Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma Program

Program Program

Master the critical thinking skills in graphic design needed to create and execute meaningful visual solutions.

New Term Starts Soon

Train from anywhere, at any time, with four intakes a year.
Next Start Date:
July, 2024
Duration:
24 months
 

graphic design online Program Description

Become a Graphic Designer , Fast

Become proficient in the design process and its workflows. Perfect your portfolio of work under the guidance of industry-active faculty. And graduate ready to influence, inform and entertain your target market through original creative solutions.

Career Outcomes for Graphic Design Online Graduates

Graphic Designer

Art Director

Creative Director

Brand Designer

Web Designer

Motion Graphics Designer

Interactive Designer

 

Faculty

Student Success

 

graphic design online courses

Term 1

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

IDM112

Discover the relationship between visual form and content. You will be exposed to the building blocks of design, and tasked with utilizing these concepts as you develop analog designs.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION

IDM120

Explore topics involving cognitive-communication and strategic design thinking, and discover various techniques for finding and developing ideas and applying them to your creative problem solving and ideation. With this knowledge, you will face real-world challenges where you must act flexibly in order to solve problems and establish your own creative process.

Term 2

HISTORY OF DESIGN

IDM111

Open your eyes to the history of visual communication and its impact on cultural development. Through lectures, hands-on exercises and research, you will learn to identify the social, technological, and political changes that have shaped communication arts.

DRAWING I DIGITAL DRAWING 1

IDM114

Welcome to the world of Adobe. Through demonstrations, in-class exercises and assignments, you will familiarize yourself with the unique capabilities of Adobe’s vector imaging software as it relates to the creation and manipulation of vector graphics for both print and new media destinations.

DIGITAL IMAGING I

IDM115

Flex your creative mind with Adobe’s raster imaging software and familiarize yourself with its unique capabilities relating to the creation, editing and manipulation of imagery for both print and new media destinations.

Term 3

DIGITAL DRAWING 2

IDM203

Explore advanced concepts and techniques that can be applied to a variety of print and web projects. You will provide practical and creative solutions to real world projects ranging from packaging design to information design.

DIGITAL IMAGING 2

IDM204

Dive deep into Adobe’s raster imaging software. Learn techniques for the creation and manipulation of raster images for use in both print and new media.

PAGE LAYOUT 1

IDM118

Make pages come alive, utilizing design fundamentals, as you create projects from design concept to completion. Along the way, explore the printing process, and the technology and materials used by modern designers. Through demonstrations, in-class exercises and assignments, you will also become familiar with the unique capabilities of Adobe InDesign as it relates to the design and production of single and multi-page layouts.

Term 4

TYPOGRAPHY

IDM211

Examine the fundamentals of typographic design and letterform in conceptual and analog practical projects. Develop a deep understanding of the design choices for comprehension and content as you become familiar with digital letterforms.

PAGE LAYOUT 2

IDM207

Prepare for an in-depth study of content organization, grids, typography, imagery and visual ideation as you design communications with purpose. Through demonstrations, lectures, critiques and exercises you will be introduced to the best practices of layout design for marketing, communication, and editorial projects.

ART DIRECTION

IDM302

Enrich your understanding of art direction’s key role in print and digital media. Explore visual narrative formats and how they are used to inform and engage readers beyond the written word. Leverage the disciplines of layout, photography, video, digital multimedia and graphics to tell immersive and compelling visual stories at appropriate intervals of the story.

Term 5

IDENTITY DESIGN 1

ID210

This course introduces you to the field of branding, from developing a foundation to the execution of a full logo system. Through lectures and assignments, you will develop an understanding of the role of brand identity and experience the creation of a visual voice through logo design.

PHOTOGRAPHY

IDM305

This is your introduction to both the technical and creative aspects of this visual art form. The practical component includes shooting a variety of locations and subjects while learning to use light, shape, framing and depth of field as tools to create imagery, mood and message.

WEB DESIGN 1

IDM311

Enter the digital world with an introduction to online design and a focus on applying your existing design knowledge to new media. This exploration begins with critical analysis of the internet as a whole, including the ever-changing technologies and platforms utilized in website design. You will be introduced to HTML and CSS languages in order to bring your designs to life.

Term 6

INTERACTIVE DESIGN 1

IDM303

This course takes you through the study of shaping digital processes for use by real people. Beginning with a study of how humans interact with each other and their environment, you will explore the practice of designing interactive experiences, environments and products.

