Graphic and Digital Design
ufv.ca/graphic-designThe Graphic and Digital Design diploma program introduces the creative industry and the fields of brand identity, graphic/communication design, dynamic media, and interactive design. With an emphasis on problem solving, students are immersed in real world projects, issues, and contexts. Students work in innovative studios using industry standard software and Apple computers. Upon completion of the two-year diploma, graduates can gain entry-level positions in the field or in-house, freelance, or continue their studies to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major, extended minor, or minor in Graphic and Digital Design.
Upon successful completion of the Graphic and Digital Design diploma, students will be able to:
Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.
Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall and Winter semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.
If this program is full, or applicants are waiting to find out about their admission to the program, they will be given an opportunity to register as a Qualifying Studies student. It is not necessary to submit a separate application form. If applicants meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available later, they will be contacted.
For students under 19 years of age, Fall admission is conditional upon proof of B.C. secondary school graduation.
Admission is on a competitive basis. Completed applications will be evaluated at the portfolio review. This will include the assessment of the visual portfolio, written reflections and submitted documents. Portfolios are assessed for creative ability, exploration and experimentation, and professionalism. The entire submission requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Meeting the minimal requirements does not guarantee admission. The purpose of the interview is to assess readiness for the expectations and demands of the program and the creative industry.
If the program is full, qualified applicants will be placed on a temporary waitlist. If applicants meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available, they will be contacted. The waitlist is void after September 1 for the Fall intake, and after January 1 for the Winter intake.
For general information on tuition and ancillary fees, see the Fees and Other Costs section. Please note that all GD designated courses have an alternate tuition rate, reflected in Program-specific fees. For more information on the tuition rates for GD courses, please check the Graphic Design webpage.
In addition to fees, students entering the diploma program are required to purchase an industry standard equipment package comprising of a MacBook Pro laptop at a cost of approximately $2,500 to $3,500. Details and specifications for the MacBook Pro will be provided 4 weeks before the program start date. Books and additional supplies cost approximately $300 per semester.
For information on financial assistance, students are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid and Awards office.
The Graphic and Digital Design diploma is two years in duration and is completed in a full-time capacity.
The diploma program is not offered part-time. Students who attend UFV part-time, or who are enrolled in the BFA or other programs, may take any available graphic design courses for which they have the prerequisites. Those who later decide to complete the Graphic and Digital Design diploma are required to submit an application and portfolio, and should consult the BFA Academic Advisor.
Some graphic and digital design courses use tools and technology that adapt according to current industry practice. Students pursuing lengthy completion plans should be advised that tools may change over the course of their educational plan, and earlier technology and methodology may no longer be relevant prior to completion.
The program is located on the Abbotsford campus.
The following courses will be included in the 60-credit diploma. The order of course offerings is at the discretion of the department, but required courses will be offered once for each cohort.
Course | Title | Credits |
GD 154 | Typography I | 3 |
GD 157 | Digital Design Media I | 3 |
GD 159 | Digital Design Media II | 3 |
VA 101 | Figure Drawing | 3 |
or VA 113 | Introduction to Drawing | |
GD 281 | Applied Photography and Video | 3 |
GD 316 | Print and Digital Production | 3 |
Course | Title | Credits |
AH 203 | History of Posters: The Art of Persuasion | 3 |
or GD 102 | History of Graphic Design | |
CMNS 125 | Communicating Professionally to Academic and Workplace Audiences | 3 |
or ENGL 105 | Academic Writing |
Course | Title | Credits |
GD 101 | Fundamentals of Design | 3 |
GD 202 | Interactive Design I: Foundations in Web Design | 3 |
GD 203 | Dynamic Media I: Motion Graphics | 3 |
GD 204 | Interactive Design II: Web Development for Designers | 3 |
or CIS 145 | Web Publishing | |
GD 216 | Illustration for Visual Communication | 3 |
GD 260 | Graphic and Digital Design I | 3 |
GD 317 | Graphic and Digital Design II | 3 |
GD 358 | Interactive Design for Portfolio | 3 |
GD 361 | Portfolio Development for Visual Communication | 3 |
GD 374 | Brand Identity I: Design | 3 |
MEDA 222 | Design Ethos and the Creative Practitioner | 3 |
or BUS 120 | Essentials of Marketing (see Note) | |
One of: | 3 | |
GD 254 | Typography II | |
GD 303 | Dynamic Media II: Storytelling | |
GD 304 | User Experience Design | |
GD 375 | Brand Identity II: Packaging |
Note: Students choosing BUS 120 require BUS 100 as a prerequisite.
Graphic and digital design courses are intensive with a minimum of four hours of homework per week for each course. Students are expected to participate and engage as they would in a professional studio environment. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning with team-based project work and extensive studio hours. Participation in activities outside of class time is required. This includes field trips, professional events, and community projects. The diploma program is not compatible with full-time employment.
Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV's Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).
Students may not register in a course more than twice, for credit or for audit, without permission of the appropriate dean or designate. Where a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.
Students must complete at least 30 of the credits required for the Graphic and Digital Design diploma at UFV. Transfer credits and credits earned through prior learning assessment, including course challenge, may only be applied for up to 30 credits of the 60-credit diploma.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the BFA Academic Advisor. To be eligible to graduate, students must achieve a program GPA of 2.00. Diploma candidates who qualify to receive a Graphic and Digital Design diploma must be approved by the UFV Arts division and the Senate.
Students must apply for graduation in the first month of their final semester. Visit the Graduation webpage for more information. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by April 30.
For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.