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Graphic and Digital Design
ufv.ca/graphics

Graphic and Digital Design diploma

The Graphic and Digital Design diploma program uses a multidisciplinary approach to introduce the knowledge, technology, and skills graduates need to succeed in the creative industry today. Students work in an innovative environment using industry standard software and Macintosh computers. Upon completion of the two-year program, graduates can gain entry-level positions in the field, freelance, or continue their studies to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor or extended minor in Graphic and Digital Design.

The Graphic and Digital Design diploma program introduces students to:

1. Visual Arts: Fine art, studio, photography, and drawing.
2. Communication Design: Branding, advertising, information design, publishing, packaging, and corporate communication.
3. Dynamic Media: Motion graphics, interactive design, interface design, and user experience (UX) design for screen.
4. Illustration: Digital and traditional media.

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

• Demonstrate knowledge of visual arts, graphic/communication design, interactive design, design and illustration for dynamic media, and illustration.
• Use a variety of technologies for digital design practices.
• Engage in critical thinking for the development of graphic and digital design.
  
• Produce visual communication through the understanding of typography, design theories, and principles.
• Apply a process for the development of brand identity, graphic and communication design, web design, information design, and visual storytelling.
• Create visual communication projects, websites, illustration, and motion graphics.
• Implement appropriate work-flow strategies for the production and development of print and digital media.
• Apply business practices, ethics, and self-promotional strategies for professional development.
• Continue studies to obtain a BFA degree in Visual Arts with a Graphic and Digital Design minor, or an extended minor paired with one of the following disciplines: Art History, Creative Writing, Fashion, Media and Communication Studies, Theatre, or Visual Arts.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum age of 19 years of age before the first day of classes.

2. The prerequisite to CMNS 155 or ENGL 105 (please contact the BFA educational advisor for information on meeting this requirement).

3. Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language proficiency requirement in the Admissions section of the calendar.

4. Attendance at the program orientation session.

5. Portfolio of current works with accompanying documentation.  See the Graphic and Digital Design website for specific guidelines.

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 the end of the first week in August.

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

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. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Office of the Registrar (OReg). You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any OReg or Student Services office.

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.

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 guidelines. Applicants must submit a portfolio of recently created works and accompanying documentation, as directed in the portfolio guidelines. Portfolio guidelines 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 at the mandatory program orientation session in April. Applicants who reside outside the Lower Mainland area should contact the BFA educational advisor to make alternate arrangements. Portfolios are reviewed in April 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 when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). 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. 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 an Arts 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.

Part-time and non-program students

Students who attend UFV part-time, or who are enrolled in other programs, may take any available courses for which they have the prerequisites. Those who later decide to complete the Graphic and Digital Design diploma should consult the BFA educational advisor. The Graphic and Digital Design curriculum is designed as a full-time cohort diploma program and for the minor or extended minor of the BFA.

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

Admission will be on a competitive basis. Meeting the minimal requirements does not guarantee admission. Completed applications will be evaluated based on the portfolio review. Portfolios will be assessed for creativity, proficiency in design, professionalism, and innovation.

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 general costs, students in the two-year diploma should also consider the following:

• Books and additional supplies cost approximately $100 per course.
• Equipment package comprised of industry standard laptop computer, software, and peripherals at a cost of approximately $4,000. Details will be provided at the mandatory orientation session in April.

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 cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required in order to receive a diploma.

Standing required for continuance

Graphic and Digital Design diploma students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

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 2.0 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.

Required to withdraw

Students who do not achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 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 an Arts 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 2.0 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 2.0.

Graduation

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the BFA educational 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 a Request to Graduate form available at the Office of the Registrar. The form should be submitted in the final semester of study or the first month of the graduating semester, whichever comes first. 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.

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

The program is demanding and to be successful students will need to complete a minimum of four hours of homework for each course, each week. Students will be immersed in project-based learning where industry skills and knowledge are integrated. Team-based projects and the extensive studio hours required are not compatible with full-time employment. While in class, students are expected to participate and engage as they would in a professional studio environment and to meet project deadlines. Through in-class critiques and activities, students develop the ability to argue and defend work, while building verbal skills, perspective and standards of excellence.  Students are required to participate in activities outside of class time including field trips, program events, as well as the graduation exhibition.

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.

Visual Arts and Illustration

Adobe Creative Suite

Communication Design

Dynamic Media and Interactive Design

Professional Development

Art History and Communications

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.