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Ministry-approved title: Graphic Design
From branding to book layouts, advertising to animated graphics, packaging to digital signage, graphic designers have the power to express emotions, influence decisions and bring ideas to life
Students learn to create functional design in a multitude of contexts including advertisements, logos, brochures, magazine layouts, annual reports, motion graphics and more. Graduates of this program can find employment creating advertising and branding campaigns, corporate identity systems, packaging and integrated content for media networks and the web.
Please note: For applicants who have a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit (C, M or U levels) on their high school transcript, a portfolio submission is not required. For those without a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit, applicants are required to submit a portfolio of work to be considered for admission. Please submit your portfolio as a digital pdf file or include a website address with your application.
In addition to the academic requirements, admission to this program MAY require the submission of a portfolio of artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow students to demonstrate their creative ability.
For more information on submitting a portfolio, you are welcome to attend one of our Portfolio Information Sessions.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic upgrading courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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Please contact the international office.
This program prepares graduates for work as entry-level designers. Students learn skills required to solve specific visual problems through practical work that covers a broad spectrum of visual communication in corporate, editorial, advertising and package design. The program of studies in first year includes:
Your second and third year will give you an opportunity to apply these principles to a variety of design problems.
Other areas of study include:
You will spend your sixth semester off campus as an intern at a design or in-house studio.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Hybrid
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a 14-week field placement in the last semester of your program, which provides the opportunity to integrate theory with practice at an agency or studio under the supervision of an industry professional. The placement must be approved by faculty, and your progress will be monitored. Many students are offered employment at the end of their field placement.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
A Mac notebook computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SOFTWARE PRIOR TO STARTING THE PROGRAM.
Creative Cloud brings together everything you need to create your greatest work. One simple membership gives you and your classmates to the very latest versions of all the Adobe professional creative desktop applications like Photoshop®, Illustrator®, After Effects®, InDesign® and more — plus new features and upgrades as soon as they're available. And that's just the beginning. With Creative Cloud™, everything you need to create intuitively and collaboratively is included.
Free downloadable software (please download and install prior to the start of classes. Caution: To avoid malware, only download from the actual developer or using the links below):
NOTE: These requirements were accurate at the time of posting and are subject to change. Please be aware that hardware and software versions are subject to change and will be updated as needed. For further information and FAQ click here.
With over eight years of experience in graphic design, motion design, brand development and an MA - Design, Shaun specializes in creating impactful visual identities and campaigns for national brands and broadcasts. He leverages industry expertise to deliver innovative, real-world design education.
Rhian is an award-winning and published designer with 20+ years of experience in graphic design, specializing in package design. She has developed, revitalized and strengthened brands for the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods markets in North America, United Kingdom, Russia and Australia. Rhian led students to two bronze placements at the Global PAC Competition.
A Professor of Graphic Design, MaryRose has taught since 2012. As a Multimedia Designer, she worked in many niches of art and design, including exhibition design, animation, photography, web and brand development. MaryRose aims to motivate and inspire students, developing specializations in inclusive, human-centered design by merging technology with art and culture.
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