DESCRIPTION
In the contemporary marketplace, graphic designers function as creative problem solvers, design planners and strategists, and skilled communicators and technologists. They are team players, team leaders, and can be employees, freelancers, or self-employed entrepreneurs. They require a solid understanding of business and marketing, high-level visual and critical thinking skills, well-developed research capabilities, as well as a broad-based understanding of diverse social and cultural groups. Graphic designers are involved in projects ranging from the design of visual identities for corporations, retail stores, and institutions, to specialist projects involving skateboard and sports-related graphics. Today, graphic designers have more wide-ranging career opportunities than ever before. They may design websites, lifestyle and fashion magazines, hospital and shopping mall wayfinding systems, fundraising campaigns for non-profit organizations, packaging for all manner of products, advertising campaigns on billboards and bus shelters, and even television and film title credits.
The Graphic Design for Marketing (GDMA) program has worked closely with industry to design a curriculum that meets the needs of the marketplace. GDMA graduates graphic designers who have well-developed design skills, understand the connection between design and marketing, and have a wide range of complementary and interdisciplinary knowledge and abilities.
The Graphic Design for Marketing program offers students two options for their studies:
1. Bachelor of Applied Design in Graphic Design for MarketingThis is a selective-entry, four-year Bachelor's Degree program that is eight semesters in length consisting of 120 credits of coursework.
2. Diploma in Graphic Design for Marketing
This selective-entry, three-year diploma program is embedded within the degree. It allows students who do not wish to pursue a degree in graphic design to have an optional exit point after six semesters of study and 90 credits of coursework.
Please contact the Enrolment and Registrar Services at 604.599.2000 for a copy of the latest Graphic Design for Marketing program brochure, or visit the program's website at http://www.kwantlen.ca/applied-design/gdma. Information is also available on Kwantlen's website at kwantlen.ca. Information Sessions for design programs at Kwantlen are held twice yearly in mid-October and mid-February.
International Students
Please contact the International Education Office for information regarding admission and registration at 1.604.599.2534 or via e-mail at inted@kwantlen.ca
Alternate Program Availability
We recommend that you indicate a "second choice" program on your application in the event that you are not accepted into the GDMA program for September. For example, the Interdisciplinary Design Studies (IDDS) program (a 30-credit foundational design exploration program) would help you to develop a portfolio, as would the Fine Arts program. Several open access programs offer courses that are transferable to the GDMA degree. Please read the Kwantlen calendar, or check the website for admission requirements for these programs.
Bachelor of Applied Design in Graphic Design For Marketing – Degree
Description
Graphic Design for Marketing (GDMA) is a four-year, selective entry degree program consisting of 120 credits of coursework organized into eight semesters of study. The program is currently offered on a full-time basis; however, some opportunities may also exist for part-time studies.
The GDMA program provides a balanced education that encompasses skills, knowledge and capabilities relating to, graphic design, marketing, business and liberal education.
Students in the GDMA degree program will develop knowledge, skills and abilities from learning domains as diverse as graphic design process, marketing, and business; media, technology, and production; conceptual development and image development; and an understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts of graphic design. They will be skilled in applying design theory and processes, with an emphasis on critical thinking and creative problem solving, and will be able to originate and produce marketing and promotional concepts for a wide range of products and services, including the promotion of corporate, institutional, and social initiatives.
The program works closely with the graphic design community and its professional associations in order to ensure students develop career readiness and graduate with the best possible chance for success as employed or self-employed practitioners.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The graphic design marketplace is rapidly changing and fast-paced. The degree program prepares graduates with broad-based experiences as graphic designers in order to compete for entry-level graphic design positions.
Generalist Graphic Designers:
GDMA degree graduates will qualify for entry-level positions as graphic designers in firms providing corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and others with services which may include marketing strategy, interactive media design, publication design, advertising design, direct marketing design, and display design. Understanding consumer behaviour and end-user needs will also qualify the graduate for employment in marketing, advertising or public relations firms that offer graphic design as one of their services.
Specialist Graphic Designers:
GDMA degree graduates will have been exposed to various specialty areas within the graphic design profession in order to begin to develop a specialist design career for themselves. The population and industry growth necessary to support graphic design specialists is already occurring in the Lower Mainland.
