Graphic Design (Advanced Entrance)

Graphic Design (Advanced Entrance) course offered by Vancouver Community College. Expand your technical skills and graphic design-industry experience working with public clients in a mentored studio setting.

What you will learn

• Traditional design principles and processes
• Adobe Creative Cloud software, including Photoshop and Illustrator
• Colour theory and typographic principles
• Branding and visual identity design
• Packaging design
• Editorial design and print layout principles
• Web and UI/UX design
• Web development (HTML/CSS)
• Content management systems (CMS)
• Digital photography
• Writing, editing, and proofreading
• Client relationships and expectations
• Business and marketing principles

What to expect

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

• 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

Admission requirements

Program-specific
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year, and students are admitted on a competitive selection basis. 

• Completion of a graphic design certificate program equivalent to the first year of the program, from a recognized institution determined by the Department
• Interview with Selection Committee
• Prior to the interview students are required to provide:
• Professional portfolio*
• Resumé and letter of intent, clearly listing reasons for pursuing the diploma*
• Three references from people who have worked with the applicant in a relevant professional or academic environment

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

• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently with confidence
• Customer service-oriented outlook and ability to work well with a wide variety of people
• Ability to give and receive feedback
• Motivation, curiosity, and research-orientation
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to spend full days doing computer-based work
• Basic understanding of Mac computers (strongly recommended)