IDENTITY DESIGN 2

IDM310

Expand your brand identity design skills across a variety of communication platforms and tehcnologies. Through the design of deliverables and materials for print, online, promotions and experience, you will gain a deeper knowledge of how brand identity design helps build brands through various customer touchpoints.

WEB DESIGN 2

IDM408

Expand your knowledge of both the technical and design practices of online communications. Advanced topics include new media layout, grids and responsiveness, and bringing them to life through HTML and CSS. You will also dive into the unique handling of typography and imagery through web design construction. The visual design of UX / UI / IA are explored through meeting interface, experience and brand goals.

Term 7

MOTION GRAPHICS 1

IDM307

Welcome to the world of video editing and animation. This course will introduce you to the creative principles and technical skills required to bring moving graphics into video.

STUDIO PRACTICES

IDM309

Polish your skills in the key areas of design practice: professionalism, scope, and communication. Through a variety of learning tools, you will explore the value of the designer within the business framework, and understand how these decisions affect design for the customer experience.

INTERACTIVE DESIGN 2

IDM403

Deepen your knowledge of UI + UX design with this course focused on mobile technology. The class delivers an advanced exploration of interactive practices through the design of your own application from concept to prototype.

Term 8

MOTION GRAPHICS 2

IDM402

Experience a masterclass in the manipulation of imagery, graphics, typography and video as you experiment with increasingly sophisticated tools and techniques in the creation of motion graphics.

PORTFOLIO

IDM404

Your portfolio is your resume in this industry. This course provides strategies for effective, memorable self-promotion, with the studio format of this class providing valuable one-on-one mentorship and guidance to build a unique portfolio (in both online and print formats) tailored to your individual career goals.

CAPSTONE

IDM405

Through a mixture of lecture, specialized instruction and one-on-one design mentorship, this studio-based class provides a unique opportunity to receive real-world experience as you work through a major topical project

 

Admission

Our Admissions Process Made Easy

1

Complete Toronto Film School’s online application form.

2

Pay the (non-refundable) application fee of $150.

3

Provide original or notarized translated academic transcripts.

4

Submit a 300–500 word essay on why you’re interested in a career in the graphic design industry, and your career goals.

For a complete break-down of this program’s admission requirements, please visit our admission requirements page.

 

Tuition Fees

Tuition rates are confirmed 3 months prior to the start of each term. For more information, please contact the Bursar’s office at 1.888.886.1882.

The tuition fee and cost breakdown for the Graphic Design & Interactive Media online program are as follows:

July Rates:

Graphic Design & Interactive Media

$22,080*

October Rates:

Graphic Design & Interactive Media

$22,816

We can help

Take advantage of payment options that are available to all new Toronto Film School students.

Contact Us

*Each course in the program is $960. There are 23 courses total.

Note: Tuition Fees do not include books, expendable supplies, equipment, software, and resources

Recommended Equipment and Software

  • Desktop*

  • Optimal: iMac Pro – turnkey

  • Preferred : iMac with Retina display 21.5” or 27” models – turnkey

  • Sufficient: iMac 21.5” model – turnkey

  • *Comparable PC with Windows-based operating system

  • Laptop*

  • Preferred: MacBook Pro with Retina display 16” – turnkey

  • *Comparable Laptop with Windows-based operating system

  • Software

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Student Membership: download Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects + Acrobat Pro

  • Equipment/Set-Up

  • Camera with the ability to take high resolution images – most phones have powerful digital cameras that are perfectly suited for this

  • Colour Desktop Printer

  • Unlimited bandwidth is recommended as there will be weekly uploading and downloading of assets, resources and projects

FAQ

How do I contact Toronto Film School?

The most effective way to get in touch with us fast is to fill out a Request for Information Form so a call with an admissions advisor can be arranged. Or, reach out to us at 1.866.467.0661 or message us on Facebook

Why should I choose Toronto Film School for graphic design?

This is a comprehensive, hands-on learning program. You will learn the skills needed to design communications with purpose through a curriculum designed to meet today’s industry expectations. Below are five reasons why you should choose our program.  

 

In just 24 months, you will: 

 

1. Earn a diploma online.

Through asynchronous learning, you will learn on your schedule how to develop original design solutions that inform and entertain your target markets. 100% online.  

