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: 18106*

Credential: Diploma

Length: 2 0 years

Hours: Full-time

Delivery: Class-based

Campus: Downtown Downtown

Start Dates: Jan, May, Sep

5_K

Job openings predicted
(2018-2028)^†

Learn possible careers

5_K

Job openings predicted
(2018-2028)^†

Learn possible careers Why choose us

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.

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

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.

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 Deposit	0 (0 non-refundable) Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit

0 (0 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	36
Tuition Tuition	18106	Breakdown Tuition Breakdown 0 - 1 0 - 2 0 - 3 0 - 4 0 - 5
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

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.

* 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

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 Apply Now If you do not have a valid study permit, application is closed. If you have a valid study permit, Apply Now.

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.

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.

ONLINE

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC
Get started

MAIL

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Attend an Information Session

Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.

† British Columbia Labour Market Outlook: 2018 Edition

Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Attend an Information Session

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

Attend an Information Session

Ask a question