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Graphic Communications


Location(s):  Regina   

Graphic Communications is a diploma program. If the idea of putting words and images on thousands of items you see every day - such as billboards, websites, clothing, candy wrappers, CDs, textbooks and your favourite magazines - appeals to you, this is the industry for you. It is an industry with opportunities for all talents - artistic, technical, interpersonal and entrepreneurial.

Through this program you will develop skills in software applications used in advertising, design and publication so you can create, manipulate and make adjustments to digital files as needed. You will understand the interaction of paper, ink and print technologies so you can troubleshoot problems and ensure the finished product meets industry standards. This is an exciting industry that challenges you creatively and technically. It is also a fast-moving industry that demands lightning-quick problem solving and innovative thinking. We ensure that our training program addresses the pressing needs of the industry through strict adherence to the national skills standards set out by the Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council.

The Graphic Communications program at SIAST gives you the tools to succeed.

You will receive training in:

  • industry communications

  • typography

  • design

  • MacIntosh operating system

  • page layout using Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress

  • image editing using Adobe Photoshop

  • logos, graphs and vector graphic creation using Adobe Illustrator

  • PDF (portable document format) tools

  • networks

  • file management

  • Preflighting

  • proofing and output methods

  • XEROX colour copier operation

  • mathematics for printers

  • mixing inks

  • Heidelberg sheetfed offset press operation and maintenance

  • hydraulic cutter operation and maintenance

  • managing complex jobs using the print production workflow

  • managing and producing a "live job" from concept through to delivery


You will develop a creative comprehensive portfolio throughout the program that will enhance your career preparation.

Graphic Communications gives students the conceptual and technical expertise necessary to achieve employment in today's exciting and diverse graphic communications industry. There is a four-week industry work experience during the final month of the program.

The Canadian Printing Industry Association (CPIA) offers a substantial scholarship to students entering a two-year or four-year program in printing technology. Graphic Communications diploma students are eligible to receive this scholarship. You must be enrolled or plan to enrol in the first year of an approved program. An application form is available at www.cpia-aci.ca.

Length: 68 weeks

Year 1 - 32 weeks; Year 2 - 36 weeks


Career Opportunities

Innovative. Idea-driven. Important. Bringing information to the world. Graphic Communications could be the career choice for you. It's the industry that revolutionized society with the printing press and now leads a new revolution into the digital age. Graphic communications is an industry of team players, each with distinct responsibilities who combine their talents to get the job done. Graduates are prepared for a career in all areas of the graphic arts and printing industry. These include advertising agencies, commercial and quick-print shops, design firms, newspaper, magazine and book publishing agencies, and communications facilities within industry or government.

A career in our industry offers plentiful opportunities for individual success. The graphic communications and printing industry employs over 274,000 people working in 25,900 establishments across Canada, making it the fourth largest manufacturing employer in the nation.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you or visit the Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council (CPISC) and the Printing Industries of America (PIA) websites.


  • designer
  • digital press operator
  • graphic artist
  • image editor
  • output technician
  • pre-media specialist
  • preflighter and file repair technician
  • sales and customer service representative
  • sheetfed press operator

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

Admission Requirements




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 and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

80Arithmetic
75Reading
75Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST 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.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Shop/Lab
    • A balanced schedule between theory and hands-on work provides students with a positive, work-like environment that reinforces the learning environment.
      Work Experience
    • Your work experience will take place throughout Saskatchewan. Although every attempt will be made to accommodate your choice of location, you must be prepared for the cost of living away from Regina and area.

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.






Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.



