Graphic and Digital Design

Graphic and Digital Design diploma

The 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 an innovative environment 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 minor or extended minor in Graphic and Digital Design.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the creative industry.
• Utilize processes, tools and technology for graphic design practice.
• Analyze visual communication problems using critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrate functional competence with principles of visual organization, visual language, typography and theory as applied to visual communication problems.
• Develop strategies for planning, producing, and disseminating visual communications.
• Produce communication/graphic design, information design, brand identity, interactive design, illustration, and motion graphics projects.
• Apply business practices, ethics, and self-promotional strategies for professional development.
  

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
2. The prerequisite to CMNS 125 or ENGL 105.
3. Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.
4. Students with university-level credit must have a GPA of 2.00 on all courses attempted.
5. Portfolio of current works with accompanying documentation. See the Graphic and Digital Design website for specific guidelines.
6. Interview may be required based on portfolio submission of visual and written requirements. International students may be interviewed via Skype.

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, 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 by the end of the first week in August.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, if not 19 years of age or older on the first day of classes.
• Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (other than UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details. To retain their original application date, students should order early so transcripts arrive within two weeks of the date the application is mailed or submitted.
2. When your application has been processed by the Office of the Registrar, you will receive information on program orientation and portfolio submission dates, and a copy of the portfolio requirements. Applicants must submit a portfolio of recently created works and accompanying documentation, as directed in the portfolio requirements. Portfolio requirements are also available from the department or on the Graphic and Digital Design website. The portfolio is not due at the time of application, but must be submitted online in the spring. Portfolios are reviewed and an official letter of acceptance will be sent from the Office of the Registrar.
3. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with course registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section). The deposit will be applied toward tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due by the end of the second week of classes. Any applicant who does not register by the end of June will be replaced by a waitlisted applicant.

If this program is full, or you are waiting to find out about your admission to the program, you will be given an opportunity to register as a Qualifying Studies student. It is not necessary to submit a separate application form. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available later, you will be contacted.

For students under 19 years of age, fall admission is conditional upon proof of B.C. secondary school graduation. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the beginning of August.

Basis for admission decision

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.

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 by the end of the first week in August.

Part-time and non-program students

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.

Fees and additional costs

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 the table labelled 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 and a monthly subscription to Adobe CC (Creative Cloud) at a cost of approximately $3,500. Details and specifications for the MacBook Pro will be provided in July. Books and additional supplies cost approximately $100 per course.

For information on financial assistance, students are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid and Awards office.

Location

The Graphic and Digital Design diploma is a full-time cohort program offered on the Mission campus.

Program requirements

A program GPA of 2.00 is required in order to receive a diploma.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) 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).

Course repetitions

A student may not register in a course more than twice, for credit or for audit, without permission of the appropriate dean or designate.

Academic Warning

Students whose grades fall below a 2.00 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 2.00 will continue on Academic Warning until the CGPA equals or exceeds 2.00.

Required to withdraw

Students who do not achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.00 while on Academic Warning will be withdrawn from the Graphic and Digital Design diploma program. A student who has been required to withdraw may continue to take courses as a Qualifying Studies student.

Readmission to the program

To be readmitted to the Graphic and Digital Design diploma program, the student must complete nine university-level courses (can be duplicate courses), with a minimum 2.00 CGPA. Once these criteria are met, the student may apply for readmission at the Office of the Registrar. When readmitted, the student will remain on Academic Warning until their overall CGPA is 2.00.

Graduation

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.

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 by completing the Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/admissions, or from the Office of the Registrar. This should be done in the first month of the final semester. 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 the Winter semester grade deadline (see Important Registration Dates) of each year.

Residency

A student 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, which includes course challenge, may only be applied for up to 30 credits of the 60 credit diploma.

Workload and studio expectations

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, community projects as well as the graduation exhibition. The diploma program is not compatible with full-time employment.

Program outline

The following courses will be included in the 60-credit diploma. The order of course offerings is at the discretion of the department, but every course will be offered once for each cohort.

Foundation

Core Skills

History and Writing

Fields of practice

Visual Identity and Communication Design

Publishing, promotion, brand identity, persuasion, and information design; emphasis on problem solving, sustainability, and human-centered solutions in print and digital media.

Dynamic Media

Image-based motion graphics, video, kinetic typography, and character design for design projects and storytelling.

Interactive Design

Design for digital screens including websites, tablets, and mobile devices; includes interface design, development, UX, and content management.

Professional development

Note 1: Students choosing BUS 120 require BUS 100 as a prerequisite.

Note 2: Students pursuing a degree or further study in the field of Graphic and Digital Design may wish to take additional upper level courses, GD 498 (Directed Study in Graphic and Digital Design I), GD 499 (Directed Study in Graphic and Digital Design II), or MEDA 469 (Design Thinking for Creative Leadership). These courses are not required for graduation from the Graphic and Digital Design diploma program.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.