CapU’s Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication

Admission Dates

Portfolio Required. Apply Now !

Dec 15 | Early Admission Deadline

Feb 1 | General Admission Deadline

Shape the future of design.

Duration

2-4 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.

A person rowing a boat on a stylized, abstract river or lake with flowing blue water and land formations. Works by an IDEA School of Design student.

A bright orange background with the word "KINA" in large blue letters on the left and a decorative blue outline of a shape containing the same word "KINA" and additional text on the right. Works by an IDEA School of Design student.

Illustrated poster for a film festival called 'Giving Youth a Voice in Film' featuring diverse characters including a girl with headphones. Works by an IDEA School of Design student.

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.

Close-up of a building with large glass windows and exterior walls overgrown with green ivy plants, partially obscured by surrounding tree branches and leaves.

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?

Group of diverse young adults sitting at a table, focused and smiling, working on laptops in a bright, modern room with large windows.

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.

A woman giving a presentation in a classroom with students using laptops; screens display artwork and a presentation slide

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.

A young man with red hair using a graphics tablet with a stylus at a desk, in an office with a projector, white keyboard, and a whiteboard with colorful sticky notes and diagrams in the background.

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.

Four people taking a selfie in front of a colorful abstract artwork. The group includes an older woman with gray hair, a young woman with brown hair, a woman with dark hair, and a man with facial hair, all smiling at the camera.

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

Graduates learn foundation skills in the 2-year diploma. Graduates are ready to enter the workforce by completing the 4-year Bachelor degree.

Flowchart showing pathways within IDEA School of Design. A Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication leads to a 4-year degree or a 2-year diploma (foundation). An Interaction Design Diploma leads to a 2-year diploma.

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.

Person smiling and drawing at a desk with multiple monitors in a creative workspace.

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.