Bachelor Of Graphic Design

The bachelor's degree in graphic design (BDG) program at Laval University provides the student with solid training in visual communication, particularly in the areas of user experience, information visualization, editing and Branding. Become a graphic designer, Web designer, artistic director
or even in charge of Web and printed projects. 

The BDG student is trained to design clear, effective and innovative visual communication products, in response to the needs expressed by a given company or organization and also meeting the needs of the audiences for whom these products are designed. The student will notably develop expertise in web design, branding , information design and publishing design. Our graduates are recruited by design, advertising or Web companies, both in the public and private sectors. They hold positions as graphic designer, artistic director, web designer or even project manager. Many of our graduates work as independent designers and offer their services to a varied clientele.

The program places great emphasis on learning through applied practice, supported by good theoretical knowledge. The addition of four workshops to the pathway, which are inspired by professional environments, promotes better integration into the job market.

In summary, BDG is:

• A baccalaureate of 96 credits spread over 3 years (6 sessions).
• Admissions once a year in the fall session.
• Capacity limited to 125 students per year.
• A full-time study program recommended, but possibility of progressing over 4 years.
• The possibility of carrying out a study session abroad.
• The possibility of completing a paid internship of 135 hours.
• The obligation to purchase a quality laptop.

Educational approach

The bachelor's program in graphic design is designed, on the one hand, to prepare students well for the reality of the job market and, on the other hand, to raise their awareness, motivate them and prepare them for higher studies. It aims to develop, in particular, the fiber of creativity and innovation, a capacity for analysis and a critical sense.

This program is distinguished, among other things, by the presence of four mandatory workshops offered at the rate of one per session starting in the second year. These workshops allow the student to put into practice the theoretical knowledge learned in lectures offered from the start of the course. In addition, the evaluation of students in these workshops takes the form of juries each composed of three people, namely the teacher and two active professional designers.

No Quebec program offers such strong and complete integration in this area. Finally, at the end of their studies, the student will have acquired a wide variety of theoretical knowledge, technical know-how, interpersonal skills and know-how to act.

Career Opportunities
Depending on their interests and skills, graphic design graduates can occupy several positions as a self-employed worker or employed in the public or private sector.

Here are some example functions:

• Graphic designer:  designs visual communication projects in the field of print
• Web Designer:  designs web applications such as content architecture, navigation and interface design
• Brand designer:  designs visual identity programs for brands
• Artistic director:  creative direction on large-scale projects (advertising,  branding , Web)
• Project director:  team management and coordination, increased global vision (advertising,  branding , Web)
• Author's design:  initiates and designs projects that are close to his heart (social causes or others)
• Illustrator-designer : designs publishing illustrations for use in the field of printed or digital magazines

Several types of companies  employ graphic designers: advertising agencies, design studios, printing companies, newspaper publishers, publishing houses, web production companies, IT service companies, film and video industries, design offices. architects, public service, retail and large businesses (banking services, insurance services to name a few). The profession of designer also offers the possibility of working for yourself and starting your own business. This is why we have integrated the entrepreneurial profile into our program.

At the end of their baccalaureate, students participate in the Première Expo event bringing together different employers in graphic design. This is an opportunity to demonstrate their talent by presenting their portfolio.

Throughout their training, and one year after their graduation, all Laval University students are entitled to personalized support in order to integrate the job market. Training on resume writing and interview preparation is offered by advisors from the Professional Development Service of Université Laval. Job offers are also available on the SDP website .

Facilities and technologies

Graphic design students have access to a range of high-quality facilities and technical support services.

• Digital drawing and printing laboratory
• Editing and binding room
• Sound studio
• Video editing studio
• Screen printing workshop
• Color and black and white laser printers and scanners
• Scanning laboratory
• IT Service Center

A team of qualified technicians provide troubleshooting and maintenance service for the student's computer equipment.

Quality laptop required
All new BDG students must have a laptop equipped with the software required by program management. The majority of courses offered in graphic design require the use of a laptop in class.

The Apple Laptop comes highly recommended by the School of Design. New students are invited to obtain their computer from the Coop Zone of Université Laval, to benefit from competitive prices and the support offered by the computer technicians of the School and the Coop Zone. The student must also plan to purchase the software kit for the entire duration of the program.

Approximate price 

• Software kit: around $400
• Apple laptop: around $2,000 to $3,500

Exhibition catalogs

• 2022 cohort (PDF, 34 MB)
• 2021 cohort (PDF, 6 MB)