
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.
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
- 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 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 determined by the Department
-
Interview with Selection Committee
-
Prior to the interview students are required to provide:
-
Professional portfolio*
-
Resumé and letter of intent, 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
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- 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 educational documents as required by their course or program.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
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
*Program general hours
This program runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This program must be completed within five years.
Course sequence may change subject to department scheduling.
Term One | 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 |
Credits | 24 | |
Term Two | ||
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 1 | 3 |
VCDP 1253 | Video Production 1 | 3 |
VCDP 1283 | Wordpress 1 | 3 |
VCDP 1292 | Guided Design Exploration | 3 |
VCDP 1293 | Mini-Portfolio | 2 |
Credits | 32 | |
Term Three | ||
VCDP 2350 | UI/UX Design 2 | 3 |
VCDP 2312 | Digital Image 2 | 3 |
VCDP 2460 | Web Development 2 | 3 |
VCDP 2325 | Studio 1: Fundamentals | 5 |
VCDP 2440 | Wordpress 2 | 3 |
VCDP 2320 | Advertising and Art Direction | 3 |
VCDP 2455 | Studio 2: Special Topics | 5 |
Credits | 25 | |
Term Four | ||
VCDP 2480 | Online Marketing | 3 |
VCDP 2445 | Video Production 2 | 3 |
VCDP 2465 | Studio 3: 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 | Collaborative Capstone | 3 |
VCDP 2500 | Practicum | 4.5 |
Credits | 30.5 | |
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
*Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Application fee | 35 | |
Tuition | 17403 |
Tuition Breakdown
0 - 1
0 - 2
0 - 3
0 - 4
|
Student union | 213 | |
College initiative | 304 | |
Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
Campus resource | 349 | |
Laundry | 0 | |
Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
Medical & Dental | 550 | |
U-PASS | 781 | |
Graduation | 40 | |
Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
Total |
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- 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 educational documents as required by their course or program.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
Apply now
Please review the Graphic Design Selection Guidelines.
Get started
† British Columbia Labour Market Outlook: 2018 Edition
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Flickr
RSS
More accounts