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Graphic Design

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MonctonSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International

Program Overview

Graphic and Communications Design specialists are creative experts who produce memorable content. They value innovative visual aesthetics and excel at business communications and marketing. You'll learn how to plan, produce, and present graphics and text-based design solutions that will engage your chosen target audience. In a world where billions of images are uploaded each day, businesses hire trained and talented designers who know how to stand out and capture attention.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies


    Career Possibilities

    Successful graduates may work in a variety of organizations such as marketing/advertising agencies, graphic design studios, or web and media design companies as a graphic designer.



    Specific Considerations

    Technology Requirements
    ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Design Theory
    • Typography
    • Design Software
    • User Interface and Experience
    • Social Media Strategies
    • Integrated Media Design
    • Publication Design
    • Packaging Design
    • Consumer Behavior
    • Professional Practice
    • Branding
    • Print Production


    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course is designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of the features and functions of raster-based software for the production of creative and technically sound visual designs. 

    This course is designed to provide learners with knowledge of the features and functions of vector-based software for the production of creative and technically sound visual designs. Learners explore the context and purpose of the illustrative work by combining images with text-based elements and adjusting the physical form.

    This course is designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of the features and functions of page-layout software to create engaging layouts for interactive PDF files and e-publications. Learners gain the skill to create print and digital documents such as flyers, brochures, annual reports, magazines, books, etc.

    Prerequisites:

    • CGGI1130A
    • CGGI1131A

    This course is designed to provide learners with the artistic and technical skills to produce motion graphics, such as text and images, using editing software.

    Prerequisites:

    • CGGI1131A
    • CGGI1130A

    This course teaches students how to create documents that are organized, unified, and coherent.

    This course explores how to create designs with type for communication and creative purposes, while gathering inspiration from the history of typography. Learners examine the anatomy of type, its classifications, and families as well as considerations for its construction, purpose, layout, alignment and spacing.

    This course provides learners with foundational knowledge and skills in the design of visual solutions. Learners will explore the elements, principles, and multi-disciplinary examples of design to communicate visually, considering the intended message and audience.

    This course is designed to build learners’ creative thinking and problem-solving skills through curiosity, user-centered approaches, and teamwork. Learners explore basic drawing skills as well as design thinking tools and processes, in order to conceive and draft preliminary visual design solutions.

    In this course, learners build upon their creative thinking and problem-solving skills to create digital renditions of their visual design solutions. They continue to apply the design thinking process as well as basic drawing and rendering techniques to pitch the design concepts and prototypes, focusing on the use of digital tools to produce the finalized digital visual design solutions. The course instructor serves as the "client" with whom the learners engage for feedback and sign-off of the conceptual designs through to the fully developed product.

    Prerequisites:

    • GDGD1256A
    • CGGI1131A
    • CGGI1130A

    This course is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to develop effective brands using branding strategies. Emphasis is placed on researching existing brand identities, brand attributes and the brand creation process.

    Prerequisites:

    • MKTG1112A
    • CGGI1132A

    This course is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to produce cover-to-cover publications with extended applications of text and image. Learners explore unified communication forms, including varying forms of content for magazines, newspapers, catalogues, annual reports, literature systems etc. Publication Design addresses the vast array of design considerations when organizing large and varied quantities of information, as well as the associated layout, production, and industry standards.

    Prerequisites:

    • CGGI1132A
    • GDGD1255A

    This course examines the print production life cycle and the roles and responsibilities of designers within it. Learners gain insight into print industry terminology and practices. Focus is placed on the various phases of the print production process as well as the methodologies, tools, and techniques used to carry out these tasks. Also, learners are introduced to the formatting and packaging of digital files for print production.

    Prerequisites:

    • CGGI1132A

    Packaging Design addresses the functional and aesthetic requirements of product packaging. In this course, learners analyze existing packaging design to determine accurate representation of a product’s target market. Learners apply creative problem-solving techniques and working skills as they create consumer-oriented product packaging and prepare print-ready files.

    Prerequisites:

    • GDGD1255A
    • GDGD1262A

    This project-based course offers learners the opportunity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, to manage and produce real-world design solutions for a community client. Learners work in conjunction with a non-profit or charitable organization, producing a design project from conception to implementation. Following industry standards, learners practice skills creating a project brief, developing content and producing design materials, while adhering to budget constraints and project limitations.

