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.
Graphic Design
Attend an Information Session
Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.
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. Applicants who do not meet the Program Admission Requirements may be admitted based on the interview with the Selection Committee following the College's Flexible Admissions policy.
A) Standard Admission Requirements (Year 1)
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English 12 with a minimum 'C' grade, or equivalent
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Interview with Selection Committee
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Prior to the interview students are required to provide:
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Personal portfolio*
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Resumé and letter of intent (250-500 words) clearly listing reasons for pursuing the diploma*
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B) Advanced Admission Requirements (Year 2)
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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.
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Interview with Selection Committee
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Prior to the interview students are required to provide:
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Professional portfolio*
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Resumé and letter of intent (250-500 words), clearly listing reasons for pursuing the diploma*
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Three references from people who have worked with the applicant in a relevant professional or academic environment
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*For more information on application submissions, please see the Submission Guidelines
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
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.
| 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.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 18106 | |
| Student union | 256 | |
| College initiative | 317 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 363 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 550 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 796 | |
| 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. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Application dates: See When to Apply
Are you interested in this program? Here is how to apply:
STEP 1: Read the application Submission Guidelines
STEP 2: Start your application
- Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
- Remember to submit your transcripts
- TIP: This is your basic information only. You will submit more application documents in the next steps.
STEP 3: Prepare your application documents
- Write your one-page letter of intent
- Write your resume
- Prepare your portfolio
- TIP: Review the Submission Guidelines in Step 1
STEP 4: Check your email regularly and be ready to submit documents
- After your application has been processed, you will receive an email from the Admissions Office requesting your application documents.
- TIP: You can submit your documents as PDF or web link. Reply to the email you receive from Admissions with your documents.
STEP 5: Check your email regularly
- Your application documents will be reviewed by the selection committee.
- If you are selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 15-25 minute interview.
- If you are not selected, you will receive an email informing you of the decision and your application ends here.
STEP 6: Attend the admissions interview
STEP 7: Check your email regularly
- After all interviews are complete, you will be notified of your standing by email (or phone).
- If you are accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you within two weeks with information about fees and deadlines.
- If you are not accepted, you may apply to another intake.
Get started
Attend an Information Session
Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.
† British Columbia Labour Market Outlook: 2018 Edition