About the IDEA School of Design
A career-oriented school for the next generation of creative professionals. Now offering a 4-year Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication and a 2-year Interaction Design diploma.
One School.
Two Programs.
Capilano University’s IDEA School of Design offers a 4-year Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication degree and a 2-year Interaction Design diploma. Our curriculum is rigorous and industry-focused — that’s why we are known for the quality and industry-readiness of our graduates.
Our goal is to prepare students for a creative career doing what they love, in areas such as graphic design, illustration, character design, branding, art direction, user interface or user experience design, editorial design, digital media, storyboard art, environmental design, web/app design and more.
Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication
Duration: 4-years Full Time | 5 hour classes
Students can also choose a 3-year Diploma option.
Career Outcomes: Graphic designer, art director, packaging designer, communication designer, illustrator, storyboard artist, character designer, UI/UX designer, digital designer, web/app designer and more.
Supplies: Tuition fees include industry-quality tools such as personal laptops with all necessary software, cameras, and substantial art materials to be kept upon graduation.
Interaction Design Diploma
Duration: 2-years Full Time | 3 hour classes
Career Outcomes: User experience (UX) designer, Web/app designer, User interface (UI) designer, Content strategist, Information architect, Interaction designer, Product designer, User researcher, Creative technologist, Interactive media designer.
Supplies: Tuition fees include a dedicated laptop for the duration of your studies. This laptop comes with all necessary software and must be returned upon graduation.
Our Experience
Both online and at CapU’s beautiful North Vancouver & lower Lonsdale campus, students are welcomed into a supportive and thriving network of students and graduates. Our program structure is unique with small class sizes, ensuring high levels of peer support and faculty attention.
Both programs reinforce career preparation with an immersive practicum work experience and major Capstone project, arranged by faculty for each student in their final year. Learn more about practical learning at CapU.
Tools & Supplies
Tuition fees include all necessary tools and supplies (such as Apple laptops and software) to ensure equal opportunity and access to industry quality equipment.
All IDEA School of Design students are members of Canada’s foremost design associations Design Professionals of Canada and the Association of Registered Graphic Designers. Bachelor of Design students are also members of The Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators, which provides advocacy for photographers, illustrators and digital artists.
CapU main campus virtual tour
““As someone who was unsure about a career path and the opportunities available, 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.””
Virtual Tour
The Bachelor of Design is located within the CapU Main Campus in beautiful North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Surrounded by lush forest, fresh mountain air and many colourful murals the campus offers an inspiring setting. Watch the video for a tour of our dedicated classroom environments equipped with cintiques, flexible workspaces, wet-mediums room and more.
The Interactive Design diploma will be located at CapU Lonsdale, on the second floor of The Shipyards development in North Vancouver and allow students to experience education in an accessible, central and scenic setting.
Bachelor of Design virtual tour located on the Main CapU Campus.
IDEA School of Design alumni perspectives.
Career Pathways
Attend our annual grad show and you' will see why our graduates are highly sought-after in the industry. They can be found in many top creative agencies, both in Vancouver and around the world. Others form start-up companies or enjoy their own freelance practices.
We are proud of our students’ success in winning provincial, national and international design and illustration awards, and of our program’s excellent record of graduate employment.
““IDEA consistently produces a crop of students that outshines the rest of the pack.” ”
Student Perspectives
As they proceed through the program, students become part of a close-knit cohort. The commitment required of them is high. The IDEA School of Design supports our students with smaller class sizes, professional-level technology, and committed instructors. The result is a learning environment that’s equal parts demanding and rewarding.
Bachelor of Design student perspectives.
Open House
Before you apply, we recommend you attend an open house event, where you’ll be able to connect with both faculty and students, and share your portfolio for feedback. Typically we offer an on-campus open house in November and virtual portfolio day in February. Specific dates and times will be published on our blog.