Vancouver Island University
Graphic Design: Bachelor of Design Degree (BA)
British Columbia, Canada
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Nanaimo
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
TBD
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Course Overview
Graphic Design: Bachelor of Design Degree (BA) at Vancouver Island University in British Columbia, Canada is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Graphic design graduates work in agencies, in-house design teams and as freelancers creating brand identities, digital interfaces, print materials and motion graphics. A strong portfolio is the primary currency for career entry.
Student life (indicative)
This city offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community. A great base for exploring the surrounding province.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
12,320
Staff Ratio
20.0:1
International
10.4%
Career Prospects
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Graphic Design: Bachelor of Design Degree (BA)
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Graphic Design: Bachelor of Design Degree (BA) topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Graphic Design: Bachelor of Design Degree (BA)
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
12,320
Total students
Staff Ratio
20:1
Students per staff
International Students
10%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Cool maritime
Safety Index (indicative)
8.0/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
This city offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community. A great base for exploring the surrounding province.
- This city offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community.
- A great base for exploring the surrounding province.
What Students Love
- Thriving student social scene
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Great café culture
- Parks & green spaces
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Graphic design graduates work in agencies, in-house design teams and as freelancers creating brand identities, digital interfaces, print materials and motion graphics. A strong portfolio is the primary currency for career entry.
- Graphic design graduates work in agencies, in-house design teams and as freelancers creating brand identities, digital interfaces, print materials and motion graphics.
- A strong portfolio is the primary currency for career entry.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
Above-average costs for a Canadian city — expect around $2,443/month (housing $1,533, food $480, transport $145). Affordable by Canadian standards — a comfortable student lifestyle at a reasonable price.
- Above-average costs for a Canadian city — expect around $2,443/month (housing $1,533, food $480, transport $145).
- Affordable by Canadian standards — a comfortable student lifestyle at a reasonable price.