Graphic Design

CREDENTIAL: Diploma

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Learn advanced design tools, theory, and processes used in graphic design for print and web while working directly with public clients in a mentored studio setting.

Tuition: 43625*

Credential: Diploma

Length: 2 0 years

Hours: Full-time

Delivery: Class-based

Campus: Downtown Downtown

Start Dates: Jan, Sep

Learn possible careers

Graphic Design

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What you will learn

Traditional design principles and processes
Adobe Creative Cloud software, including Photoshop and Illustrator
Colour theory and typographic principles
Branding and visual identity design
Packaging design
Editorial design and print layout principles
Web and UI/UX design
Web development (HTML/CSS)
Content management systems (CMS)
Digital photography
Writing, editing, and proofreading
Client relationships and expectations
Business and marketing principles

What to expect

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

This full-time program is two years in length. The maximum time for completion is five years.

The Advanced Entrance option (Year 2) is 10 months in length. The maximum time for completion is three years.

Mac-based computer labs with the latest software
Access to drawing tablets, iPads, digital cameras, scanners, and colour printers
Creative group exercises and discussions
Field trips and guest lectures
Critiques and discussions to develop an eye for design
Enthusiastic and experienced faculty members
120-hour practicum with an industry partner
Experience working on real client projects in our design studio, Studio Nuvo

Admission requirements

Program-specific

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year, and students are admitted on a competitive selection basis. Applicants can apply to meet either the Standard Admission Requirements or the Advanced Admission Requirements for the program.

A) Standard Admission Requirements (Year 1)

English 12 with a minimum 'C' grade or English Language Proficiency at the English 12 'C' level or equivalent
Interview with Selection Committee
- Prior to the interview students are required to provide:
  - Personal portfolio*
  - Resumé and letter of intent (250-500 words) clearly listing reasons for pursuing the diploma*

B) Advanced Admission Requirements (Year 2)

Completion of a graphic design certificate program equivalent to the first year of the program, from a recognized institution as determined by the department. If necessary, additional first-year courses as determined by the department.
Interview with Selection Committee
- Prior to the interview students are required to provide:
  - Professional portfolio*
  - Resumé and letter of intent (250-500 words), clearly listing reasons for pursuing the diploma*
  - Three references from people who have worked with the applicant in a relevant professional or academic environment

*For more information on application submissions, please see the Submission Guidelines

General

Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.

Recommended Characteristics

Ability to work well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Ability to work effectively in a team and independently with confidence
Customer service-oriented outlook and ability to work well with a wide variety of people
Ability to give and receive feedback
Motivation, curiosity, and research-orientation
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to spend full days doing computer-based work
Basic understanding of Mac computers (strongly recommended)

Courses *

This program runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prior learning assessment and recognition

Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.

PLAR is available for all required courses in the program, except:

VCDP 2455 Studio: Special Topics
VCDP 2465 Studio: Specialization
VCDP 2490 Portfolio
VCDP 2500 Graphic Design Work Experience

Students may complete up to 12 program credits through PLAR. Tuition and fees may still apply to PLAR candidates.

Methods for assessing prior learning may include interviews, portfolios, projects, assignments, or other evaluations. Please see the course outlines for details.

If PLAR is successful, transcripts will reflect an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed), which is not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.

See the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.

Course sequence may change subject to department scheduling.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year		Credits
VCDP 1110	Design Foundation	3
VCDP 1111	Technical Foundation	3
VCDP 1130	Typography	3
VCDP 1120	Digital Image 1	3
VCDP 1121	Photography	3
VCDP 1140	Composition 1	3
VCDP 1133	Design Thinking	3
VCDP 1250	Brand Identity 1	3
VCDP 1270	Web Design	3
VCDP 1132	Writing for Designers 1	3
VCDP 1271	Web Development 1	3
VCDP 1242	Composition 2	3
VCDP 1251	Print Production	3
VCDP 1260	Brand Identity 2	3
VCDP 1280	UI/UX Design	3
VCDP 1253	Video Production	3
VCDP 1283	Wordpress 1	3
VCDP 1292	Guided Design Exploration	3
VCDP 1293	Mini-Portfolio	2
	Credits	56
Second Year
VCDP 2350	UI/UX Strategy and Design 2	3
VCDP 2312	Digital Image 2	3
VCDP 2460	Web Development 2	3
VCDP 2325	Studio: Fundamentals	5
VCDP 2440	Wordpress 2	3
VCDP 2320	Advertising and Art Direction	3
VCDP 2455	Studio: Special Topics	5
VCDP 2480	Online Marketing	3
VCDP 2445	Video and Animation	3
VCDP 2465	Studio: Specialization	5
VCDP 2470	Packaging Design	3
VCDP 2341	Writing for Designers 2	3
VCDP 2490	Portfolio	3
VCDP 2430	Editorial Design	3
VCDP 2495	Graduating Event Design	3
VCDP 2500	Graphic Design Work Experience	4.5
	Credits	55.5
	Total Credits	111.5

* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and other costs *

Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit	11000 (10000 non-refundable) Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit

11000 (10000 non-refundable)

Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Fee description	Fee Amount	Notes
Application fee	145
Tuition Tuition	43625	Breakdown Tuition Breakdown 0 - 1 0 - 2 0 - 3 0 - 4 0 - 5
Student union	283
College initiative	340
Materials	0	not including textbooks
Campus resource	437
Laundry	0
Tools (deposit)	0
Coverall (deposit)	0
Uniform (deposit)	0
Medical and Dental	570
Temporary Medical Insurance	149
U-PASS	828
Graduation	45
Program-specific extra fees	0
Total

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.

Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.

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PROGRAM START
MONTH/TERM APPLICATION STATUS^*

without valid study permit

with valid study permit

Jan 2025

(Winter term)

Application open date: February 01, 2024 closed closed If you do not have a valid study permit, application is closed. If you have a valid study permit, application is closed.

May 2025

(Spring/Summer term)

Application open date: June 01, 2024 closed closed If you do not have a valid study permit, application is closed. If you have a valid study permit, application is closed.

Sep 2025

(Fall term)

Application open date: September 20, 2024 Apply Now Apply Now If you do not have a valid study permit, Apply Now. If you have a valid study permit, Apply Now.

STATUS INFORMATION

Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
Closed: Applications are not accepted.
For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.

For more information and tips, see Apply page

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Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the application availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.

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Graphic Design

Graphic Design

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What you will learn

What to expect

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

Admission requirements

Program-specific

A) Standard Admission Requirements (Year 1)

B) Advanced Admission Requirements (Year 2)

General

Recommended Characteristics

Courses *

Prior learning assessment and recognition

Fees and other costs *

Apply now

STATUS INFORMATION

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