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Graphic Design (Co-op)
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Program Overview
Graphic designers see the world for what it can be, not just what it is. They are forward-thinking, innovative, artistic and creative. Fanshawe’s Graphic Design program will inspire your passion for art and give you the skills to apply and communicate your creativity in a variety of mediums.
Develop your artistic talents and learn to be a visual communicator as you develop industry connections and work on real-world projects. Graduate with a dynamic, professional portfolio that will set you apart in your career.
Program Details
Program Code
GRD1
Credential:
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
90 weeks
Canadian Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Part Time Offerings
International Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
Fanshawe's three-year advanced diploma program in Graphic Design prepares students to become versatile designers with the technical expertise, creative problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking needed to excel in today’s evolving design industry.
Taught by industry professionals, this program combines design theory, hands-on training, and real-world applications to prepare students for diverse careers. It covers key disciplines such as branding, publication design, print and production, digital and interactive media, motion graphics, web and mobile design, packaging, and information design. Students develop expertise in design fundamentals, typography, illustration, photography, user interface (UI) and experience (UX) design, and marketing-driven storytelling while also exploring emerging fields like AI-driven design.
With a strong focus on equitable and inclusive design, students develop skills in accessibility, sustainability, and ethical design practices. Courses in design thinking, usability, and human-centered design teach them to create impactful and responsible design solutions across platforms.
Through a co-op experience*, students gain industry experience, develop a professional portfolio, and make industry connections. As a partner school of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), they also benefit from networking, mentorship, and professional resources.
Graduates of the program are equipped to work across a wide range of industries, including advertising, branding, creative studios, in-house design teams, publishing, packaging, digital media, social media, video games, signage, and environmental design. They pursue roles such as Graphic Designers, Digital Designers, UX/UI Designers, Brand Strategists, Motion Designers, App Designers, Product Designers, Illustrators, and emerging positions in AI-driven design—whether working full-time, freelance, or in interdisciplinary teams.
This program equips students with the creative, technical, and strategic skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving design industry. By fostering innovation, equitable design, and emerging trends, graduates are prepared to lead as adaptable and future-ready designers.
*Co-op is not mandatory for the GRD program, and students can opt to graduate without co-op endorsement.
Graphic Design Supplies Required
This program is available part-time online
Program Progression
Fall Intake
| Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Level 1 | Academic Level 2 | Co-op |
| Academic Level 3 | Academic Level 4 | Co-op |
| Academic Level 5 | Academic Level 6 | Co-op (if needed) |
Winter Intake
| Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Level 1 | Academic Level 2 | |
| Co-op | Academic Level 3 | Academic Level 4 |
| Co-op | Academic Level 5 | Academic Level 6 |
| Co-op (if needed) |
Co-op Opportunities & Career Information
Co-op Opportunities
The Graphic Design program offers a cooperative education component, which provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand workplace experience within their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of students before even graduating!
Junior Graphic Designer
Create impactful designs according to brand guidelines that capture and promote brand image.
Junior Graphic Designer
Design in multiple environments, including digital and print in a fast-paced, growing organization where your skills will be valued.
Junior Front-End Web Developer
A Fun, flexible work environment that will expose you to a variety of web technologies and allow you to expand your knowledge base.
For more information regarding co-op, please check out our co-op site or contact the Co-op Office at coop@fanshawec.ca to connect with a consultant.
Career Information
Graduates of this program have found a wide range of creative, artistic, challenging careers with companies such as:
- advertising agencies
- design studios
- direct mail agencies
- environment/signage companies
- corporate public relations, marketing, art departments
- publishing/magazine/newspaper
- printing companies
- on-line graphics
- multimedia companies
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Graphic Design program:
Graphic Web Designer
A Creative, detail-oriented and versatile designer with a strong interest in design for print materials and for digital platforms such as social media, email and web.
Graphic Designer
Undertake many important creative and technological projects in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.
Graphic Artist
As a talented graphic artist you will work freelance and build whole goods, parts, and service flyers for a dealership.
"Through Fanshawe I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, learned skills that moved my career forward, and continue to open doors that will foster and grow my love of design."
Brandy Huxley
Graduate 2007
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
1. conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
2. employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
3. plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
4. design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies.
5. communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others.
6. use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
7. plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver high quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
8. complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
9. keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
10. propose creative solutions to design problems
Academic School
Program Coordinators:
Lee-Ann Sandford (Years 1 & 2)
Gerry Wiebe (Year 3)
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1036 | Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design | 3 | ||
This course introduces students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| GRAF-1037 | Design Basic 1 | 3 | ||
This course will introduce students to the basic elements, principles and history of design. Students will undertake black and white two-dimensional projects related to graphic design and explore all possible solutions in which creativity, procedures, craftsmanship, and conceptual techniques are emphasized. All work is done using traditional tools and supported by practical applications, lectures audio/video presentations, and open class discussions. | ||||
| GRAF-1049 | Typography Basic | 3 | ||
In this course students are introduced to the fundamentals of typography. Students will develop an awareness of typographic design and form to communicate. Emphasis is placed on typographic history, typographic vocabulary, type classifications, anatomy, letterforms, spacing and hierarchy through a series of lectures, class discussions and hands-on projects. Creativity, process work, research and attention to detail is encouraged. All work is done using traditional tools with hands-on techniques. | ||||
| GRAF-1050 | Digital Applications 1 | 3 | ||
Students analyze and report on contemporary conventional production tools and workflow systems used in commercial graphic design studios. This course is designed to introduce the student to the tools and facilities of the current trade iteration of 'page layout' software for producing page composition, typography and design projects. Students will explore the basic tools and facilities of bitmap editing software in the production of design projects. Students are introduced to the current trade iteration of 'vector drawing' software for producing graphic images. Students are introduced to the current trade iteration of 'portable document format' software. Students will use these four software technologies together to produce design projects. | ||||
| GRAF-1052 | Interactive Design 1 | 3 | ||
This course establishes User Experience Design (UXD) fundamentals through competitor and user research. Students learn to empathize with users and create supporting digital assets, including personas and user flows. Additional User Interface Design (UID) workshops and projects will focus on web-related marketing concepts, mood boards, and low-fidelity layouts. | ||||
| GRAF-1040 | Creative Concepts 1 | 3 | ||
This course is designed to develop and explore the innate creativity within the students. This course guides students through explorations of various media in order to reflect upon and express their unique personality and creativity within their cultural context. | ||||
| COOP-1020 | Co-operative Education Employment Prep | 1 | ||
This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
Online
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.