Graphic Design
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
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply design thinking methodologies and creative processes to solve a wide variety of design problems in print and digital media
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in industry-standard design software and technologies to create, modify, and produce professional design solutions for multiple platforms
- Develop effective design concepts based on research and client needs to create appropriate design solutions
- Create and maintain a professional design portfolio and career development plan that showcases technical and creative abilities while supporting ongoing professional growth
- Implement self-directed learning strategies and reflective practices to adapt to evolving design trends, technologies, and industry standards
- Apply understanding of professional ethics, business standards, intellectual property laws, and cultural sensitivity to make responsible decisions in design practice
- Prepare properly constructed and formatted design files for various media using appropriate technical specifications for digital, web, and print production
- Synthesize knowledge of design history, colour theory, typography, composition, brand strategy, and user experience to create cohesive and effective design solutions that meet client requirements and resonate with target audiences
- Demonstrate professional communication, project management, and collaboration skills to effectively work in team environments and manage client relationships
- Critically analyze design solutions for their cultural context, potential biases, and social impact, while applying principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility throughout the design process
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 Entry option (Year 2) is 10 months in length. The maximum time for completion is three years.
The Graphic Design Diploma program is designed to provide contextual learning experiences that mimic the real-world graphic design industry. The creative, hands-on courses are designed to introduce students to relevant theories and then immediately plunge them into practical work that relates to those theories while allowing students to also develop critical technical skills. Students learn through a combination of instructional activities including lectures, practical labs, demonstrations, guest lectures, work-integrated learning, collaborative client projects, self-directed projects, and field trips. To support the development of motivation and self-discipline, some of the theoretical and technical aspects of the program involve independent learning.
The Digital Graphic Design lab, located at the Downtown campus, is equipped with Apple iMac workstations with the latest software and OS. Students will use modern drawing tablets, digital cameras, and colour printers. The ratio of students to workstations is one-to-one and all classes have a capacity of 18 students per class.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
A) Standard Admission Requirements (Year 1)
-
English 12 with a minimum 'C' grade, or equivalent
B) Advanced Entry Requirements (Year 2)
- A graphic design certificate from an accredited post-secondary institution, as determined by VCC. (Note: Additional first-year courses may be required.)
- Portfolio (6–10 pieces)
*For more information, 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.
Program Considerations
Students should consider the following aspects of this program:
- Learning environment requires extended periods (up to 7 hours per day) of computer use with sustained visual focus on digital displays. Devices may include keyboard, mouse, trackpad, or digital pen.
- Program environment involves time-sensitive task completion on deadline.
- Tasks require fine motor skills in handling video and photography hardware.
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 Graphic Design 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.
This full-time program can be completed over four (4) terms by successfully completing the following: 18 credits (term 1), 15 credits (term 2), 16 credits (term 3), 12.5 credits (term 4).
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| VCDP 1110 | Design Foundation | 3 |
| VCDP 1111 | Technical Foundation | 3 |
| VCDP 1130 | Typography | 3 |
| VCDP 1120 | Digital Image | 3 |
| VCDP 1140 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| VCDP 1250 | Brand Identity 1 | 3 |
| VCDP 1242 | Composition 2 | 3 |
| VCDP 1251 | Print Production | 3 |
| VCDP 1260 | Brand Identity 2 | 3 |
| VCDP 2430 | Editorial Design | 3 |
| VCDP 1253 | Video Production | 3 |
| Credits | 33 | |
| Second Year | ||
| VCDP 2325 | Studio: Fundamentals | 5 |
| VCDP 2320 | Advertising and Art Direction | 3 |
| VCDP 2455 | Studio: Special Topics | 5 |
| VCDP 1133 | Design Thinking | 3 |
| VCDP 2465 | Studio: Specialization | 5 |
| VCDP 2490 | Graphic Design Portfolio | 3 |
| VCDP 2500 | Graphic Design Work Experience | 4.5 |
| Credits | 28.5 | |
| Total Credits | 61.5 | |
* 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 | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 19214 | |
| Student union | 290 | |
| College initiative | 336 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 385 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 570 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 845 | |
| 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 non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
TO APPLY FOR STANDARD ADMISSION:
STEP 1: Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
STEP 2: Check your email regularly
- If you meet the requirements and seats are available, you will receive an offer of admission
- Pay your fees
TO APPLY FOR ADVANCED ADMISSION:
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
- Collect your reference letters
- 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
† Source: B.C. 2025-2035 Labour Market Outlook - Graphic designers and illustrators, Graphic arts technicians, Web designers