Graphic and Digital Design
www.ufv.ca/graphics

Graphic Design diploma

Note: The Graphic and Digital Design program is not accepting applicants, but several independent courses in Graphic Design are offered each semester. For further information, contact vicki.bolan@ufv.ca or paula.funk@ufv.ca.

The 60-credit Graphic Design diploma will equip students with a design sensibility from which they will go on to learn about digital design for print and web. Graduates will have a starting point to ensure the necessary skills for small business or self-employment. Courses in the diploma will be transferable to programs such as the Media Arts program at ECIAD, and Computational arts at Concordia. The fine arts focus of this diploma is distinctive from other local institutions offering programs that are either print-focused or market-driven.

Entrance requirements

• B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum age of 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
• Attend orientation session.
• Submit a 250-word essay on Graphic Design as a career.
• Submit a portfolio at the time of interview. Please prepare your portfolio to include 10 to 15 original pieces. Work should be recent and varied in nature. The work may be general or specialized; however, it is important to demonstrate both drawing and design ability. Sketchbooks are useful inclusions.

Applicants will be evaluated on the following point system:

All complete applications received by January 31 will be reviewed. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if space permits. Personal suitability of applicants will be assessed using the point system indicated above. Applicants with the highest number of points will be given priority for program seats. Every effort will be made to give an admissions decision within two months of the application deadline.

If the program is full, qualified students will be placed on a temporary waitlist. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available before September 1, you will be contacted. After September 1, the waitlist is void. In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admissions decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the end of the first week in August.

Applicants must score a minimum of 35 points out of 45 in order to be considered for the program.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider the Arts Studies program path.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent

2. After application, the Admissions and Records office will inform you of an interview or orientation that you must attend. You must bring to the interview a portfolio of recently completed drawing and design works and a 250-word essay on Graphic Design as a career.

3. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with course registration information. A deposit is required when you register. This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due by the end of the second week of classes.

In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the end of the first week in August.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

There are other related costs which must be considered by Graphic Design students over the two-year program.

Note: Approximate cost of materials over two years. Certain materials may be requested by individual instructors as the need arises.

Program requirements

Graphic design is a two-year full-time program. A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 is required in order to receive a diploma.

Continuance and Academic Warning

Graphic Design diploma students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Students whose grades fall below a 2.0 CGPA will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester. A student on Academic Warning may not register in a course overload. Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 will continue on Academic Warning until the CGPA equals or exceeds 2.0. Students who do not achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 while on Academic Warning will be withdrawn from the Graphic Design program. A student who has been required to withdraw may continue to take courses as an Arts Studies student.

Course repetitions

Students may not repeat Graphic Design courses without permission of the department head.

Readmission to the program

To be readmitted to the Graphic Design diploma program, the student must complete nine university-level courses, with a minimum 2.0 CGPA. Once these criteria are met, the student may apply for readmission at the Admissions and Records office. When readmitted, the student will remain on Academic Warning until their overall CGPA is 2.0.

Graduation

Students must apply for graduation by completing a Request to Graduate form available at the Admissions and Records office. We recommend this be done in the first month of the graduating semester. The final deadline for submissions is April 1, with all program requirements completed by April 30 for students wishing to attend the June convocation ceremony.

Workload and studio expectations

The program is intense and demands a student’s full commitment. While in class, students are expected to follow a studio etiquette which is developed for professional training. Students are expected to participate in critiques, seminars, open house activities and the graduate show, and to meet project deadlines.

Program outline

Semester I

Semester II

Semester III

Semester IV

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.