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Ministry-approved title: Graphic Design
To apply to take graphic design courses in our program you will need:
Please note: For applicants who have a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit (C, M or U levels) on their high school transcript, a portfolio submission is not required to apply to take graphic design courses. Applicants without a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit, must submit a portfolio of work. Please submit your portfolio as a digital pdf file or include a website address with your graphic and design course application.
In addition to the academic requirements, admission to this program MAY require the submission of a portfolio of artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow students to demonstrate their creative ability.
For more information on submitting a portfolio, you are welcome to attend one of our Portfolio Information Sessions.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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In the first semester of the graphic design program, students build a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of graphic design.
Through a series of carefully planned graphic design courses, they explore essential principles of design, learning to create visually appealing compositions. Students also gain valuable experience using industry-standard tools and software, which are crucial for success in their graphic design courses and beyond.
The first semester’s courses in graphic design cover the basics of typography and introduce them to the fundamentals of new media design. Students also learn practical skills in photography and illustration in these initial classes in graphic design. The comprehensive introduction students receive in these introductory graphic design courses starts them on the core competencies they will need to succeed in the graphic design field.
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Graduates of the diploma in graphic design program are equipped with a diverse skill set and strong foundation in design principles, which can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities.
Whether you're drawn to the world of branding, the field of digital media, or the realm of advertising, there are numerous possibilities for how you can apply the skills and knowledge gained in your graphic design courses. The design industry offers an increasing number of paths for both personal expression and professional growth, making it an ideal field for those who excelled in their graphic design courses.
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Fill out the form to get more information on your program of interest, upcoming events, and how to become a Durham College student. By submitting your information below, you consent to Durham College contacting you via email and/or SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month. You may withdraw consent at any time.
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Note: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For details on specific laptop and software requirements, click here.
The six-semester Graphic Design program at Durham College prepares graduates for careers as entry-level designers across a broad range of professional contexts – from advertising and branding to editorial, packaging, and motion graphics.
Through a thoughtfully structured series of courses, students gain the technical and creative skills needed to solve real-world visual communication problems. Working with industry-standard hardware and software, students explore a wide range of design applications including corporate identity systems, editorial layouts, motion graphics, and digital content creation.
The first year of study builds a strong foundation, introducing students to:
In the second and third year of the Graphic Design program, students apply these principles to advanced design challenges. For example, they may create a full brand identity for a fictional company, including a logo, typographic system, and promotional materials. Other projects include: editorial layout design, digital interface creation, and user-focused problem solving. These hands-on assignments emphasize both creative thinking and strategic execution – key skills required in the professional design world.
Complementary areas of study include:
Students often discover specific areas of interest through the program and may choose to specialize as they build their portfolios.
In the sixth semester, students complete a field placement with a professional design studio, agency, or in-house creative team. This valuable placement provides an opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting, gain industry mentorship, and build connections that often lead to employment after graduation.
Upon completing your classes in graphic design and your internship, you can expect to understand and be able to do the following:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Hybrid
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
As a graduate of the graphic design program at Durham College, you will be equipped with everything you need to enter the profession and take on one of many exciting roles. With the most up-to-date knowledge, skills, and familiarity with cutting-edge tools and technology, you can strike confidently toward a future in this dynamic, ever-changing field.
Graduates from graphic arts programs typically have many options that are not listed below. We encourage you to think openly and broadly about the possibilities for applying what you learned in your graphic design courses, much of which is transferable to other fields.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Your graphic design courses will be complemented by a 14-week field placement in the last semester of the graphic design program. The field placement provides you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice at an agency or studio under the supervision of an industry professional.
The placement must be approved by faculty, and we will remain in contact with you to monitor your progress and answer any questions you may have while you were away from campus. Many graduates from graphic arts programs are offered employment at the end of their field placement, making it a particularly valuable experience!
If you would want to continue your education after completing your study in graphic design, Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
For the graphic design program, a Mac notebook computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SOFTWARE PRIOR TO STARTING THE PROGRAM.
Creative Cloud brings together everything you need to create your greatest work. One simple membership gives you and your classmates to the very latest versions of all the Adobe professional creative desktop applications like Photoshop®, Illustrator®, After Effects®, InDesign® and more — plus new features and upgrades as soon as they're available. And that's just the beginning. With Creative Cloud™, everything you need to create intuitively and collaboratively is included.
Free downloadable software (please download and install prior to the start of classes. Caution: To avoid malware, only download from the actual developer or using the links below):
NOTE: These requirements were accurate at the time of posting and are subject to change. Please be aware that hardware and software versions are subject to change and will be updated as needed. For further information and FAQ click here.
With over eight years of experience in graphic design, motion design, brand development and an MA - Design, Shaun specializes in creating impactful visual identities and campaigns for national brands and broadcasts. He leverages industry expertise to deliver innovative, real-world design education.
Rhian is an award-winning and published designer with 20+ years of experience in graphic design, specializing in package design. She has developed, revitalized and strengthened brands for the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods markets in North America, United Kingdom, Russia and Australia. Rhian led students to two bronze placements at the Global PAC Competition.
A Professor of Graphic Design, MaryRose has taught since 2012. As a Multimedia Designer, she worked in many niches of art and design, including exhibition design, animation, photography, web and brand development. MaryRose aims to motivate and inspire students, developing specializations in inclusive, human-centered design by merging technology with art and culture.
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