This program is available in Vancouver and Calgary.

 

Program Duration: 60 weeks in Vancouver; 61 weeks in Calgary

 

In order to succeed in graphic design, you'll need to back up your raw talent and drive to succeed with a highly-focused and hands-on design education. VCAD's Graphic Design program gives you the knowledge, skills, and professional connections you'll need to launch your career in graphic design.

From colour theory, drawing and typography, to standard software and web development platforms used in the industry, this program will teach you the theoretical and practical skills you need to turn your creative ideas into reality. You will build a portfolio of designs for packaging, advertising, publications, websites, and branding.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to apply for graphic design jobs with web development firms, newspapers, magazines, publishers, printers, and more. Study in class, learn online, or receive a combined delivery of in-class and online instruction. 

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

•    Propose creative solutions to design problems
•     Evaluate the appropriate materials, tools, techniques and concepts required to produce an effective design solution
•     Communicate ideas using colour
•    Create digital graphics and illustrations
•     Determine the appropriate media based on project requirements
•     Manage project and time constraints
•     Optimize the readability of typography
•     Assess visually photographic images on quality and effectiveness
•     Produce graphic documents of high resolution
•     Ensure the technical and design quality of a graphic design solution
•     Process digital images using appropriate software
•     Produce single and multi-page layouts using the appropriate software
•     Create a fully-functional website

The program consists of five 12-week terms. All courses are worth three credits. 75 credits are required to complete this diploma program.

Admissions Requirements in BC

•    High school graduation or equivalent (from an English language teaching institution) OR 
•     Mature student status (19 years of age upon starting classes and pass the college's admission test).
   

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Admissions Requirements in Alberta

•     Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript OR
•     Mature student status and must meet ALL of the following criteria:

1.     Out of school for one year
2.     Be at least 18 years of age prior to admission
3.     Thirty-three credits towards an Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript OR an overall score of 502 on the College Aptitude Test.

The Visual College of Art and Design of Calgary is licensed by the Private Career College Branch of Alberta Advanced Education.