Program Overview

Innovative. Idea-driven. Important. Graphic communications revolutionized society with the printing press. Now it’s leading a new revolution into the digital age. It’s an industry of team players who combine artistic, technical, and entrepreneurial talents to get the job done. It could be the career for you.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Graphic Communications diploma program will challenge you both creatively and technically. Our training ensures you meet national skills standards set out by the Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council. You’ll graduate with the kind of practical, hands-on skills you need to succeed—in both traditional and digital printing environments, as well as publishing, advertising, design, and communications.

Graphics Communications is a two-year diploma program offered full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina campus. Come here to develop practical, hands-on skills in electronic file management, industry-standard software applications, and print management, production, and administration. This includes training in:

  • colour copier operation
  • colour theory and colour management
  • design and typography
  • digital photography
  • hydraulic cutter operation and maintenance
  • image editing and page layout
  • industry-standard software and hardware systems
  • logos, graphs, vector graphics, PDF creation
  • mixing inks
  • preflighting, proofing and output methods
  • screen printing
  • sheetfed offset press operation and maintenance
  • wide-format printing
  • vinyl decal/sticker creation

Learn by Doing

  • You’ll learn about leading software applications by using them in your classes and labs.
  • You’ll learn about printing by operating Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s in-house pre-press equipment, vinyl cutter, screen printing system and offset press.

Ready to Work

At graduation, you’ll have developed a professional portfolio, completed a four-week work experience and have experience managing and producing a “live job” from concept through delivery.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Graphic Communications graduates are working in many different areas—advertising agencies, graphic design firms, electronic pre-press studios, sign shops, commercial and quick-print shops, newspaper, magazine and book publishers, in-house marketing departments, and government communications departments.

Look for entry level jobs in design, production art, packaging design, signage, image editing, bindery and finishing, digital print operation, print production planning, management, screen printing and press operations, branding and marketing.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at a campus nearest you.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
PhotographerPhotographers (5221)$23,400 - $85,400
Graphic DesignerGraphic Designers and Illustrators (5241)$35,400 - $79,000
Printing Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (7381)$25,000 - $65,800

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 68 weeks: 

Year 1 - 32 weeks; Year 2 - 36 weeks

Locations

  • Regina

This program has one or more courses that you can register for immediately.

View the A-Z course listing for a complete list of courses and additional information.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 250 Reading
  • 245 Writing

