Graphic and Digital Design — diploma

Program Overview

The Graphic and Digital Design Diploma program at the University of the Fraser Valley is a two-year program that provides students with a strong foundation in key design areas, including communication design, brand identity, interactive design, and dynamic media. The program emphasizes real-world projects and experiences, and offers opportunities for engagement with the design industry through events, guest lectures, and field trips. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as graphic designers, visual communicators, creative strategists, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program: Graphic and Digital Design Diploma
• Institution: University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
• Duration: Two years
• Objectives:
• Develop a strong foundation in key design areas: communication design, brand identity, interactive design, and dynamic media.
• Become a skilled graphic designer, visual communicator, and creative strategist.
• Description:
• Emphasizes real-world projects, contexts, and issues.
• Utilizes industry-standard digital tools in UFV's networked studios and labs.
• Offers opportunities for engagement with the design industry through events, guest lectures, field trips, study tours, design conferences, workshops, practica, and mentorship.

Outline:

• Content:
• Communication design
• Brand identity
• Interactive design
• Dynamic Media
• Structure:
• Two-year diploma program

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Design thinking processes
• Application of industry-standard digital tools
• Unique approaches:
• Emphasis on real-world projects and experience.
• Opportunities for engagement with the design industry.

Careers:

• Career paths:
• Graphic designer
• Visual communicator
• Creative strategist
• Web designer
• User experience or user interface designer
• Career opportunities:
• In-house designer positions
• Freelance designer
• Career outcomes:
• Increased job opportunities in digital and social media platforms
• Leadership positions in the design field such as senior designer, art director, or creative director.

Other:

• Events hosted by the department:
• Annual portfolio show
• Exhibitions
• Student fundraisers
• Open houses
• Industry nights
• Benefits of participation:
• Networking with industry players and the local creative community
• Continuing education opportunities:
• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor or extended minor in Graphic and Digital Design at UFV