Foundations in Design: Certificate
Description
The Foundations in Design (FIND) program offers students the opportunity to develop the fundamental knowledge, insights and skills common to the field of design and its diverse disciplines and to explore and assess design education options and career possibilities.
The FIND program celebrates diversity of thought, expression, philosophy, values and most importantly learning styles. The curriculum emphasizes personal development, basic design skills development and the development of a comprehensive portfolio.
Based on the cornerstones of exploration, skill development and self-analysis, the FIND program focuses on learning priorities some of which include:
- Broaden knowledge of the various options, opportunities and requirements reflective of the field of design and its many disciplines.
- Encourage informed choices regarding future design education pathways and career goals.
- Develop creative problem solving skills, critical and contextual thinking skills, idea development and visualization skills.
- Enable the development of a personal voice through the formation and expression of ideas visually, verbally and in writing.
- Encourage self-expression respecting personal, social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts.
- Broaden knowledge and understanding of the theories, methodologies and processes common to the various disciplines of design.
- Development of a comprehensive portfolio of 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional project work, both analog and digital.
- Understanding and appreciation of the interdisciplinary and constantly changing nature of design.
Student Profile
The FIND program offers a comprehensive introduction to design education – theory and practice - that is particularly appropriate for:
Graduates of secondary school
- Students interested in a career in the field of design but who have not yet determined a specific discipline or are unaware of the diversity of disciplines.
- Students who have decided on a specific discipline but need to research that discipline, develop or expand their foundational skill sets and improve their portfolios as a means of gaining access to further design education.
- Students who have not been successful in their application to a specific disciplinary program in design, either at KPU or elsewhere, and need to improve or expand their design skills and portfolio if they intend to reapply.
Current post-secondary students
Students currently in other design, design related or interdisciplinary programs such as Marketing, Trades, Business, Public Relations, Journalism, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, Health Sciences or Environmental Sciences where the learning outcomes of the FIND program may complement their own discipline specific studies. Some courses in the FIND program are designated university breadth courses.
Students currently in the Trades Programs specializing in design and fabrication may also benefit from skills developed in FIND.
Some of the skills developed in FIND include: creative problem solving, critical and contextual thinking, idea generation and visualization, time/project management and team building.
Graduates of post-secondary programs
Recent graduates from any discipline seeking to complement their discipline specific education with the fundamental skills mentioned above and supported in an interdisciplinary environment by interdisciplinary faculty stressing integration, collaboration and synthesis.
Mature students
- Mature students seeking an opportunity to explore new or alternative educational and career options in the field of design and its diversity of disciplines.
- Mature students seeking an opportunity to complement or enhance their professional development with the FIND program interdisciplinary learning outcomes.
- Mature students who have been unable to qualify for an advanced design credential in KPU or other institutions and are looking to upgrade or expand their fundamental design skills and build a comprehensive portfolio.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements, including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
- Portfolio review
- Reflective written statement
During the portfolio and interview process, faculty members evaluate each applicant for suitability for admission.
Portfolio Review
Portfolios should reflect creative interests and current art/design capabilities. The following are suggestions for inclusion in the portfolio but are intended only as a guide. There is no minimum or maximum number of projects to include.
- Photos/scans of drawings, paintings, sculptures, pottery, textiles, woodworking, printmaking, sewing/costume design, garden/landscape design, room decorating or model making
- Photos/scans of sketchbooks or journals
- Samples of photography
- Transcripts from high school and any post-secondary institutions attended (Note: transcripts sent with your application for admission are not available to faculty – you must include a copy in your portfolio)
Portfolios will be accepted in digital or physical formats.
Reflective Written Statement
Applicants must also include a comprehensive written statement that reflects interests in design as well as personal, educational and career goals.
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete a total of 30 credits (27 credits of core Foundations in Design courses and 3 credits of specified electives):
Core courses - all of: |
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| FIND 1100 | Design Processes, Methods and Materials | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1110 | Drawing for Design | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1120 | Design History l* | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1130 | Design Explorations* | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1140 | Colour Theories* | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1150 | Designing for Humanity* | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1160 | Communication through Visual Language | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1200 | Two Dimensional Design | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1210 | Three Dimensional Design | 3 credits | |
Electives - one of: |
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| FIND 1220 | Interdisciplinary Design History II* | 3 credits | |
| FIND 1230 | Drafting for Design | 3 credits | |
Notes:
* University designated breadth courses.
Other Information
Returning Foundations in Design students and students who successfully qualify for a seat in Foundations in Design register early. Registering on your date and time (as per your instructions from the Office of Admissions) is extremely important, as some seats may be made available to students from other KPU programs taking designated Foundations in Design breadth courses.
Please visit kpu.ca/find for more specific program information such as Tuition & Fees, Student Testimonials, Information for Parents, course specific project work, Frequently Asked Questions, Careers in Design etc.
Costs
In addition to tuition, students should be prepared to spend approximately $500 - $800 for project materials and photocopying during the program.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Certificate of Foundations in Design.
