Graphic Design Diploma

Overview

Learn advanced design tools, theory, and processes used in graphic design for print and web while working directly with public clients in a mentored studio setting.

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My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.

John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

• Mac-based computer labs with the latest software
• Access to drawing tablets, iPads, digital cameras, scanners, and colour printers
• Creative group exercises and discussions
• Field trips and guest lectures
• Critiques and discussions to develop an eye for design
• Enthusiastic and experienced faculty members
• 120-hour practicum with an industry partner
• Experience working on real client projects in our design studio, Studio Nuvo

What you will learn

• Use design-thinking strategies and the creative process to solve a wide variety of problems faced by designers
• Predict industry trends and create up-to-date designs for a variety of media using current technologies
• Develop an effective design concept and strategy using market research, client consultation, and creative thinking
• Develop and maintain a professional graphic design portfolio and a personal self-promotion or career plan to support professional growth or the pursuit of further studies
• Use self-directed learning strategies and reflective practice to continue the lifelong learning of design
• Use an understanding of ethics and business standards to make professional decisions in research and design
• Use high-level technical design skills to prepare properly constructed and formatted design files
• Incorporate knowledge of design history, colour theory, typography, composition, brand strategy, and UI/UX design into design decisions
• Use an understanding of business communication standards, client management strategies, and professional collaboration techniques to work effectively in teams
• Conceptualize, plan, and implement design solutions that meet client expectations and appeal to target audiences
• Critically analyze design solutions for the values they support and potential biases, as well as their impact on larger cultural, social, and economic systems
• Discuss how design can influence diversity, equity, and inclusion

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

This full-time program is two years in length. The maximum time for completion is five years.

The Advanced Entry option (Year 2) is 10 months in length. The maximum time for completion is three years.

Job prospectives

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• Dental Technologist / Dental Technician
• Dental Lab Quality Control Specialist
• Dental Materials Sales Representative
• Dental Equipment Technician or Specialist
• CAD / CAM Designer for Dental Restorations
• Dental Laboratory Manager
• Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year, and students are admitted on a competitive selection basis. Applicants can apply to meet either the Standard Admission Requirements or the Advanced Entry Requirements for the program. Applicants who do not meet the Program Admission Requirements may be admitted based on the interview with the Selection Committee following the College’s Flexible Admissions policy. 

A) Standard Admission Requirements (Year 1)

• English 12 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent

B) Advanced Entry Requirements (Year 2)

• Completion of a graphic design certificate program equivalent to the first year of the program, from a recognized institution as determined by the department. If necessary, additional first-year courses as determined by the department.

• Interview with Selection Committee

  • Prior to the interview students are required to provide:

    • Professional portfolio*

    • Resumé and letter of intent (250-500 words), clearly listing reasons for pursuing the diploma*

    • Three references from people who have worked with the applicant in a relevant professional or academic environment

*For more information on application submissions, please see the Submission Guidelines

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Program-specific

Admission to the Dental Technology Sciences program is on a competitive selection basis.

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
• English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:
  • English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
    or
  • English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘C+’ level
• Human Biology 12 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent
• Knowledge of science and/or mathematics demonstrated through one of the following:
  • Chemistry 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
  • Math 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
  • Physics 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent

Selection Process

• All qualified candidates who meet the admissions requirements will submit a portfolio demonstrating their aptitude for the Dental Technology profession, per the Dental Tech portfolio submission guidelines.
• All qualified candidates whose portfolio submissions are approved by the department’s Applicant Review Panel, will then be required to take part in an interview with the department's Applicant Review Panel by means of face-to-face or videoconferencing.
• The top-ranked qualified applicants are offered seats.

Upon Acceptance

• Current Basic First Aid and CPR-Level C

General

• This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents . See program options for international students at VCC International.
• Applicants who self - identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation / completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services .
• Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school . (Some exceptions may apply . )
• Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program . Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date( except for programs with competitive admissions ) . A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre - requisites( e . g . transcripts ), any required supporting documents( e . g . language proficiency, audition video ), and the required deposit or fee payment . if you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.

Recommended Characteristics

1. Appropriate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
2. Ability to give close attention to detail for sustained periods of time.
3. Ability to work accurately and neatly, and manage time effectively.
4. High standards of personal integrity.
5. Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility.

Courses

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Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some activities may require a variance of these times to accommodate specific needs.

The program must be completed within 3.5 years.

Term 1

Term 2

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

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Application Process

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Contact us

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Program information

Program head name

janedoe@vcc.ca

Advising

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

For International students

study@vcc.ca