Visual Communication Design

Whether you're designing a poster for an event or creating the user interface for an app, the Certificate in Visual Communication Design will help you communicate ideas in a clear, creative, and accessible way.

Offered through the Department of Creative Technologies, in the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance, this 30-credit (10-course) program focuses on using visual elements—such as images, typography, layout, and colour—to share information and connect with audiences.

Throughout the certificate, you'll build strong skills in media communications, brand and identity design, and emerging technologies. You'll explore areas such as graphic design, branding and advertising, and web design—learning how to make your work accessible, engaging, and effective across platforms.

This certificate stands on its own or can be laddered into any of the Creative Technologies and Design degree programs.

What is Visual Communication Design?

Visual Communication Design is the practice of using visual elements—such as images, typography, colour, layout, and graphics—to communicate ideas and information clearly and effectively. It combines creativity with strategy to shape how people understand and interact with messages, whether in print, digital, or physical spaces.

Designers in this field might create posters, websites, branding materials, advertisements, packaging, or user interfaces. The goal is always the same: to make information visually engaging, accessible, and meaningful.

Some courses you may take as part of this program include:

CTCH 215 – Visual Identity Design

This course focuses on the conceptualization, development, and implementation of visual identity systems that define and communicate the essence of a brand. Students will explore the role of graphic design in building visual identities that are cohesive across different media and channels. The course combines theory and practice, emphasizing the translation of a brand’s values and mission into a recognizable and effective visual identity. Students will engage with real-world projects, building complete visual identity systems, which include logo design, typography, color palettes, and other key design elements. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring consistency, flexibility, and longevity across various brand touchpoints, from digital interfaces to physical environments. 

CTCH 213 - Brand Strategy, Advertising and Design

This course explores design practices for branding strategy and advertising as they are developed in a professional environment. Through experiential learning processes, lectures, case studies, and studio projects, students will gain practical and theoretical knowledge to create and understand the visual language under-pinning brand identities and advertising campaigns. The course emphasizes the development of brand strategy, aligning creative design and communication with strategic objectives to build cohesive and effective brand messages. 

CTCH 203 - Intro to Media and Communication

Key topics in media and communication such as: theories of media and communication; technology as social practice; digital and interactive media; television and advertising; global media; online media; surveillance; alternative and tactical media; perceptual media.

See the Undergraduate Calendar for full program requirements.