Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design
Fanshawe College
Key Information
Campus location
London, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 17,738 **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* equal consideration deadline. After that, we consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until programs are full
** total fee for Canadian students. $50,258.66 for international students
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Graphic designers see the world for what it can be, not just what it is. They are forward-thinking, innovative, artistic, and creative. Fanshawe’s Graphic Design program will inspire your passion for art and give you the skills to apply and communicate your creativity in a variety of mediums. Develop your artistic talents and learn to be a visual communicator as you develop industry connections and work on real-world projects. Graduate with a dynamic, professional portfolio that will set you apart in your career.
Your Learning Experience
This three-year advanced diploma program guides students to be adaptable designers with a passion for learning. Learn from industry experts with diverse working experiences, who will teach you to communicate your ideas in interactive media, web, digital and print mediums. Graphic design courses teach theory and history, illustration, motion graphics, typography, interactive web design, communications, and camera basics. You’ll also learn professional practices and current industry production standards to work independently and with different types of organizations.
Apply your learning during three co-op work semesters, where you’ll make industry connections and gain valuable experience working within a wide variety of organizations.
Graduate with a professional portfolio, work experience, and the industry contacts you need to launch a career in our rapidly changing creative industry, which includes many specializations and a diverse job market. Graduates find work in advertising agencies, design studios, direct mail agencies, environment/signage companies, printing companies, online graphics, and multimedia companies, among others.
This Advanced Diploma provides comprehensive training to students wanting to enter this professional industry. The program ranges from industry-standard design software training, and the fundamentals of basic design skills to creative concept development, traditional illustration, and photography. We offer comprehensive training in interactive design, web and multimedia, digital illustration, and motion graphics as well as courses covering theories of creativity, visual thinking, typography, and design history. Besides the traditional aspects of design, we initiate new courses on an ongoing basis as well as update and refresh present courses each term to ensure students remain current with trends in the graphic design industry.
Gallery
Program Outcome
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
- Employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
- Planned, create, and use photography, illustration, and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
- Design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current, and/or emerging technologies.
- Communicate ideas, design concepts, and opinions clearly and persuasively to others.
- Use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
- Planned, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
- Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
- Keep current with visual media design trends, technologies, and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
- propose creative solutions to design problems
Admissions
Curriculum
Co-op Opportunities
The Graphic Design program offers a cooperative education component, which provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand work experience within their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of students before even graduated!
Junior Graphic Designer
Create impactful designs according to brand guidelines that capture and promote brand image.
Junior Graphic Designer
Design in multiple environments, including digital and print in a fast-paced, growing organization where your skills will be valued.
Junior Front-End Web Developer
A Fun, flexible work environment that will expose you to a variety of web technologies and allow you to expand your knowledge base.
Courses
Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- WRIT-1036 ---- Reason and Writing 1-Art and Design
- GRAF-1037 ---- Design Basic 1
- GRAF-1049 ---- Typography Basic
- GRAF-1050 ---- Digital Applications 1
- GRAF-1052 ---- Interactive Design 1
- GRAF-1040 ---- Creative Concepts 1
- COOP-1020 ---- Co-operative Education Employment Preparation
Level 2
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- GRAF-1038 ---- Design Basic 2
- GRAF-1035 ---- Typography Digital
- GRAF-1030 ---- Digital Applications 2
- GRAF-1031 ---- Interactive Design 2
- GRAF-1041 ---- Creative Concepts 2
- PHOT-1078 ---- Camera Basics
- COMM-3074 ---- Communications for Design
Level 3
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- GRAF-3013 ---- Design Intermediate 1
- GRAF-3029 ---- Digital Illustration
- GRAF-3015 ---- Digital Applications 3
- GRAF-3017 ---- Interactive Design 3
- GRAF-1051 ---- Time, Money, and Materials
- PHOT-3017 ---- Photography
- GRAF-3028 ---- Packaging and Display Design
Level 4
Gen Ed - Take a 3-credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- GRAF-3018 ---- Design Intermediate 2
- GRAF-3020 ---- Digital Applications 4
- GRAF-3022 ---- Interactive Design 4
- GRAF-5013 ---- Digital Illustration Advanced 1
- GRAF-5022 ---- Digital Master Class 1
Level 5
Gen Ed - Take a 3-credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- GRAF-5012 ---- Design Advanced 1
- GRAF-5014 ---- Digital Applications 5
- GRAF-5016 ---- Interactive Design 5
- GRAF-5025 ---- Digital Illustration Advanced 2
- GRAF-5023 ---- Digital Master Class 2
Level 6
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- GRAF-5017 ---- Design Advanced 2
- GRAF-5019 ---- Digital Applications 6
- GRAF-5021 ---- Interactive Design 6
- GRAF-5024 ---- Motion Graphics
- GRAF-5026 ---- Capstone
General Education - Electives
Take 6 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Levels 4 and 5
Program Residency
Students Must Complete a Minimum of 32 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program have found a wide range of creative, artistic, and challenging careers with companies such as:
- advertising agencies
- design studios
- direct mail agencies
- environment/signage companies
- corporate public relations, marketing, and art departments
- publishing/magazine/newspaper
- printing companies
- online graphics
- multimedia companies
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Graphic Design program:
Graphic Web Designer
A Creative, detail-oriented, and versatile designer with a strong interest in design for print materials and for digital platforms such as social media, email, and the web.
Graphic Designer
Undertake many important creative and technological projects in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.
Graphic Artist
As a talented graphic artist, you will work freelance and build whole goods, parts, and service flyers for a dealership.
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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