Computer Aided Draughting & Design (CAD): HND

What you will learn

Across this two-year programme, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of computer-aided design and digital visualisation — from technical drawing fundamentals to cutting-edge 3D modelling and prototyping.

Year 1 – Core Design Foundations

You’ll begin by developing the essential skills needed to produce accurate and professional drawings using leading CAD software. You will:

• Create 2D engineering drawings and 3D models with precision and attention to detail.
• Learn industry standards for design documentation, tolerances, and assemblies.
• Build confidence in spatial awareness, file management and workflow organisation.
• Explore parametric modelling, rapid prototyping, 3D printing and 3D scanning.
• Experiment with virtual reality environments to visualise design concepts.

Year 2 – Advanced Design & Industry Practice

Once confident with the fundamentals, you’ll move into advanced applications and professional practice. You will:

• Develop complex surface and solid models for manufacturing and architectural use.
• Produce interactive and immersive engineering visualisations for presentations and clients.
• Work hands-on with prototyping, fabrication, and simulation tools.
• Apply engineering principles, materials knowledge and design optimisation techniques.
• Complete industry-style design projects that prepare you for real-world employment or further study.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating your ability to design, model and communicate ideas effectively across multiple disciplines.

You’ll gain real-world experience through practical lab sessions, project design, and collaboration with industry professionals.

Entry requirements

To join this course, you’ll need one of the following — or a strong interest and relevant experience in design or engineering:

✅ A Higher, ideally in a technical, design or STEM subject  OR

✅ Successful completion of an NQ or NC in a related field,  OR

✅ Achievement of a Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering,  OR 

✅ Equivalent qualifications or professional experience

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

• you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

• If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can progress into a wide range of roles across engineering, construction and design, including:

🧩 CAD Technician

🏗️ Architectural or Geotechnical BIM Technician

🛠️ Assistant Design Manager

📐 Industrial or Product Design Engineer

🏠 Architectural Technician or Roof Truss Designer

⚙️ CAD Coordinator or Senior Designer

Our teaching team brings industry experience from the automotive and architectural sectors, ensuring your learning stays relevant to current industry practices.

Future prospects

After completing your HND, you can progress to:

• Degree-level study in Product Design, 3D Art/Animation or Immersive Systems.
• Employment in design, manufacturing, or engineering environments where CAD expertise is in high demand.

Real Industry Connections

The CAD teaching team have worked across industries including the luxury Automotive sector and Architecture. This means we can provide a unique insight into the world of work, give real life examples of how what we’re teaching you is relevant in a very dynamic and fast changing environment.