Bachelor of Design in Communication Design Major
Vancouver, Canada
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
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APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Scholarships
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Introduction
Bachelor of Design: Communication Design Major
A major in Communication Design will empower you to express ideas, brands, and storylines clearly and creatively.
All our majors commence upon completion of our Foundation Year requirements.
In our complex world, effective, clear communication through visual design is always in demand. Learn to design strong solutions and solve communication challenges with our Communication Design Major. Studies combine theory and practice, exploring cultural, historical, technical, ecological, and theoretical issues. With this knowledge, you will be ready to develop an engaging and sought after visual design practice.
Communication Design offers progressively challenging experiences over the final three years of study in your four-year degree program. The focus is on developing comprehensible design of messages and experiences. You begin with a required mix of core studio and critical studies courses, then move toward flexible electives that allow you to customize your design education. Electives include print design, interactivity, and motion graphics. Within these areas of specialization, choose to focus on illustration, typography, wayfinding, information design and other opportunities. The program emphasizes 2D design - in print or on screen - plus opportunities to investigate overlapping areas in 3D design
After first year Foundation studies at Emily Carr, you will apply to enter the Communications Design Major in your second year.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
FOUNDATION
15 CREDITS PER SEMESTER
- FNDT 108 Creative Processes
- FNDT 165 Core Interdisc Studio
- Foundation Studio Elective
Choose ONE of:
- FNDT 160 Core Media Studio I
- FNDT 161 Core Design Studio I
- FNDT 164 Core Visual Arts Studio I
- HUMN 100 Academic Core I
- HUMN 101 Academic Core II
SECOND YEAR
15 CREDITS PER SEMESTR
- COMD 200 Core Studio in COMD
- COMD204 Typographic Comm
- COMD 210 Core Studio in COMD
- Elective, any subject/level
- DHS 201 Design Culture II
- SOCS 202 Eco Perspective in Design
- Critical Studies Elective 200 level
THIRD YEAR
15 CREDITS PER SEMESTER
- COMD 300 Core Studio in COMD
- COMD 310 Core Studio in COMD
- SOCS 309 Design Research
- Critical Studies Elective 300 level
FOURTH YEAR
15 CREDITS PER SEMESTER
- COMD 400 Core Studio in COMD
- COMD 410 Core Studio in COMD
- Studio Elective 200/300/400 level
- Elective, any subject/level
- SOCS 411 Professional Practice
- DHIS 400 Design Futures
Program Outcome
Your studies will focus steadily in this field over the last three years of your four year degree. Upon completion you will achieve the undergraduate degree and designation, Bachelor Design, Majoring in Communications Design (BDes, CommD). See the Admissions section about application information for undergraduate, international, transfer, and aboriginal students.
The program aims are to:
- equip you with theoretical and practical tools of communication design;
- prepare you to develop a relevant design practice with sensitivity to global, ethical, environmental and technological challenges;
- cover principles and methods of typography, verbal and graphic language, and critical problem-solving in advanced levels of design practice; fostering an understanding of the design process as problem-solving with a focus on the audience or user, and intuitive thinking, making, and applied research;
- support your learning through real-world, collaborative projects including internships, co-op placements or work experiences in studios, agencies, and workplaces in industry-related sectors;
- foster a vibrant design community within Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada to strengthen the status of communication design in the private and public sectors regionally as well as globally.
We offer flexible continuing studies programs for anyone that wants to learn new creative skills, build their portfolio, and advance their career path. Choose from dozens of individual courses and workshops, or sign up for one of our full or part-time certificate programs.
Undergraduate students are also welcomed to expand their breadth of learning by taking Continuing Studies courses outside their degree program. To get started, browse our available programs online today.
Career Opportunities
Inspiring job titles of our graduates
Communication Design Officer, Principal Designer, Social Media Strategist, Interface Designer, Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Global Head, Employee Communications, Visual Designer, Creative Strategist
Dynamic employers that have recruited our graduates
SAP, Hootsuite, Facebook,POP, 10Four Design Group, Visier Inc., Ruby on Rails, BC Children's Hospital Foundation, Capcom Game Studio