Basic requirements
High school graduation
English Studies 12 (C) or English 12 (C) or English First Peoples 12 (C)
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
Students at CapU write assignments, follow class lectures and take part in class discussions in English.
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
Alternate contact: ielts@sfu.ca
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 September 2021
Required minimum mark: 110
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.
Early admission is open until January 20, 2021. Upload your portfolio to SlideRoom today.
More info: Click here
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
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
Career paths
