Advanced College Diploma - Graphic Design (GRDE), Georgian College

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-27

Program overview

Program Overview

The Advanced College Diploma in Graphic Design at Georgian College is designed to channel your creativity into a fulfilling career. This program emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, allowing students to build a robust portfolio that showcases their skills. With a focus on real-world applications, the program includes a work placement and client experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the industry. Notably, the program boasts a remarkable 100% graduate satisfaction rate, reflecting the quality of education and support provided to students.

Program Structure

The Advanced College Diploma in Graphic Design is a 3-year full-time program delivered in person at Georgian College. The program structure includes:

Hands-on, project-based learning environment
Field placement component for practical experience
Access to industry-standard software and tools
Networking opportunities with industry leaders and real-world clients

Throughout the program, students will explore various design topics, including layout, typography, composition, color theory, and production. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to create effective designs for both traditional and digital applications, preparing them for creative and independent roles in the workplace.

Featured Experiences

Field placement component for hands-on experience in a relevant setting
Access to the Arch and Helen Brown Design and Digital Arts Centre, located near the waterfront
Fully equipped studios utilizing industry-standard tools
Opportunities to network with leaders in the graphic design field
Project-based learning that culminates in a professional portfolio

Career Options

Graduates of the Advanced College Diploma in Graphic Design can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Graphic Designer: Create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.
Web Designer: Design and create websites, focusing on aesthetics and user experience.
Branding Specialist: Develop and manage brand identities, ensuring consistency across all marketing materials.
Advertising Designer: Work with advertising agencies to create compelling visuals for campaigns across various media.
Freelance Designer: Operate independently, providing design services to a range of clients and projects.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-05-27

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Advanced College Diploma in Graphic Design (GRDE) at Georgian College, prospective students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status.
Grade 12 English (C or U).
Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing.
Applicants must submit 3 to 5 samples of creative work that represents their interest in the field of Graphic Design. Samples may be created using digital or traditional media (e.g., sketches, paintings, photography, graphic design work – print or digital, etc.). Work can be submitted in pdf or jpeg format, or you may provide a link to an online portfolio. Submissions are accepted by e-mail only.
Successful graduates of the Art and Design Fundamentals one-year Certificate program (Program Major: AADF) at Georgian College are exempt from the creative work submission requirement.

For international students, it is advisable to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding specific requirements. Please note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as specific deadlines for applications were not mentioned. Additionally, prerequisite courses were not specified, so it is important to ensure that you meet the general admission criteria outlined above.

Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Georgian College is English. All applicants for whom English is not their first language and/or are coming from countries where English is not an official language must provide proof of language proficiency.

Applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria to meet Georgian’s language proficiency requirements:

Must have completed three full years of study at the secondary school (high school) level in English in a country where English is a primary language.
Must have completed one full year of study in an accredited postsecondary program in English in a country where English is a primary language.
Must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or Canadian provincial equivalent) and English credit (Grade 12 U, M or C) issued by a public or Catholic school board.
Provide proof of graduation from one of the authorized Georgian College partner school pathway programs.
Must have completed three years of study at a secondary private school in Ontario and received an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and English credit (Grade 12 U, M or C).

Acceptable language tests include, but are not limited to:

Examinations	Diploma/certificate	HBSN/ HBNA	Pharmacy Technician	Degree studies	Graduate certificate
Duolingo Language Test*	110	140	N/A	120	130
TOEFL internet-based test (IBT)	79	89**	N/A	89**	89**
IELTS Academic only	6.0	7.0	Minimum bands of: 7.0 in Reading, 7.0 in Listening, 7.0 in Speaking, 6.5 in Writing	6.5	6.5
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)/CAEL Online	60	N/A	N/A	60***	60***
Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE)	58	N/A	N/A	61	61

* Duolingo will forward your test results directly to Georgian College.

** Require minimum bands of 22 in writing and 22 in speaking.

*** Minimum bands of 50.

Please check with our team for more details.

Advanced College Diploma - Graphic Design (GRDE)

The Advanced College Diploma in Graphic Design (GRDE) is a comprehensive program designed for students who are passionate about visual communication and design. This program focuses on developing the skills necessary to create effective graphic designs across various media.

Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on projects that cover a wide range of topics, including:

Typography and layout design
Digital imaging and illustration
Branding and identity design
Web design and user experience
Print production and project management

Students will also have the opportunity to work with industry-standard software and tools, preparing them for a successful career in the graphic design field. The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry.

Upon completion, students will earn a diploma, which is recognized in the field of graphic design, allowing them to pursue various career paths in advertising, marketing, and design agencies.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!