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 educational and career options.
The FIND program celebrates diversity of thought, philosophy, values and learning styles with a curriculum emphasizing personal development, creative problem solving and critical and contextual thinking.
Based on the four cornerstones of exploration, self-diagnosis, transition and fundamental skill development, some goals of the FIND program include:
- Broaden knowledge of the options, opportunities and requirements within the field of design and its various disciplines.
- Develop creative problem solving and critical thinking skills, visualization and teamwork skills.
- Encourage informed choices regarding future studies and career paths.
- Enable students to develop their own voices through the formation and expression of their ideas verbally and visually.
- Encourage self-expression respecting social, cultural, environmental, economic and ecological contexts.
- Broaden knowledge and understanding of the theories, methodologies and processes common to all disciplines of design.
Design professionals may contact the Program Coordinator to access individual courses of interest without applying for the complete program. Access is determined by permission of the Coordinator and an availability of space. Please refer to timetables as course offerings may change year to year.
Student Profile
The FIND program offers a comprehensive introduction to design studies and practice that is particularly appropriate for:
Graduates of secondary school
Students interested in a career in the field of design but who have not yet determined which discipline would suit them best. Students who have decided on a specific career path but need to expand their foundational skills and improve their portfolio as a means of gaining access to further design studies.
Current post-secondary students
Students in other design or related programs such as Marketing, Business, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Fine Arts, Social Sciences/Humanities wishing to complement their discipline specific knowledge and skills with Foundations in Design learning outcomes (which include creative problem solving skills, critical and contextual thinking skills, conceptualization and visualization skills and team skills). Some FIND courses are designated general education or breadth courses.
Graduates of post-secondary programs
Recent graduates from any discipline seeking to complement their discipline specific studies with the fundamental design skills mentioned above and supported in an interdisciplinary learning environment, stressing integration, collaboration and synthesis.
Mature students
- Mature students seeking a transitional program where they can explore career and educational opportunities in the field of design and its diverse disciplines.
- Mature students seeking an opportunity to explore alternative career and educational options in design or to complement or enhance their professional development.
- Mature students, working professionals, and Art/Design Educators interested in complementing and enhancing their professional development in areas such as creative problem solving, critical and contextual thinking, conceptualization and visualization capabilities (see Content).
- Students who do not qualify for other design diploma or degree programs at Kwantlen or other institutions and are looking for an opportunity to upgrade or begin their studies.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to Kwantlen's General university admission requirements, including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
- Portfolio review
Portfolio Review
Portfolios should reflect creative interests. Applicants must also include a written statement that reflects interests in design as well as personal, educational and career goals.
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.
- Photos/scans of drawings, paintings, sculptures, pottery, textiles, woodworking, printmaking, sewing/costume design, garden/landscape design, room decorating or model making
- Photos/scans of sketchbooks or journals
- Samples of photography
- Transcripts from high school and any post-secondary institutions attended (Note: transcripts sent with your application for admission are not available to faculty – you must include a copy in your portfolio)
Portfolios will be accepted in digital or physical formats.
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: |
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| 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: |
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| FIND 1220 | Interdisciplinary Design History II† | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1230 | Drafting for Design* | 3 credits | |
Notes:
* Not all elective options will be offered every year.
† University designated breadth courses.
Other Information
Additional 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 Kwantlen programs taking designated Foundations in Design breadth courses.
Costs
In addition to tuition, students should be prepared to spend approximately $500.00 to $800.00 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.
