Visual Communication Design Certificate

The Visual Communication Design Certificate provides students with introductory to intermediate level design techniques, skills, and concepts to enhance their current practice, pivot career paths, or in preparation for further education.

Students will take courses in typography, design software, data visualization, web design, branding, and publication design, as well as professional development to gain knowledge in contemporary design techniques and practices. From colour theory and drawing, to representing research in compelling visual form, students will be introduced to communication design skills to better convey ideas to a client or audience.

In addition, students of this program will focus on specialized interests via elective courses with options for digital illustration, digital photography, or user experience design. Through completion of assigned and independent projects, as well as in-class presentations and critiques, students will have the opportunity to prepare a portfolio of work and launch their online presence as an up-and-coming Visual Communication Designer.

View the course list for this program.

Note: Refer to the 2D Design Certificate program course equivalencies for students who are in the process of completing.

Students who complete the Visual Communication Design Certificate should have the skills and knowledge required to:

• Demonstrate intermediate level typography skills and techniques;
• Demonstrate intermediate level web design skills and techniques;
• Use Adobe Creative Cloud applications for design and production;
• Communicate complex and/or abstract ideas and data through visual means;
• Demonstrate the value and application of design research;
• Analyze a client brief and determine deliverables, costs and timelines;
• Create a marketing plan for freelance and other professional practices;
• Deliver presentations and provide thoughtful feed

Students complete the Visual Communication Design Certificate at their own pace, registering in their required and electives courses according to their own schedule and availability. Courses are offered over evenings and weekends, allowing for part-time study.

Students must complete a minimum of 390 hours of class-time. Courses range in length from 12 to 36 hours.

Students are evaluated through the completion of assignments and projects as well as exercises, written work, presentations and critiques. Students can expect to spend approximately one hour completing homework for every one hour spent in class.

Continuing Studies part-time certificate program courses follow a Pass/Fail assessment and grading methodology. Students must demonstrate competency in every course learning outcome to receive a Pass (P) grade, and must achieve a Pass (P) in every required course to be eligible for a Visual Communication Design Certificate.

To receive a passing grade in each of their courses, students must:

• Maintain a minimum 85% attendance rate;
• Complete assignments, exercises, and activities to instructor’s requirements;
• Demonstrate a Commendable, Very Good, or Good level of understanding of the subject matter, concepts, and techniques
• Satisfy all course learning outcomes to the instructor’s stated P/F standards.

No previous experience in Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Illustration or other Design practice is required to begin the Visual Communication Design Certificate, but basic computer skills are recommended. To register in the required courses, students must be over the age of 18 at the start of their course, have proficiency in spoken and written English and should have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education.

As a guideline, we expect applicants to have an IELTS score of 4.0-5.0 for studio courses and 6.0 for lecture courses.

See each course listing below for specific prerequisites.

Students can use work from their Visual Communication Design Certificate in an admissions portfolio to apply for the following programs:

• Bachelor of Design, Communication Design
• Bachelor of Design, Interaction Design
• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration
• Bachelor of Media Arts, 2D & Experimental Animation