In-House (Resident) Graphic Designers:
The diverse skills acquired by graduates of the GDMA program will equip them to work as in-house graphic designers in corporations or institutions with their own graphic design departments.
Self-Employed, Freelance or Entrepreneurial Graphic Designers:
The GDMA graduate will have a solid understanding of the graphic design industry and marketplace through field studies and a mentorship, as well as business and marketing courses. They will have prepared a comprehensive portfolio along with a self-promotional and marketing strategy in order to effectively market their services.
STUDENT PROFILE
Applicants come from diverse backgrounds and age groups, and demonstrate a keen interest in visual communications expressed through design and art explorations; particularly through activities involving drawing, illustration, typography, photography, computer-based projects, video, painting, sculpture, or various types of craft work.
Applicants may also have communications, marketing, public relations or business-related experience. They may come directly from high school or may transfer from other institutions, or they may be former graduates of design, fine arts, or related programs.
Applicants may be mature individuals who want to make a career change, or may have experience in the graphic design industry and want to upgrade their credentials.
It is strongly recommended that applicants have basic skills in English communication, word processing, basic mathematics, plus an awareness of the graphic design profession, and its significance globally and in Canada.
All applicants to the GDMA program must meet the program requirements for admission and selective-entry, including transcript submissions, a portfolio review, and an interview. Please consult the Admission Requirements as outlined below.
Credit for Previous Learning
Students may obtain credit for segments of the program with results from course work (i.e. liberal education courses) taken in other programs at Kwantlen, or at another institution. All applications for credits for previous learning will be assessed on an individual basis. Graduates from a two- or three-year graphics program who wish to pursue a degree in graphic design will be assessed on an individual basis.
Applicants with experience in the graphic design industry may acquire credits through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
Graduates from Kwantlen's Graphic and Visual Design program (GRVD) may apply for degree completion. Applicants who completed the GRVD program in the year 2000 and after may apply for entry to Year 3 of the degree. All applications will be assessed individually.
PART-TIME STUDIES
Graphic design professionals may also wish to take specific courses on a part-time basis to complement their job skills. Some requirements for course prerequisites may be waived based on work experience. Opportunities for part-time studies will depend upon the number of seats that are available. Please contact the Program Coordinator or the Dean of Applied Design and Communications for further information.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
The GDMA Program begins in September. Applications are accepted starting November 1 until March 31. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible, since date of qualification is an important factor in your application.
The Graphic Design for Marketing (GDMA) program is a selective-entry program. Successful applicants will have met Kwantlen's general admission requirements, and the following GDMA admission consisting of documentation, a portfolio review, and an interview including a brief design exercise.
Documentation:
Applicants must also meet one of the following admission requirements that are specific to the GDMA:
- English 12 with a minimum B
- C or higher in any one of the following: ENGL 1100 or ENGQ 1099 or ENGL 1099 or ABEE 0091 or ABEE 0092 or PSPE 1091 or ENGP 1091 or ABEE 0097 or PSPE 1097 or ENGP 1097
- B or higher in ELST 0381 and ELST 0383
- Kwantlen English Placement Test, with a recommendation to ENGL 1100
- LPI with an Essay score of 30 or higher
- Equivalent English course completed and transferred from another post secondary institution
Note: Proof of an English assessment MUST be presented with the application form. Applicants who are completing Grade 12 high school must submit an interim English 12 grade by March 31. For those who are taking English preparatory courses, interim marks must also be submitted to Enrolment and Registrar Services by March 31 and final grades by April 30. Please contact the Enrolment and Registrar Services for further information at 604.599.2000.
Admission application forms are available from any Kwantlen Enrolment and Registrar Services Office. Please contact the Enrolment and Registrar Services for information concerning opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
In early April, applicants will receive a letter inviting them to attend portfolio review and interview sessions that will take place in late April or early May. Alternative arrangements may be possible for students who live outside the Greater Vancouver region. Please contact the Enrolment and Registrar Services 604.599.2000 for further details.
Applicants who apply for GDMA and who meet most but not all of the requirements for direct entry may be offered conditional admission for the following year pending successful completion of the two-semester Interdisciplinary Design Studies (IDDS) program, a 30 credit foundational design exploration program. These students will be invited to a second review by GDMA in early Spring, to determine final admission to the GDMA program the following Fall semester.
