Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design

Graphic designers don’t just observe the world—they shape it. Fanshawe's three-year Graphic Design advanced diploma helps you transform bold ideas into impactful visual stories across print, digital, and emerging media platforms. Over the course of the program, you'll gain hands-on experience in areas such as branding, UIUX, motion graphics, publication design, packaging, and more, all guided by industry professionals. You’ll explore inclusive and ethical design practices, as well as new technologies like AI-driven design. Graduate with a career-ready portfolio, real industry connections, and the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing creative landscape. 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, UXUI 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.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with the following course - Grade 12 English (C or U) Students who do not meet these requirements are recommended for academic upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of enrolment.