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Social Sciences and Communication
Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication
Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication

Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication

  • ID:CU010024
  • Level:4-Year Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
  • Intake:

Fees (CAD)

Estimated Total/program:
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60
Accept letter
100
Visa
20
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1

Admission Requirements

Entry requirements:

  • High school graduation

  • English Studies 12 (C) or English 12 (C) or English First Peoples 12 (C)

English requirements:

  • If English is not your first language or you’ve received your education in a language other than English you must take one of the following English language assessment tests:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

    • Required minimum marks:

      • online test (TOEFL iBT®): 83

      • paper-delivered test: 560

    • Capilano University TOEFL code: 0505

  • ELA (English Language Assessment Test)

    • Required minimum mark: 145

  • Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

    • Required minimum mark: 6.5 overall, with no single score below 6

  • CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test)

    • Required minimum mark: 70

  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English – Academic)

    • Required minimum mark: 56

  • DET (Duolingo English Test) – Being accepted on a temporary basis until January 2021

    • Required minimum mark: 110

Other requirements:

  • Program-specific requirements

    • One letter of reference

    • Entrance questionnaire

    • Portfolio

  • Additional information

    • Program-specific requirements must be submitted through our online portal SlideRoom

    • If your portfolio meets the standards of the program you will be invited to attend an interview, complete tests in drawing, creative thinking and communication, and asked to bring a current sketchbook for review

Course Information

Program Highlights

Want to be part of the next generation of creative professionals? Learn your craft and develop your skill in visual expression at CapU.

The world of visual communication moves fast. In the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program at Capilano University, we make it our business to keep up with industry trends and innovations – and take you with us. The curriculum is rigorous, industry-focused and responsive to cultural change and technology advances.

You'll learn a broad range of design specialties such as branding, illustration, and interactive design. You'll engage with instructors who are professionals with years of experience and broad networks across the industry. Bring your talent, passion and goals to a program with a reputation for industry-ready graduates.

Vancouver Film School (VFS) educational pathway

After completing a VFS Digital Design diploma (within the past four years), you can apply for the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program through the VFS to CapU block transfer agreement.

Through this pathway, students with a VFS Digital Design diploma will be awarded 60 credits toward entrance into the program at CapU.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of current visual communication practice.

  • Identify and solve communication problems using a strategic process, with an emphasis on design thinking, creativity, original solutions, and clarity of communication.

  • Describe and respond to the audiences and contexts that communication solutions must address, including recognition of the physical, cognitive, economic, cultural, and social human factors that shape visual communication decisions.

  • Demonstrate proficiency with the tools and technologies that support visual communication practice and apply concepts across a range of media platforms.

  • Utilize professional development and industry work experience to enter the field as visual communication professionals.

  • Apply visual communication expertise for societal and environmental benefit.

  • Work collaboratively with other disciplines in business, industry, and the broader community.

  • Recognize the importance of life-long learning and responsiveness to change.

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First Term

Total credits: 15.00

  • DSGN 121, Design Fundamentals, 3.00 credits

  • ENGL 100, University Writing Strategies, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 131, Survey and Principles of Illustration I, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 133, Visual Studio, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 141, Survey and Principles of Design I, 3.00 credits

Second Term

Total credits: 15.00

  • DSGN 122, Creative Thinking for Designers, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 132, Survey and Principles of Illustration II, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 142, Survey and Principles of Design II, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 151, Digital Media I, 3.00 credits

  • Numeracy Elective 100-level or higher, 3.00 credits

Third Term

Total credits: 16.00

  • IDES 211, Technology Intensive I, 1.00 credits

  • IDES 235, Illustration Studio I, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 243, Design Studio I, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 247, Survey and Principles of Typography, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 252, Digital Media II, 3.00 credits

  • ENGL or CMNS 100-level or higher, 3.00 credits

Fourth Term

Total credits: 16.00

  • IDES 212, Technology Intensive II, 1.00 credits

  • IDES 236, Illustration Studio II, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 237, Digital Illustration, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 244, Design Studio II, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 249, Brand Identity, 3.00 credits

  • Breadth Elective 100-level or higher, 3.00 credits

Fifth Term

Total credits: 16.00

  • DSGN 325, Design Thinking and Research, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 313, Technology Intensive III, 1.00 credits

  • IDES 340, Visual Communication Workshops I, 3.00 credits

  • Breadth Elective 100-level or higher, 3.00 credits

  • Choose 6.00 credits from the following list:

  • IDES 360, Visual Communication Studio I, 6.00 credits

  • IDES 361, Visual Communication Studio I: Illustration Concentration, 6.00 credits

  • IDES 362, Visual Communication Studio I: Branding Concentration, 6.00 credits

  • IDES 363, Visual Communication Studio I: Interactive Concentration, 6.00 credits

Sixth Term

Total credits: 15.00

  • DSGN 320, Professional Development I, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 341, Visual Communication Workshops II, 3.00 credits

  • Breadth Elective 100-level or higher, 3.00 credits

  • Choose 6.00 credits from the following list:

  • IDES 380, Visual Communication Studio II, 6.00 credits

  • IDES 381, Visual Communication Studio II: Illustration Concentration, 6.00 credits

  • IDES 382, Visual Communication Studio II: Branding Concentration, 6.00 credits

  • IDES 383, Visual Communication Studio II: Interactive Concentration, 6.00 credits

Seventh Term

Total credits: 16.00

  • Required:

  • DSGN 473, Business Practices for Design Professionals, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 414, Technology Intensive IV, 1.00 credits

  • Breadth Elective 100-level or higher, 3.00 credits

  • Choose 9.00 credits from the following list:

  • DSGN 440, Professional Development II, 9.00 credits

  • DSGN 441, Professional Development II: Illustration Concentration, 9.00 credits

  • DSGN 442, Professional Development II: Branding Concentration, 9.00 credits

  • DSGN 443, Professional Development II: Interactive Concentration, 9.00 credits

Eighth Term

Total credits: 15.00

  • DSGN 460, Professional Development III, 3.00 credits

  • IDES 490, Industry Practicum, 9.00 credits

  • Breadth Elective 100-level or higher, 3.00 credits

 
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Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

Career paths

  • Graphic designer
  • Art director
  • Packaging designer
  • Communication designer
  • Illustrator
  • Storyboard artist
  • Character designer
  • UI/UX designer
  • Digital designer
  • Web/App designer

Ability to settle

Overseas Student Health Cover

Medical Services Plan (MSP) - $75 per month

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