Frequently Asked Questions

*

Frequently Asked Questions *

Programs and Differences

  • The Design Formation diploma is a two-year foundation design program in Vancouver that builds core skills across graphic design, branding, interior and architectural concepts, exhibit and environmental design. It prepares students for entry-level design work or further study in specialized design degrees.  

  • The Digital Media & Design diploma is a two-year, full-time program that combines digital media, UX/UI design, interactive and web design, front-end development, and ethical AI tools to prepare students for careers in digital design, creative technology, and front-end web development.  

  • Design Formation is a broad design foundation diploma focused on 2D and 3D design, interiors, exhibits, and environmental graphics—ideal if students want to explore multiple design fields before choosing a specialization. Digital Media & Design focuses on UX/UI, digital experiences, web, interactivity, and front-end coding—ideal if they know they want a digital media or UX/UI design career.  

  • Digital Media & Design is the better choice if their main goal is a UX/UI or digital design career. It emphasizes user experience, interface design, web authoring, and front-end development, while Design Formation gives them a broader foundation across many design disciplines.  

Curriculum, Skills, and AI

  • In Design Formation students learn visual communication, graphic design, branding, typography, layout, 3D spatial design, environmental and experiential design, and introductory architecture and interior design concepts, supported by design thinking prototyping.   

  • Design Formation students work with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, along with physical tools like model-making equipment, laser cutters, and shop tools for creating prototypes and exhibits.  

  • Digital Media & Design students develop skills in UX/UI, interactive and web design, web authoring and front-end development, project management for tech, multi-platform digital communication, accessibility and inclusion, and ethical AI tool application in design workflows.  

  • Both programs include foundational AI concepts as part of the learning experience. 

  • In Digital Media & Design, students will be introduced to AI and explore different types of AI, including predictive AI, generative AI, etc. They learn how to use AI tools ethically in digital design projects, supporting UX/UI, content creation, and creative problem-solving, while also understanding responsible and inclusive use in professional workflows. 

International Students and Language

  • Yes, international students can apply, and Langara provides guidance on admission, study permits, and academic planning for students coming to Vancouver to study design.  

  • Yes, both programs are PGWP Eligible. For the most accurate and current information on PGWP eligibility, students should visit Langara's PGWP page and immigration resources.

Pathways, Transfer, and Changing Direction

  • The Design Formation diploma is designed to help students build the skills and portfolio needed for competitive university design degrees, and many students use it as a steppingstone into specialized undergraduate programs. Current list of either block transfer or course-to-course transfer agreements.

  • The broad skills developed in Design Formation—visual communication, spatial thinking, design thinking, and software fundamentals—create a strong foundation if students later choose to move into UX/UI-focused studies such as Digital Media & Design or other digital design programs.  

Financial Aid and Tuition

  • Langara provides information on tuition, fees, and financial resources, and eligible students may access loans, awards, or other funding options through the college and provincial programs.

    More info: https://langara.ca/financial-aid 

  • Design Formation Costs

    Digital Media & Design Costs

Capstone Projects

  • The Capstone is the final project where students work in teams to create a real-world digital product like a website or app. Students handle everything from research, planning, and project management to design and testing, resulting in a professional portfolio piece.  

Program Length, Delivery, Credential

  • Both Design Formation and Digital Media & Design are designed as full-time, two-year diploma programs typically completed over four academic terms. Digital Media & Design currently offers the option of completing the program over four consecutive terms (sixteen months) without a summer break.  

  • Because they are two-year, portfolio-focused programs aligned with in-demand design and digital media roles in Vancouver, these diplomas offer a time- and cost-efficient way to start a design or UX/UI career or to prepare for further study.  

  • The programs are delivered primarily in person at Langara College in Vancouver, using studios, labs, and workshop spaces for hands-on, project-based learning and collaboration. 

  • Design Formation students receive a college diploma that can be used to enter the workforce or apply to related bachelor's degrees in architecture, interior design, or communications design.  

    Digital Media & Design students receive a college diploma that can be used to enter the workforce or apply to related bachelor's degrees in design, media, or creative technology.  

  • Yes, both programs offer part-time and full-time options. 

Admissions, Portfolio, and Info Sessions

  • Applicants must meet Langara College's general admission standards, which include academic requirements and English-language proficiency, plus any program-specific requirements listed for Design Formation or Digital Media & Design on the official program pages.  

  • Yes, the Design Formation program requires a portfolio review. No, the Digital Media & Design program doesn’t require a portfolio. 

  • It is mandatory for both programs to attend an info session. Langara offers online and on-campus information sessions where prospective students can meet instructors, see student work, and learn about admissions, curriculum, and career pathways. Learn more and register here.

Careers, Outcomes, and Front-End Development

  • Design Formation graduates can pursue junior or assistant roles in visual merchandising, retail display, exhibit and event design, interior or architectural support, environmental graphic design, and graphic design, or use the diploma to apply to related design degrees.  

  • Digital Media & Design graduates are prepared for roles such as junior UX/UI designer, web and interactive designer, front-end developer, and digital content designer in agencies, startups, and in-house creative teams. 

  • Yes, the Digital Media & Design diploma intentionally integrates UX/UI, interactive design, and web authoring with front-end development, so students graduate with the skills and portfolio needed for junior front-end developer and web design roles.

  • Design Formation is a project-based program where students will complete multiple studio and digital projects. The program includes a portfolio-focused course in the final term to help them build a professional portfolio for job applications or competitive degree programs.  

      

    Digital Media & Design is also project-based and offers a wide range of projects that can be curated into a professional portfolio for jobs or competitive degree applications. In the final term, students participate in a capstone project that can serve as a showcase piece.  

Learning Pace, Coding Anxiety, and Requirements

  • Digital Media & Design is suitable for beginners who are motivated by digital media and UX/UI. Front-end development is introduced from the fundamentals, and students build coding skills alongside design and interaction projects.  

  • Studios and labs are structured learning environments where mistakes are expected. Instructors support students through debugging and design revisions so they can experiment safely and gain confidence. 

  • No, strong math skills aren't required. DGMD coding courses are built for designers and focus on practical front-end skills (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) rather than advanced problem solving.