COURSE CURRICULUM

Capilano University’s Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication is a 124-credit, eight-term program that equips students with comprehensive creative and technical skills for careers in illustration, branding, graphic design, and interactive media. In the first year, students take foundational courses such as Design Fundamentals, Visual Studio, Survey and Principles of Design and Illustration, Digital Media, and University Writing, along with a technology-intensive course and a numeracy elective. In the second year, coursework deepens with advanced illustration and design studios, digital illustration, branding, and typography, alongside required electives in communication and breadth studies. Students also begin developing their own visual voice and creative process through studio-based learning and workshops. The third year introduces professional development, design thinking, and research, while allowing students to tailor their studies through a concentration in Illustration, Branding, or Interactive Design via specialized Visual Communication Studio courses. The final year emphasizes real-world preparation, including a capstone project aligned with the student’s concentration, portfolio development, and a course on business practices for design professionals. In the final term, students complete an industry practicum and participate in a Graduation Showcase attended by professionals in the field. Throughout the program, students also complete several breadth electives at the 100-level or higher to meet university requirements and expand their learning beyond design. With access to professional tools and materials, cultural study trips, and optional international exchanges, the program fosters both creativity and career readiness, preparing students for the evolving demands of the visual communication industry.