Information Sessions
The Centre for Applied Design and Communications holds information sessions twice yearly in mid-October and mid-February. These information sessions will provide prospective applicants with an opportunity to view examples of student portfolios, and discuss portfolio and program entry requirements. It is highly recommended that applicants attend one of these sessions prior to submitting their portfolios for review by faculty.
Portfolio Review
Applicants who have submitted the required documentation and met Kwantlen's general admission requirements will be notified by the Enrolment and Registrar Services of the dates and times for portfolio review and interview sessions typically in late April or early May. Applicants will participate in a selection process that includes a portfolio review of the following:
- 10-15 varied examples of a broad range of art and design work such as drawing (sketchbooks and journals are strongly encouraged), illustration, drafting, typography, lettering and calligraphy, photography, computer-based graphics (including interactivity and motion), printmaking, painting, sculpture, and crafts. If appropriate, include evidence of communications, marketing, public relations, or business-related work. Pieces larger than 18 x 24 inches and 3D objects must be photographed and submitted as photographic prints, slides, or as digital images. Please do not submit originals that are fragile or rolled. Ensure your name is on each piece of your work. Include brief captions for each example of work submitted: title of project, your objectives, any details about materials and processes used, dimensions (in the case of a reproductions of originals), and whether the piece was an assigned project or self-initiated.
- Photocopies or downloaded copies of current transcripts of secondary and/or post-secondary education transcripts MUST be included with the portfolio. These are for use by faculty who are reviewing your portfolio. Official transcripts submitted to the Enrolment and Registrar Services are separate.
- One to two-page, typewritten statement of your personal educational and career goals, including why you wish to pursue an education in Graphic Design for Marketing.
- Resume outlining your education and/or work experience (including dates)
- Two letters of reference from teachers and/or employers supporting your application to the Graphic Design for Marketing program.
As part of the selection process, applicants may be asked to attend an in-person interview with faculty.
Portfolios can be submitted in one of the following formats:
- Hardcopy portfolios, e.g. zipper cases, folders or customized containers with originals or reproductions, such as photographs, slides, videos or animations.
- Digital portfolios, e.g. CD, DVD, USB Drive, or website. GDMA recommends that digital files be set up as digital slide shows or PDF's for easy viewing. GDMA does not accept responsibility for digital portfolios that cannot be opened. Please consult the GDMA Program Assistant if you have technical questions., at 604.599.2827.
The Enrolment and Registrar Services will notify students of the results of the portfolio review and/or interview process.
CONTENT
The Bachelor of Applied Design in Graphic Design for Marketing (GDMA) program consists of 120 credits, organized into eight semesters, over a four-year period.
Please be advised that course names, and descriptions may change. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the Enrolment and Registrar Services and check the Kwantlen website at www.kwantlen.ca
Refer to timetables as course offerings may change year to year.
Successful applicants may take their liberal education and non discipline specific courses prior to entering the program and/or during the summer months in order to lighten their workload during the term. Courses such as ENGL 1100, MRKT 1199 and others are usually offered during the summer semester.
Industry personnel 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.
YEAR ONE
Semester 1
- GDMA 1100 Fundamental of Typographic Design I
- GDMA 1110 Fundamentals of Image Development I
- GDMA 1121 Print Production Software Applications 1
- ENGL 1100 Writing, Reading and Thinking: An Introduction
- GDMA 1140 Graphic Design and Society I
Semester 2
YEAR TWO
Semester 1
Semester 2
- GDMA 2200 Publication Design 2
- GDMA 2210 Interactive and Sequential Image Development
- GDMA 2220 Interactive Software Applications 1
- GDMA 2230 Introduction to Marketing Communications
- GDMA 2240 Social Contexts for Interactive Media
YEAR THREE
Semester 1
Semester 2
YEAR FOUR
Semester 1
Semester 2
COSTS
Students should be prepared to spend approximately $600 to $1000 per year on books and materials.
Applicants are advised they will be required to contribute to the fundraising activities and expenses associated with their graduation Degree Show.
GRADUATION
Upon successful completion of the 120-credit program (or equivalent), students are awarded a Bachelor of Applied Design in Graphic Design for Marketing (GDMA).