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2019/20 Academic Year

Year 1 - $6,960
Year 2 - $7,570

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

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Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
GRPH 146
Introduction to Printing
4
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Your studies will introduce you to the MacIntosh operating system along with graphic communication concepts. You will learn to operate a digital colour press and explore a variety of printing methods and finishing techniques. You will be introduced to the basic elements and principles of design creation along with being able to identify and explain various design and production considerations for print.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 147
Digital Page Layout 1
3
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You will use page layout software and acquire the basic knowledge required for building digital documents for print. Through lab experience, you will focus on the basic use of text, objects, colour, formatting skills and keyboard shortcuts.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 150
Design 1
3
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You will gain an understanding of colour theory and the use of the colour wheel. You will develop an understanding of the application of typography in relation to effective graphic design. You will learn design problem solving steps. Using the fundamental design knowledge and skills you acquire in this course, you will create a logo and complementary pieces for a specified client.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 152
Digital Illustration 1
3
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You will be introduced to illustration software keyboard shortcuts, tools and drawing techniques, and will acquire the basic and intermediate knowledge required for the digital production of vector graphics. You will acquire the practical skills required for the digital production of multi-coloured vector graphics.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 153
Image Editing 1
3
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You will acquire the practical skills required for the efficient use of image editing software by using Adobe Photoshop to build a wide range of real-world projects. You will learn how to manage layers, use layer masks, apply basic image editing and creative adjustments.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 154
Workflow Fundamentals
3
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Your studies will focus upon graphic communications workflow fundamental. You will learn proper file management techniques for your documents. You will learn how to apply basic colour management to your documents. You will learn the correct way to crop, straighten, and remove image imperfections. You will learn techniques for neutralizing colour and correcting colour skin tones. You will learn how to scale and sharpen images for specific output conditions. You will learn how to prepare industry-standard vector graphics. You will learn how to make decisions about the specific requirements needed for the proper output of images and vector graphics to various devices.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 158
Print Media 2
3
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Your studies will focus on screen-printing onto textiles. You will learn to coat screens with emulsion, output film positives, expose and wash out screens, print onto garments and clean screens. You will create single colour images for assembly.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
MATH 165
Mathematics for Printers
2
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You will acquire the basic mathematics skills required for entry level occupations in the graphics/print industry. Your studies will include basic mathematics, problem solving, and measurement systems.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 24.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
PHOT 125
Photography 1
3
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Your studies will focus on a foundational digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera image capture. You will learn the importance of image resolution and image file formats. You will study the intricacies of a balanced exposure and photographic composition. Camera operation will be examined through aperture, shutter speed, sensor sensitivity, white balance and focusing techniques.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
GRPH 144
Digital Printing
4
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Your studies will focus on how to optimize and output jobs to digital colour presses, and wide format equipment. You will learn how to design for proper output to digital colour presses, and wide format equipment. You will learn how to set colour management and resolution requirements for digital output devices.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 148
Digital Page Layout 2
3
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You will be introduced to intermediate features of the user interface of page layout software. Through a combination of theory and lab experiences, you will focus on the efficient use of templates, style sheets, tables, master pages, table of contents indexes and book creation. You will develop the skills necessary to produce error-free spot colour and process colour digital documents using page layout software. You will preflight and package your job to industry standards.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 149
Digital Page Layout 3
3
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You will be introduced to the interactive features of page layout software. Through a combination of theory and lab experiences, you will focus on creating interactive slideshows and PDF forms. You will learn to use navigation and multimedia tools in the development of multi-page documents.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 151
Self-Promotion
3
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You will create self-promotional material that will highlight your work created in the Graphic Communications program. You will develop online social media presence as well as traditional media to promote your profile, interests and self.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 155
Image Editing 2
3
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You will acquire the practical skills required to apply common design tasks using Adobe Photoshop. You will learn how to edit images, draw shapes, and work with type and fonts. You will also use masking, and blending modes to composite images.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 207
Digital Output
3
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Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard print-ready files for digital output. You will acquire the skills required to develop on demand printing using variable data. You will perform digital trapping and imposition and examine why they are crucial to printing success in the graphic communications industry.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 208
Digital Illustration 2
3
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Your studies will cover advanced level techniques in Adobe Illustrator. You will examine advanced level tools within Illustrator and create technically sound vector artwork. You will examine and implement industry standard best practices for vector artwork creation. You will create advanced level vector graphics for output, and for use within digital and print-ready files.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 232
Design 2
3
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You will manipulate elements of design using visual techniques and principles of organization. Your studies will include exploring typography for various mediums and you will gain an understanding of the design process as applied to text-based design. Using a colour wheel, you explore and demonstrate effective use of colour relationships and palettes in design.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
DSGN 103
Web Site Design Principles
3
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You will learn how to integrate the knowledge and skills from other courses to design, develop, and test effective web sites. You will also learn to analyze and critique existing web sites for usability and effectiveness. Your web analysis will include testing for usability and accessibility.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MULT 120(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): DSGN 103CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 156
Image Editing 3
3
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You will focus on applying a variety of effects to images using Adobe Photoshop. The course combines practical experience in editing and compositing images to be included in industry-standard documents, high quality print output and inclusion in a professional portfolio.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 144
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 210
Premedia 1
3
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Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create a multi-item campaign for cross-media production.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 144
Equivalent Course(s): GRPH 210CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 211
Premedia 2
3
Show course details
Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready, files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create a multi-item campaign for cross-media production.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 144
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 234
Brand Building
3
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You will be introduced to the brand development process. You will learn the role that research and analysis plays in branding and how to develop core brand values and understand your audience. Your studies will also help you develop the visual vocabulary to communicate the message and develop a strong visual identity package.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 144
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 239
Premedia Preparation
3
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Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. Your studies will cover how to combine the individual concepts you have acquired from previous courses, into a cohesive workflow.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 144
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
MULT 120
Web Authoring 1-Basic HTML/CSS
4
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You will learn the basics of web site authoring and publishing. You will create a web site using basic Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). You will use various software to create and manage a website. You will publish a website to your own domain service.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): GRPH 260, MULT 120CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
PHOT 225
Photography 2
3
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Your studies will focus on advanced Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera image capture, and the use of off-camera lighting. You will learn about various lighting and composition techniques for capturing professional portraits, and stock photography images. You will develop workflow procedures for sorting, preparing, and exporting, of your images. You will prepare industry standard images for inclusion within digital and print-ready files.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 144
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 4

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
COM 160
Communications for Graphic Arts
2
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You will practice effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. You will learn how to give and accept criticism, resolve conflicts, and handle customer complaints. You will also use critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving skills. You will create job search documents including a resume and cover letter.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
GRPH 209
Print Media 4
3
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Your studies will focus on vinyl application and screen-printing onto a variety of textiles. You will create, output and assemble multi-colour vector illustrations using the vinyl cutter and the screen printing process.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 212
Premedia 3
3
Show course details
Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create a multi-item campaign for cross-media production.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 213
Premedia 4
4
Show course details
Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will learn the fundamentals of creating long documents. You will learn strategies for creating and developing long documents. You will create, output, and prepare a job package for long documents.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 230
Premedia 5
3
Show course details
Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create multi-item campaigns for packaging products.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 231
Premedia 6
3
Show course details
Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create a large multi-item campaign, meeting deadlines, and solving problems, while dealing with the pressures of managing multiple projects on a daily basis.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 233
Design 3
3
Show course details
Your study of typography will expand to the experimental and expressive use of type. You will also define design project goals, develop a design rationale, create complementary design pieces targeted to multiple audiences and present your design project to your classmates.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
GRPH 243
Digital Marketing
3
Show course details
You will learn about digital marketing in today’s fast changing environment. Social strategy, exciting content, mobile photography, graphic design and more. You will learn how to develop and define your social media platforms with a marketing communications plan.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
MULT 124
Web Authoring 2-Intermediate HTML/CSS-CMS
3
Show course details
You will use intermediate HTML and CSS to design and create websites with a variety of layouts. You will incorporate interactivity along with audio and video into HTML pages. You will learn to install, configure, use, and manage Content Management Systems (CMS). You will develop the skills to apply themes and use modules.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MULT 120
Equivalent Course(s): MULT 124CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

Semester 5

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
WORK 300
Work Experience
0
Show course details
You will participate in a four-week work experience which will prepare you for employment in the graphic communications industry. You will work within the graphic communications industry in Saskatchewan.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 160.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 231
Potential Learning Method(s): Work Experience - Group, Work Experience -Individual

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for the Arts and Sciences courses in this program. To discuss PLAR for other courses in this program, contact us at 1-866-467-4278 and ask for the Program Head of this program.


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Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

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