Foundations in Design is a one-year (2-semester) certificate program that will develop your skills and your understanding of design as a career. Explore the diverse options open to the design professional, and grow your skills with hands on projects. This program gives you the opportunity to focus your studies in a creative environment lead by design professionals. Study fundamental design skills such as drawing, 2D and 3D design plus develop methods in the creative process essential to your success. Complete your year with a dynamic portfolio of work that will open the door to future studies in any number of design disciplines.
Students in the FIND program have the opportunity of exploring various facets of design. For a look at what we do, go to: kpu.ca/design/find/studentwork
Who Studies Foundations in Design?
Students who excel in the FIND program:
- are curious about how things work
- often build and dismantle things to understand them
- wonder how rooms and public spaces best serve the people who use them
- like photography or drawing
- look at magazines to see how fonts, colours and shapes are used
- play with fabrics to create new looks
- dream of how the new iPhone or a new car could look
If you can relate to any or all of the above, the FIND program could be for you.
A career in design is a lifelong journey and yours can start with FIND. Designers are found in many industries creating everything from furniture to fashion, gadgets and sports equipment, branding, websites, publishing and the built environment. With the completion of the FIND certificate, graduates often seek further design education to find a design-related career.
The possibilities are many:
- Fashion design
- Graphic design
- Interior design
- Product design
- Digital technology
- Interface design
- Window Display
- Environmental Design
- Design Management
- Museum Design
- Lighting Design
- Event Design
- Publication Design
...and many more.
Faculty's website: kpu.ca/design
Department's website: kpu.ca/design/find
In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
- Expression of Interest Package
During the selection process, faculty members evaluate each applicant for suitability for admission. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. For further details about the expression of interest package, including submission specifics, visit the department's website at kpu.ca/design/find
Seat availability is based on priority for students who continue in all courses as per the prescribed program plan. Students who are unable to meet course requirements to continue with the program plan or who decide to take a break from their studies, may be removed from program. Re-admission into the program will be based on seat availability and approval by the program.
Code | Title | Credits |
DESN 1100 | Design Processes, Methods and Materials | 3 |
DESN 1110 | Drawing for Design | 3 |
DESN 1130 | Design Explorations | 3 |
DESN 1140 | Colour Theories | 3 |
DESN 1150 | Designing for Humanity | 3 |
DESN 1160 | Design Storytelling | 3 |
DESN 1200 | Portfolio Studio | 3 |
DESN 1210 | 3D Form Studio | 3 |
DESN 1220 | Design History: 19th Century Onward | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Design Connections: Then and Now | ||
Introduction to Digital Drafting | ||
Introduction to Digital Studio | ||
Total Credits | 30 |
Returning Foundations in Design students and students who successfully qualify for a seat in Foundations in Design will register early. Registering on the date and time provided in your instructions from the Office of Admissions is extremely important, as some course spaces may be made available to students from other KPU programs.
Please visit kpu.ca/find for more specific program information.
Students are required to supply their own laptop and subscribe to specific software. Students are advised not to purchase a personal laptop computer until specifications and requirements have been provided to successful applicants. In addition to tuition, students should be prepared to spend approximately $500 for project materials and photocopying during the program.
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Certificate of Foundations in Design.
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