If you ever have flair for any kind of design be it graphic design, fashion, animation, or any other type of design, this guide shows you the best design diploma courses in Canada.
Design as a course is a field that involves the construction of an object, process, or project for clients. The design career has a wide range of applications and requires unique thinking, research, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Designers are required to combine skills to fabricate products in corporate, education, government, and not-for-profit environments.
Enrolling in a diploma program in design prepares you to understand the basics of the profession and prepares you to take on entry-level job positions and excel at it.
Here in this guide, we have curated a list of some of the best design diploma courses in Canada, the school that offers them, and possible job opportunities students get to have just by studying these courses.
While we prepare you for that, we encourage you to check out our archive of Programs to see a list of other related programs and also our Study in Canada archive for other opportunities in Canada.
Is Canada Good for Designing?
According to the Canadian Occupational Projections System – ESDC, the job outlook for designers and illustrators in Canada between 2022–2031 is expected to grow by 27,300.
According to the Labour Force Survey, in January 2023, employment in Canada increased by 150,000 (+0.8%) in January but the market size of the graphic design industry measured by revenue in Canada is $1.6bn in 2023.
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What are the Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Design Diploma Courses in Canada?
To get into any of the programs, you need to have
- Portfolio
- CV or Resume
- ELP Test scores
- Statement of Purpose
- Passport size photograph
- Translated Transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Proof of Financial Resources
- A higher secondary certificate or a 10+2 degree from a recognized institution.
- Proof of English language proficiency IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum test scores are IELTS: 6.0 – 7.0 and TOEFL: 80 – 100.
- Additional test scores such as SAT, ACT, GMAT or GRE (Not mandatory)
- A study permit: A valid copy of your passport and a visa are a must for all international students.
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What Are The Best Design Diploma Courses In Canada?
While there are over 32 design courses in Canada offered at the diploma level, there are just a few that made it to the top list. Here at Zikky, we have done our research to get you admitted into your preferred design program at a top-ranking Canadian school.
1. User Experience and Interactive Design with Co-op
- Course Duration: 96 weeks
- School Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
- Offered by: Canadian College of Technology and Business
The main focus of the User Experience and Interactive Design program at the Canadian College of Technology and Business is to help students learn to design and develop user interfaces suitable for a variety of different platforms.
Students learn how to design websites, mobile applications, and data-driven information systems. The program is a post-secondary diploma program that lasts for one year and has a vital job outlook in Canada.
2. Graphic Design and Interactive Media Diploma
- Course Duration: 12 months
- Offered by: Toronto Film School
- School Location: Toronto, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
If you’re interested in graphic design, the Graphic Design and Interactive Media Diploma offered by Toronto Film School is a professional way to get a good-paying job.
While in the program, students learn to think critically and execute visual solutions across print, digital platforms, and motion graphics under industry-active designers.
Students engage in various design processes from a variety of guest speakers and outside creative professionals which makes them ready for entry-level positions.
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3. Interior Decorating
- Course Duration: 2 Years
- Offered by: Fanshawe College
- School Location: London, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
This design program is more of a hands-on skill than it is digital. Students enrolled in this program learn how to turn living and workplaces into a place that creates harmony.
They learn how to use designs to influence their moods, create harmony, and reflect their client’s true desires. The Interior Decorating program at Fanshawe College will help you design a career that matches your passions.
4. Diploma in Game Art & Design
- Course Duration: N/A
- Offered by: LaSalle College
- School Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
This diploma program is suitable for students who have a flair for game arts. In this program, the students take up careers as game designers and level designers in the video game industry by understanding the basics of the skills.
Classes are practical and as such students learn how to build foundational skill sets in game design, level design, game scripting, written communication, as well as 2D and 3D art.
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5. Diploma in 3D Animation and Visual Effects
- Course Duration: 12 Months
- Offered by: Vancouver Film School
- School Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
The diploma program in 3D Animation and Visual Effects at Vancouver Film School is one of the best design diploma courses in Canada.
This program teaches students to embrace the world of digital art and storytelling. They learn the fundamentals of 3D animation and visual effects through hands-on experience using industry-standard software and tools by experts.
6. Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modelling – Diploma
- Course Duration: 2 Years
- Offered by: Bow Valley College
- School Location: Calgary, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
The Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modeling the name suggests is an advanced program that means you require a basic understanding of the program to enroll and catch up with the program.
Classes are focused on 3D Animation and 3D Modeling and their specializations, such as 3D animation (character and creature), rigging, 3D modeling & sculpting, and texturing/surfacing.