    Field Placement: Graphic Design provides an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their accumulated knowledge and skills through practical application in a professional environment. Learners work collaboratively building skills in communication, problem-solving and project management, while adhering to company practices and procedures.

    Capstone: Graphic Design provides an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their accumulated knowledge and skills through practical application with a community/ industry partner. Under supervision, learners work collaboratively building skills in communication, problem-solving and project management, while adhering to industry practices and procedures.

    This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skill to understand consumer behaviour and the strategies by which to reach, influence, and retain prospective customers.

    Integrated Media Design I is an introductory study of the fundamentals of digital video & audio design. Learners explore the basics of planning and organizing a video production using storyboarding, scripts and shot lists. Emphasis is placed on editing audio and video clips using editing software.

    Prerequisites:

    • CGGI1133A

    This course builds on the knowledge and skills from Integrated Media Design I, to prepare learners to produce a media production integrating audio, video, text, and graphic elements. Learners also determine how to optimize and package files appropriate for a given media platform (e.g.: film, television, or the web).

    Prerequisites:

    • MULT1187A

    Social Media Strategies is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to build and maintain a strong, unified social media presence. Learners explore the evolution and trends of social media and how each platform is used to attract a target audience. Focus is placed on the principles and best practices of on-line communication, as well as the methodologies and tools to implement them.

    Prerequisites:

    • CGGI1130A
    • CGGI1131A

    This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.

    Learners are challenged to apply human relations and interpersonal communications theory to workplace-based and real life situations. They use a problem solving perspective in suggesting and carrying out appropriate communication strategies and techniques.

    This course prepares learners for a field placement and professional employment in the Arts and Media field. Learners develop strategies on how to conduct meetings, communicate with various working professionals and deliver presentations, as well as explore many of the best practices utilized in today’s workplace.

    This course is designed to plan and produce a professional portfolio for showcasing purposes, incorporating multiple media platforms and highlighting the versatility of Graphic Designers in creating visual design solutions.

    Prerequisites:

    • CGGI1132A

    This course is designed to prepare learners for employment and/or freelance opportunities by applying career planning and freelancing strategies. Learners explore ways to promote themselves and market services, as well as connect with prospective employers and clients. Career and Freelance Planning examines the tools and techniques to manage time, money, resources, and clients.

    This is course focuses on the theoretical and practical applications of digital photography for graphic designers. Learners are introduced to photography principles used to create original images. Technical skills are developed using digital imaging software for enhancement, focusing on lighting techniques, color correction, exposure, image cropping, resolutions and producing various file formats.

    Prerequisites:

    • CGGI1130A

    This course provides learners with a foundation of computer software application skills utilized in today’s workplace. Learners develop general skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, as well as electronic file management.

    A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

    This course introduces learners to cultural influences on art in visual practice. Learners are exposed to different perspectives and how cultural influences are central to artistic expression. Focus is placed on cultural appropriation and the sensitivities around customs, practices and ideas relating to specific cultures. Learners develop a better understanding of artistic expression in design, media and visual art.
     

    This course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge of user-centered design principles and practices. As learners’ skills evolve in the program, this will give them the advantage of undertaking any design with user perspective and expectations in mind.

    This course is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skill to optimize the interaction between a system - such as web or mobile sites, applications, or screen-based products - and its user. Important components of this interaction include the user-interface, navigation, and presentation of the information within the system. Focusing on the cycle of research, testing, and development on the premise of user needs, goals, and expectations, this course builds upon the principles of user experience to create user-centered products/services that optimize user experience and satisfaction.

    Prerequisites:

    • SYST1073A


    NOC Codes

    21233 - Web designers
    52111 - Graphic arts technicians
    52120 - Graphic designers and illustrators


    Articulation Agreements

    Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
    ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.


     


    Institution: Technological University of the Shannon
    Information: BSc Games Design and Development
    Graduates of the Graphic and Communications Design diploma are eligible to enter year 3, level 7 of the BSc Graphic Design Communication. To be eligible for consideration, ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë graduates will have achieved a minimum grade average of 60%

    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.