 

2. Learn from working graphic designers.

Our faculty bring real-world experience to the virtual classroom. Their insider knowledge will thoroughly prepare you to become proficient in the design process and workflows. Because of the comprehensive nature of this program, your diploma will open you up to a variety of career outcomes as listed on our Graphic Design & Interactive Media Program page.
 

3. Enjoy networking opportunities and make industry connections. 

As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in exclusive networking events, where every term an industry leader sits down with us to share their career journey, insights, strategies and more—including dispensing valuable tips for those aspiring to break in or succeed in the industry today. 

  

4. Learn the business.

We’ll demystify the process by equipping you with a solid understanding of the business side of the industry too. In fact, our students graduate with the skills needed to start their own company   

 

5. Graduate industry ready.

You will graduate confident and ready in just 24 months—with a portfolio of work that showcases your new design skills to employers or potential clients.  

How long does the online Graphic Design & Interactive Media course take to complete?

24 months through asynchronous delivery. The program is designed so that you can learn on your own schedule, from anywhere.  

What kind of support will I receive during the online Graphic Design & Interactive Media program?

You will find our faculty approachable and accessible, available via email and with regularly scheduled video chats to go over your projects and answer your questions. You can also request a call with any of your teachers via email.  

 

Toronto Film School is home to a Career Services Centre, designed to provide you with personalized help and to teach you the latest tactics and strategies in securing a position in your area of interest. The Career Services Centre is available to all online students.     

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the online Graphic Design & Interactive Media program?

In addition to providing your original or notarized academic transcripts, you will need to write and submit a 300–500 word essay. Your essay should tell us about your passion for creativity, and why you wish to pursue a career in this industry. Please include your career goals and relevant hobbies, jobs, and previous coursework (if any).   

 

For information regarding all admission requirements, please check out the Toronto Film School Admission Requirements homepage.  

What kind of assignments can I expect in the Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma Program?

The program is 8 terms. During this time, you can expect assignments that will teach you how to: 

 

– develop your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.  

– identity the social, technological and political changes that continue to shape communication arts. 

– create and manipulate images and graphics for both print and new media. 

– develop single and multi-page layouts. 

– explore typography. 

– work within the best layout design practices for marketing, communications and editorial projects. 

– understand and incorporate brand identity techniques and logo designs into your creative. 

– train as a photographer, making proper use of light, shape, framing and depth of field. 

– develop designs for websites. 

– design interactive experiences. 

– create a professional portfolio of work. 

  • develop an online presence to market yourself and your new skills. 

 

And more.   

What software do you recommend I have for the online Graphic Design & Interactive Media program?

For a full list of recommended equipment and software, please check out the Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma online program page. However, because technologies and platforms are always changing, we recommend you hold off on purchasing anything related to your classes (hardware, software or equipment) until your enrolment has been confirmed and you receive an official list. 

How much does the online Graphic Design & Interactive Media diploma cost?

The tuition cost for our Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma Program is $22,080 (as of October 2023). This program consists of 23 courses. 

 

Payment options are available, just reach out to us so we can work something out. Also, we recommend you check out our Bursaries and Financial Aid page.  

 

For information regarding all admission requirements, please check out the Toronto Film School Admission Requirements homepage.  

 

Lastly, the fine print: Tuition fees do not include books, expendable supplies, equipment, software and resources. Tuition and fees are subject to change.  

Can I apply for the online Graphic Design & Interactive Media program if I am an international student?

Yes, you can, and we’d be happy to have you join the program!  

 

International students will need to follow the requirements as found on the Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma online program page.  

 

International students will need to be proficient in English, a requirement which one of our admission advisors can go over in more detail during a call. To start, we recommend all international students request a call with an admission advisor.  

What are the criteria for passing your Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma Program?

You must complete all courses with a 1.7 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the 4.3 scale or better. Any course with a grade W or F must be retaken in order to graduate.  

Is financial aid available for the Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma Program?

There are tuition, bursaries and financial aid programs available for those who qualify. To learn more, visit our financial aid page 

 

 

Please note: Toronto Film School online programs are offered through Toronto Film School at Yorkville University, New Brunswick. 

Are you in

Request a call with one of our admissions advisors if you have any questions about this program or the enrolment process. 

Start your application now to secure your spot.