CapU’s Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication

Late Admission Open

Portfolio Required.

Seats available for Fall 2025. Late admission open Jan 16-April 8th 2025.

Shape the future of design.

Duration

3-4 Years

Cohort Size

30 Students

Class Length

5 Hours

Credentials

Degree & Diploma

Become a creative professional equipped with visual problem-solving and dynamic storytelling skills.

Who Should Apply?

Are you a creative problem solver with a passion for visual storytelling? This program is ideal for students who blend artistic talent with design thinking.

If you're eager to develop skills in graphic design, advertising, illustration and UX/UI design—you’ll thrive here. You’re likely someone who observes the world closely and is driven to make a meaningful impact through design.

Study at one of the best design schools in western Canada.

Capilano University is recognized as a leader in design education. Our Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program is rigorous and provides hands-on learning opportunities to study branding, illustration and UX/UI design. It is a top choice for aspiring designers in the region.

Our program structure is unique with small class sizes, ensuring high levels of peer support and faculty attention. We reinforce career preparation with an immersive practicum work experience and major Capstone project in your final semester.

Located in vibrant Vancouver Canada, a global hub for technology and design, Capilano University provides the perfect environment to grow your creative potential and networking opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

Branding: Develop identities and design systems that visually communicate an organizations values, personality, and purpose.

Illustration: Create artwork and media to bring ideas, stories, and characters to life through a distinctive artistic style.

Interaction Design: Design engaging, inclusive and accessible visual interfaces for websites, applications and emerging technology.

Collaborative Projects: Work on real-world projects that simulate the demands of the industry.

Tour The Campus

Bachelor of Design students enjoy CapU’s main campus in North Vancouver. Surrounded by lush forest, fresh mountain air and many colourful murals the campus offers an inspiring setting.

Tour of our classrooms and studios equipped with cintiqs, high resolution monitors, 3D printing, wet-medium spaces and more. Students in years 1 & 2 enjoy dedicated personal workstations.

Why Choose Capilano University's Bachelor of Design?

Cohort-Based Learning

Join a tight-knit community of like-minded students who will support and inspire you throughout your learning journey. Our cohort-based approach fosters collaboration, teamwork, and lifelong professional connections.

Taught by Professionals

Learn from seasoned designers and industry leaders who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Gain insights, techniques, and tools that are directly applicable to today’s design industry.

Hands-on Learning

At Capilano University, you’re more than just a number. With small class sizes, you’ll receive individualized mentorship from our faculty, ensuring your unique talents and goals are nurtured.

Industry practicums

In the final semester of your interaction design diploma at CapU, you'll complete a practicum where you’ll apply the theory and skills you've learned in a professional working environment.

Pathways to Graduation

Successful graduates are ready to enter the workforce by choosing a 3-year advanced diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree.

Career Outcomes

Graphic designer, Art director, Packaging designer, Visual designer, Illustrator, Storyboard artist, Character designer, UI/UX designer, Digital designer, Website designer and more.

Turn your creativity into a career in visual storytelling! Graduate with a portfolio and practicum experience.

Graduate with a work-ready portfolio and showcase your skills at our annual grad show, attended by design and illustration professionals from Vancouver.

Start your journey toward a career in advertising & marketing, character design, publishing, and digital media. With the skills you’ll gain, you’ll be prepared to excel in roles such as:

  • Graphic designer

  • Art director

  • Packaging designer

  • Communication designer

  • Illustrator

  • Storyboard artist

  • Character designer

  • UI/UX designer

  • Digital designer

  • Website designer

Don’t take our word for it—hear from a student.

“As someone who was unsure about a career path, the Bachelor of Design was exactly what I needed. The program taught me not only the fundamentals of design and illustration, but valuable career lessons that made me feel confident and prepared for the professional world.”
— Charmaine Cheng | Graduate

As you proceed through the program, you’ll become part of a close-knit cohort. The IDEA School of Design supports all students with smaller class sizes, professional-level technology, and committed instructors. The result is a learning environment that’s equal parts demanding and rewarding.

Your future in design & illustration starts here. Take the first step today.

*Portfolio Required.

Don’t wait to start building your future in design. Enrolment is now open, and spots fill up quickly due to high demand. Applications are reviewed in January (Early) and April (Late) admission periods.

How to apply?

  1. Apply to CapU

  2. Submit a reference letter and portfolio of creative work.