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Ministry-approved title: Graphic Design
From branding to book layouts, advertising to animated graphics, and packaging to digital signage, graphic designers have the power to express emotions, influence decisions and bring ideas to life. In Durham College’s comprehensive graphic design program, you’ll develop the skills to craft visually compelling and functional designs that resonate across diverse media.
Our graphic design courses immerse students in the creative process. Students learn to create functional and impactful designs in a multitude of contexts including advertisements, logos, brochures, magazine layouts, annual reports, motion graphics and more. Whether you’re interested in the fine details of branding or the dynamic world of motion graphics, this graphic arts program will equip you with the tools to excel in the design industry.
Graduates of our graphic design program are well prepared to pursue careers that could involve creating advertising and branding campaigns, designing corporate identity systems, designing eye-catching packaging and coming up with integrated content for media networks and the web.
If you have been looking for graphics and design programs, the graphic design program at Durham College could be perfect for you.
| Date | Domestic Availability | International Availability PGWP eligible program. Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Open | Open | Apply now |
To apply to take graphic design courses in our program you will need:
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 to apply to take graphic design courses. Applicants without a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit, must submit a portfolio of work. Please submit your portfolio as a digital pdf file or include a website address with your graphic and design course 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.
In the first semester of the graphic design program, students build a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of graphic design.
Through a series of carefully planned graphic design courses, they explore essential principles of design, learning to create visually appealing compositions. Students also gain valuable experience using industry-standard tools and software, which are crucial for success in their graphic design courses and beyond.
The first semester’s courses in graphic design cover the basics of typography and introduce them to the fundamentals of new media design. Students also learn practical skills in photography and illustration in these initial classes in graphic design. The comprehensive introduction students receive in these introductory graphic design courses starts them on the core competencies they will need to succeed in the graphic design field.
Graduates of the diploma in graphic design program are equipped with a diverse skill set and strong foundation in design principles, which can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities.
Whether you're drawn to the world of branding, the field of digital media, or the realm of advertising, there are numerous possibilities for how you can apply the skills and knowledge gained in your graphic design courses. The design industry offers an increasing number of paths for both personal expression and professional growth, making it an ideal field for those who excelled in their graphic design courses.
Fill out the form to get more information on your program of interest, upcoming events, and how to become a Durham College student. By submitting your information below, you consent to Durham College contacting you via email and/or SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Please contact the international office.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific laptop and software requirements for this program click here.
The six-semester graphic design program at Durham College prepares graduates for work as entry-level designers in a wide variety of professional roles and contexts.
Through a meticulously planned series of graphic design courses, students learn the skills required to solve specific visual problems through practical work, using cutting-edge hardware and software. Their graphic design courses cover a broad spectrum of visual communication in corporate, editorial, advertising and package design.
The program of studies in the first year lays the foundation for more advanced classes in graphic design. It includes the study of:
In the second and third year of the graphic design program, students apply these principles to a variety of design problems. For example, they might work on developing a cohesive brand identity for a fictional company, which could involve creating a logo, selecting appropriate typography, and designing marketing materials that represent the brand and communicate its message effectively to the target consumer group. Another design problem commonly used in graphic design courses involves creating a layout for a magazine. In this work, students enrolled in the graphic design program have to figure out how to balance text and images while maintaining readability and visual appeal. Graphic design program students might also work on designing digital interfaces, solving issues related to user experience and functionality. These hands-on projects help students build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for real-world design scenarios.
Associated areas of study that overlap with graphic design and are often included in graphic design courses are:
Students who study the graphic design program may go on to specialize in one of these areas if they are drawn to them.
In Durham College’s Graphic Design program, students spend your their sixth semester off campus as an intern at a design or in-house studio, There, they get an opportunity to apply their accumulated knowledge and skill in a professional context, under the supervision of an experienced designer or team of graphic design specialists.
Upon completing your classes in graphic design and your internship, you can expect to understand and be able to do the following:
To apply to take graphic design courses in our program you will need:
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 to apply to take graphic design courses. Applicants without a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit, must submit a portfolio of work. Please submit your portfolio as a digital pdf file or include a website address with your graphic and design course 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.
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.
The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.
| Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,594.23 |
| Program Fee: | $190 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $480.71 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $386.89 |
| Total: | $2,651.83 |
| Semester 2 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,594.23 |
| Program Fee: | $0 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $480.71 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $102.75 |
| Total: | $2,177.69 |
| Semester 3 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,594.23 |
| Program Fee: | $190 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $461.5 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $386.89 |
| Total: | $2,632.62 |
| Semester 4 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,594.23 |
| Program Fee: | $0 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $461.5 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $102.75 |
| Total: | $2,158.48 |
| Semester 5 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,594.23 |
| Program Fee: | $190 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $461.5 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $386.89 |
| Total: | $2,632.62 |
| Semester 6 | |
|---|---|
| Tuition: | $1,594.23 |
| Program Fee: | $0 |
| Ancillary Fee: | $461.5 |
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $102.75 |
| Total: | $2,158.48 |
As a graduate of the graphic design program at Durham College, you will be equipped with everything you need to enter the profession and take on one of many exciting roles. With the most up-to-date knowledge, skills, and familiarity with cutting-edge tools and technology, you can strike confidently toward a future in this dynamic, ever-changing field.
Graduates from graphic arts programs typically have many options that are not listed below. We encourage you to think openly and broadly about the possibilities for applying what you learned in your graphic design courses, much of which is transferable to other fields.
Your graphic design courses will be complemented by a 14-week field placement in the last semester of the graphic design program. The field placement provides you with 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 we will remain in contact with you to monitor your progress and answer any questions you may have while you were away from campus. Many graduates from graphic arts programs are offered employment at the end of their field placement, making it a particularly valuable experience!
If you would want to continue your education after completing your study in graphic design, 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.
For the graphic design program, 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.
Artwork from third-year #FineArts students will be on display at the @rmgoshawa this May as part if the "EMERGING VISIONS" art exhibition, which showcases their thesis projects.
For more info, visit The RMG's website or the link in our bio. #DCProud @durhamcollegemad
[Image: Fine Art students from Durham College in the art studio, posing for a photo with their original works of art.]
Students from @durhamcollegemad are teaming up with the @barrettcentre to create online games that teach kids about food literacy! 🎮🍎
Visit the link in our bio to read more about how these interactive games connect the farm to the digital world, combining creativity, education, and real-world experience.
#SustainableUrbanAgriculture #FoodLiteracy #RealWorldLearning #ONag
[Image 1: A person planting tomato seedlings in a garden bed, wearing gardening gloves.
Image 2: A screenshot of the educational game, where players select 6 ingredients from a list including kale florets, mushrooms, broccoli, and more to make a virtual stir fry. The interface includes vibrant graphics and a "Click to Submit Your Answers!" button.]
Meet Rebecca, a student in DC’s Graphic Design program! @durhamcollegemad
Interested in a career in media, art or design? Head to durhamcollege.ca/mad or the link in our bio to learn about our programs.
May 13: Oshawa Campus
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