2013-14 University Calendar
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar  2013-14  Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design  Foundations in Design: Certificate

Foundations in Design: Certificate

Description

The Foundations in Design (FIND) program offers students the opportunity to develop the fundamental knowledge, insights and skills common to the field of design and its diverse disciplines and to explore and assess design education options and career possibilities.

The FIND program celebrates diversity of thought, expression, philosophy, values and most importantly learning styles. The curriculum emphasizes personal development, basic design skills development and the development of a comprehensive portfolio.

Based on the cornerstones of exploration, skill development and self-analysis, the FIND program focuses on learning priorities some of which include:

Student Profile

The FIND program offers a comprehensive introduction to design education – theory and practice - that is particularly appropriate for:

Graduates of secondary school

Current post-secondary students

Students currently in other design, design related or interdisciplinary programs such as Marketing, Trades, Business, Public Relations, Journalism, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, Health Sciences or Environmental Sciences where the learning outcomes of the FIND program may complement their own discipline specific studies. Some courses in the FIND program are designated university breadth courses. 

Students currently in the Trades Programs specializing in design and fabrication may also benefit from skills developed in FIND. 

Some of the skills developed in FIND include: creative problem solving, critical and contextual thinking, idea generation and visualization, time/project management and team building.

Graduates of post-secondary programs

Recent graduates from any discipline seeking to complement their discipline specific education with the fundamental skills mentioned above and supported in an interdisciplinary environment by interdisciplinary faculty stressing integration, collaboration and synthesis.

Mature students

Program Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements, including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

Portfolio Review

Portfolios should reflect creative interests and current art/design capabilities. The following are suggestions for inclusion in the portfolio but are intended only as a guide. There is no minimum or maximum number of projects to include.

Portfolios will be accepted in digital or physical formats.

Reflective Written Statement

Applicants must also include a comprehensive written statement that reflects interests in design as well as personal, educational and career goals.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a total of 30 credits (27 credits of core Foundations in Design courses and 3 credits of specified electives):

Core courses - all of:
  FIND 1100 Design Processes, Methods and Materials 3 credits
  FIND 1110 Drawing for Design 3 credits
  FIND 1120 Design History l* 3 credits
  FIND 1130 Design Explorations* 3 credits
  FIND 1140 Colour Theories* 3 credits
  FIND 1150 Designing for Humanity* 3 credits
  FIND 1160 Communication through Visual Language 3 credits
  FIND 1200 Two Dimensional Design 3 credits
  FIND 1210 Three Dimensional Design 3 credits
Electives - one of:
  FIND 1220 Interdisciplinary Design History II* 3 credits
  FIND 1230 Drafting for Design 3 credits

Notes:
* University designated breadth courses.

Other Information

Returning Foundations in Design students and students who successfully qualify for a seat in Foundations in Design register early. Registering on your date and time (as per your instructions from the Office of Admissions) is extremely important , as some seats may be made available to students from other KPU programs taking designated Foundations in Design breadth courses. 

Please visit kpu.ca/design/find for more specific program information such as Tuition & Fees, Student Testimonials, Information for Parents, course specific project work, Frequently Asked Questions, Careers in Design etc.

Costs

In addition to tuition, students should be prepared to spend approximately $500 - $800 for project materials and photocopying during the program.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Certificate of Foundations in Design.

Last Updated: Sep 16, 2013

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