Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design at Vancouver Island University

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements as outlined in the Calendar, including Degree English Requirements, the requirements listed below, and the courses listed in the matrix.

To meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design, all students must complete 120 credits over 4 years as specified in the matrix. Electives for the degree can be chosen from a wide range of course options. Students must check the University Calendar, the timetable, seat availability and the necessary prerequisites for all selected electives. Students are encouraged to select courses that complement their graphic design studies.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.

• Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design students must submit the following to support their application:

  • A portfolio
  • A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession
  • A résumé including two reference letters

  Applicants' portfolios should include 6-12 items. The work can come from a variety of mediums, including, but not limited to:

  • hand rendered sketching (pencil, ink)
  • painting (water colour, oils, acrylics)
  • collage (mixed media, other)
  • photography
  • 3D sculpture or prop building
  • writing (essays, poems, blogs)
  • digital work (commissioned or not)
  • jewelry making
  • pottery
  • fabric work (original sewing, needle work)
  • motion (video, digital)
  • websites (blogs, animation)
  • sound (music, recordings)
  • journals (sketching, writing)
  • process sketch books

Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

The degree program will be limited to 24 students. Transfer students must proceed through the same admission process. For students outside the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design program, some program courses will have spaces available for elective purposes. Students from other disciplines may be permitted to apply for spaces providing they have met the required prerequisites and program requirements, and have permission from the department. Course applicants from other programs may be required to submit a portfolio and other documentation and be screened for required hardware and software experience in order to enter individual courses.

Admission with Advanced Standing

Admission to the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design at the second or third-year levels may be possible based on available seats and will be determined on the basis of a portfolio interview and credit equivalencies determined by all of the above plus review of course outlines from the transferring institutions and/or PLA. Official post-secondary transcripts are required. Candidates with an Applied Arts Diploma in Graphic Design from Vancouver Island University who have been interviewed and meet the requirements for continuing students will qualify for entry into the third year but may not be guaranteed a seat as enrolment in limited.

Notes on Admission

• Why do we want a portfolio?

The Graphic Design program values creativity in many forms including sketches, paintings, photography, 3D work and sculpture, as well as other forms of creativity like poetry or film/video. A variety of work can be included as part of the portfolio. Applicants may also consider adding work that demonstrates exploration and independent thinking including rough sketches and processes leading to final outcomes.

• Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.

Notes on Progression

Students must obtain a minimum grade of "C" in each ARTG course in order to graduate from the program. If a "C" is not obtained, students may continue with the program, only with the approval of the program Chair.