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7. Diploma in 3D Animation | Game, Film & Visual Effects
- Course Duration: 24 Months
- School Location: Kelowna, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
- Offered by: Centre for Arts and Technology
If you ever want to learn about games, film, and visual effects, the diploma in 3D animation program at the Centre for Arts and Technology is a good option for you. This program is also very suitable for creatives who are good with their fingers using technology.
Here, students work with a team of talented colleagues to create blockbuster games or animated features. This program literally brings your dreams to life.
8. Advertising & Graphic Design Co-op Diploma
- Course Duration: 2 Years
- School Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
- Offered by: Canada International Royal Arts College (CIRA College)
On completion of the advertising & graphic design co-op diploma program at Canada International Royal Arts College, students will be able to efficiently design logos, advertisements, images, digital content, and websites.
The program ensures students understand and communicate their design using a visual communication strategy. This program is scheduled to last for 2 years.
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9. Diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
- Course Duration: 80 weeks
- School Location: Saskatoon, Canada
- Offered by: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
If your design flair is in engineering and manufacturing, one of the best design diploma courses in Canada you should consider is the Diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology program offered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
This program teaches you how to bring an idea for a new smart product to life. Students work on conceptual design, optimize it, do mechanical engineering analysis, create a prototype, and determine how it will be manufactured.
Efficiency is optimized through the use of the Integrated Learning methodologies used to design and build products.
10. Diploma in Graphic Design Production (GRDP)
- Course Duration: 2 Years
- Offered by: Georgian College
- School Location: Barrie, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
This is another graphic design program in Canada offered by Georgian College. In this program, students combine visual sensitivity and problem-solving ability with other skills and knowledge to solve problems in areas of communications, technology, and business.
Students also learn to aid communication in both print and web-based formats by structuring visual information and employing these skills to create advertisements, editorial, branding, and information design.
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11. Diploma in Textile Design
- Course Duration: 96 weeks
- School Location: Fredericton, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
- Offered by: New Brunswick College Of Craft And Design
In this program, students learn techniques used in the textile industry such as spinning, felting, weaving, knitting, and printing.
Also, there is an option to specialize in any aspect of this textile design once you get to your second year. For instance, you can choose either weaving or knitting.
12. Graphic Design & Photography
- Course Duration: N/A
- Offered by: Pixel Blue College Inc
- School Location: Edmonton, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
This is the program where design meets photography. Students in this program use innovative teaching practices, learn in custom-designed labs, and use of real-world projects to create portfolio projects.
Everything is practical, making them able to understand where to niche in the new media industry. Students work with the industry standard and get feedback from industry-related companies and professionals
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13. Graphic & Web Design Diploma Program
- Course Duration: 36 weeks
- School Location: Toronto, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
- Offered by: ABC Access Business College
One of the best graphic design programs in our list of design diploma courses in Canada is the graphics & web design diploma program offered by ABC Access Business College.
This program aims to equip students with the required skills to get jobs in desktop publishing, graphic design, artwork, poster design, advertising, and other artistic positions.
14. Diploma in Advanced 3D Animation
- Course Duration: 2 Years
- School Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
- Offered by: Langara Centre for Entertainment Arts
This program at Langara Centre for Entertainment Arts trains students to become experts in 3D Animation using digital technology.
The program provides students with comprehensive 3D animation skills which makes them production-ready for entry-level positions in the film and animation industry.
15. Web Development & Interactive Design
- Course Duration: N/A
- School Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Mode of Study: Full-time and On-Campus
- Course Major Language Instruction: English
- Offered by: VANARTS Vancouver Institute of Media and Arts
If you’re looking to upskill in web development, the web development & interactive design program at VANARTS Vancouver Institute of Media and Arts is one of the design diploma courses in Canada for you.
The unique thing about the VANARTS design program is that the curriculum is split into 40-40-20 which is a measure of web design, programming, and business development. Students learn under the tutelage of professionals.
On completion, students learn current and future trends for web and mobile development and design fit to launch a career in the thriving industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Design Diploma Courses In Canada
Where can I study design in Canada?
Some of the best universities with the best design programs are;
- University of Waterloo.
- Concordia University.
- George Brown College.
- LaSalle College Vancouver.
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Which designing field is best in Canada?
Some of the best design programs in Canada are Graphic design, user experience design, web design, photography, and fashion.
Conclusion
We hope this guide elucidates on the steps to get into the best design universities offering design programs. Ensure to visit the school website once you’ve made a choice to confirm additional requirements for application and registration information.
References.
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