major design consultancies and animation companies. Successful students may also wish to continue their studies on MA Degree to further enhance their knowledge and skills base, exploring new and innovative areas of design.
Job Roles
With this degree you could become:
- Character Animator
- Concept Artist
- Modeller
- Storyboard Artist
- Technical Director
- Visual FX Artist
- 3D generalist
Diploma and transcript from your high school
Evidence of your ability in English language
Portfolio
Passport
AAS Application Form completed
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is 100% coursework and you will be continually assessed throughout the course.
Assessment will be through assignments including design briefs (project work), competitions, presentations, seminars and group activities.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
On the BA(Hons) Animation course we are aiming to produce animators capable of entering the industry in the creative department of it or working as artist animators, directors and games designers – amongst other things.
Many of our graduates have careers with major design consultancies and animation companies. Successful students may also wish to continue their studies on MA Degree to further enhance their knowledge and skills base, exploring new and innovative areas of design.
Job Roles
With this degree you could become:
- Character Animator
- Concept Artist
- Modeller
- Storyboard Artist
- Technical Director
- Visual FX Artist
- 3D generalist
Diploma and transcript from your high school
Evidence of your ability in English language
Portfolio
Passport
AAS Application Form completed
FACILITIES
AAS College is set in a modern, purpose – built university campus. Students learn in specially designed lecture rooms and theatre, laboratories, design studios and in flexible teaching spaces. Individual and group study spaces allow students to work alone or collaborate on projects. This course has dedicated graphics studios for workshops, group and independent working. They are equipped with projectors and screens and Macs or PCs or both. There are also campus digital media suites with software including: Adobe Creative Suite.
COURSE (Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication) STRUCTURE
Programme at a glance
SQA Advanced Diplomas are made up of 240 SCQF credit points, at SCQF level 8, and usually take two years to complete
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
J52T 47 Visual Communication: An Introduction
HT5G 47 Digital Imaging
HT6E 48 Art and Design Context
HT6J 48 Art and Design Project
J52W 47 Working in the Field of Visual Communication
J52S 47 Typography: An Introduction
J512 47 New Media
HT6K 48 Creative Project for Artists and Designers
J53E 47 Visual Communication: Graded Unit 1
YEAR 2
J51E 48 Digital Imaging Project
J51C 48 Design Production
J52X 48 Preparing for a Role in the Field of Visual Communication
J51L 48 Typography Project
J514 48 Web Design
J522 48 Web Design Project
J525 48 New Media Project
J51S 48 Art and Design Desktop Publishing and Layout Project
J51K 48 Graphic Design – Three Dimensional Project
J51G 49 Graphic Design: Advanced
J51W 49 Information Graphics: Advanced
J53B 48 Visual Communication: Graded Unit 2
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is 100% coursework and you will be continually assessed throughout the course.
Assessment will be through assignments including design briefs (project work), competitions, presentations, seminars and group activities.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
On the Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication course we are aiming to produce graphic designers that are successful in the design, branding, advertising, digital, illustration, photography, broadcasting, publishing and promotional industries.
Many of our graduates have careers with major design consultancies and creative companies. Successful students may also wish to continue their studies on MA Degree to further enhance their knowledge and skills base, exploring new and innovative areas of design.
Job Roles
With this award you could become:
- Graphic Designer
- Digital Designer
- Art Director
- Brand Designer
- Illustrator
- Brand Director
Diploma and transcript from your high school
Evidence of your ability in English language
Portfolio
Passport
AAS Application Form completed
HOW TO APPLY
You should apply direct to the AAS College. We accept applications throughout the year, but advise you to apply early. We would like to receive application forms before 30th of June.
All candidates are required to submit the following documents:
1. A Fully Completed Application
AAS Application Form completed
A scanned copy of your passport
2. English language certificate
Certified Photocopy of English Language qualification(s).
Undergraduate applicants must have a fluent command of the English language which can be proven via the following examinations:
IELTS: 6,0 or other equivalent qualifications.
Candidates who have not acquired an English language qualification at the time of the submission of their application form are required to submit it at least one month before the commencement of the course.
3. Diploma of previous education
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or six IB Subject Certificates, or A Levels obtained locally
Certified Photocopy of the Diploma of Secondary Education (High School Diploma 12 years of study), along with the final year’s academic transcript
Candidates who have not yet graduated from high school at the time of application, should submit the available academic transcripts from their current year of study, as well as a full transcript from the previous year of study
If the High School Diploma is produced in another language it should be translated and verified in English
4. Portfolio
You can send us approximately 20 examples of your work with a short written commentary. Most of this work
can be in the form of photographs on a PDF file. It is helpful for us to see examples of your original
drawings too.
The submission of a Design portfolio is mandatory to the Design programmes.
Application’s Submittion:
There is no application fee. You should submit your documents direct to the AAS College website following the link: https://aas.gr/aas-college-apply-now/
Our response:
A member of our staff will contact you in 48 hours.