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Program-at-a-glance
Length of Study

Three years, full time

Study Options

Classroom

Credential Granted

Design Studies Diploma

Intake(s)

September

»
Transferability

Athabasca University - up to 60 credits in the Bachelor of Professional Arts program

Alberta College of Art and Design - photography major graduates can apply for up to 60 credits (two years) of the four-year Bachelor of Design degree

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
2012 Info Sessions &
Student-for-a-day
Program Information Package
Entrance Requirements & Portfolio Guidelines
Events
May 16 2012 - May 24 2012
Video installation based on the insight of youth with Tourette Syndrome
May 29 2012
Do you have your sights set on a career in design?
Jun 19 2012
Do you have your sights set on a career in design?

The Design Studies program at MacEwan University is composed of a prerequisite one-year Design Foundations Certificate (or equivalent), leading to one of three two-year communication design diploma majors: Illustration, Digital Media, and Photography. All Design Studies students must successfully complete Foundations with a GPA of at least 2.0 in order to move into diploma studies. (Foundations equivalencies will be considered; applicants with an equivalent credential seeking direct enter to a design major must contact the program prior to the first portfolio submission date.)

Are you ready to be introduced to new ways of seeing and thinking about design - and the world in which you live? Are you willing to be challenged and encouraged to explore new territory?

WE HAVE A [ PROGRAM ] FOR THAT.

Design is everywhere. Publications, documentaries, illustrations, photographs, and physical or virtual spaces impact and influence our daily decisions. The words, how they look, which images and sounds they are used with, and what medium is used give visual communication designers both the opportunity and the ability to have their messages stand out.

The Design Studies diploma at Grant MacEwan University is a combination of the one-year Design Foundations Certificate program, plus two years of specialization in one of three diploma majors.

Learn

The Centre for the Arts and Communications campus is a creative, supportive community. Student learning and experience is enriched by faculty members who are passionate about the practice and the teaching of design. They are active professionals, experienced instructors and innovators in their field who research on a wide range of subjects and are regular exhibitors of their creative work.

The Design Studies Diploma offers both lecture and studio courses where you learn about:

  • Design and communication theory
  • Design process, research and problem solving
  • Typography and 2D design
  • Advertising, branding and marketing
  • Technical, software and production skills
  • Design practices, professionalism and portfolio development

Customize your learning experience by choosing from these three majors:

Practice

Get hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Work collaboratively with other students, programs and industry to develop real-world solutions to communication problems. You will create a professional portfolio that demonstrates a well rounded skill set in visual communication design and showcases your talent in your area of specialization.

Succeed

A diploma in Design Studies and a professional portfolio will help launch your career or prepare you for further studies.

Design Studies program graduates fulfill a variety of roles in the industry, including: graphic designer, illustrator, production artist, photographer, photo illustrator, video camera operator, sound recordist, production assistant, grip, video editor, motion graphic designer, video producer, store merchandiser, display designer, trade show designer, web designer and interface designer.