Year 1 (effective July 1, 2009)
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  • COM_ 160  Communications for Graphic Arts
  • You will learn basic listening, writing, and speaking skills as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills. Your studies will also include effective presentation techniques and business telephone communication skills.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • GRPH 104  Introduction to Graphic Communications
  • You will be able to identify and explain various design and production considerations for print. An understanding will also be gained of the variety of hardware and software components utilized in prepress along with computing platforms and digital file basics. You will understand digital output and the basic functions found in prepress workflow solutions.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • GRPH 105  Digital Prepress Systems
  • You will be introduced to the desktop publishing environment through a combination of theory and lab experiences. You will develop the basic knowledge and skills of digital prepress processes and systems including an introduction to the Macintosh operating system, and the hardware and software used in the graphic arts industry.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   GAP 130   


  • GRPH 106  Introduction to Typography
  • You will gain an understanding of the history, development and application of typography in relation to electronic file preparation. You will study the mechanics of type, the form and function of type, and the images and emotion in typography.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   GAP 131   


  • GRPH 107  Introduction to Printing
  • Your studies will introduce you to a variety of printing and finishing techniques. You will study different printing processes such as offset printing, gravure printing, flexography printing, screen printing and digital printing. You will also learn about common finishing and binding processes. The course content also includes Occupational Health and Safety Procedures and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • GRPH 108  Substrates, Inks and Toners
  • Your studies will provide technical aspects of paper, other substrates, inks and toners used in the printing industry. Manufacture, application and interaction of these materials are examined in relation to particular processes and end use requirements. You will gain hands-on experience with the paper cutter and equipment maintenance.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 107 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 110  Page Layout Software 1
  • You will be introduced to page layout software and acquire the basic knowledge required for digital page makeup. You will focus on the user interface of page layout software as well as basic use of text, objects, colour and formatting skills.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 106 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 111  Digital Page Layout 1
  • Building on the skills you developed in Page Layout Software 1, you will develop basic skills in digital prepress production. You will become familiar with page make-up using page layout software through lab experience.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 110 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 112  Page Layout Software 2
  • You will develop the skills necessary to produce error-free digital documents using page layout software through a combination of theory and lab experiences. You will focus on the efficient use of page layout software, constructing files with imported images, graphics, and text. You will use style sheets, libraries, clipping paths, runarounds, layers and keyboard shortcuts.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   GAP 231   

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 111 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 113  Digital Page Layout 2
  • Building on the skills you developed in Page Layout Software 2, you will recreate problem-free, multi-colour digital documents with page layout software. You will acquire the skills needed to prepare intermediate spot and process colour digital files to industry standards and output to job specifications.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Equivalent Course(s):   GAP 232   

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 112 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 125  Basic Design
  • You will be introduced to the basic design elements, the principles of organization in visual design, and the effective use of colour in design. You will acquire the fundamental design knowledge and skills necessary in all graphic design.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 110 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 130  Digital Illustration Software
  • You will be introduced to illustration software and acquire the basic knowledge required for the digital production of vector graphics. You will be introduced to illustration software interface, tools and drawing techniques.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 106 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 131  Digital Illustration
  • You will acquire the practical skills required for the digital production of multi-colour graphics. You will perform problem-free spot and process colour logo recreation using illustration software.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 130 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 141  Image Fundamentals
  • Your studies will help you gain an understanding of various image reproduction processes and imaging theory. You will be introduced to the hardware, software and colour management.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 105 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 142  Image Correction
  • You will acquire the practical skills required to enhance images and adjust image quality by using Adobe camera raw processing, curves and shadow/highlight adjustments, painting with light, channel adjustments, layer blend modes, layer masks and sharpening techniques.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 143 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 143  Colour Management
  • Your studies will focus on colour workflow management for print production. You will assign profiles to ensure colour consistency and repeatability for output.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 141 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 144  Digital Printing
  • You will learn about the origin and principles of digital printing and how those technologies are being used in the printing industry today. Studies will focus on digital printer operation, and optimization using theory and lab experience. You will gain hands-on experience by producing a variety of short-run jobs common to the print industry, as they implement various digital printing technologies.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 108 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 185  Press Operation 1
  • Your studies will provide an introduction to platemaking techniques and basic press operation. You will print single coloured projects to industry standards, using Heidelberg presses.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Equivalent Course(s):   GAP 170   

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 108 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 191  Job Production 1
  • Building on the skills you acquired throughout the first year of the Graphic Communications program, you will co-ordinate and produce a variety of projects to industry standards.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 106 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 113 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 125 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 131 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 142 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 143 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 185 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MATH 165  Mathematics for Printers
  • 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.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


    Year 2 (effective July 1, 2010)

  • GRPH 205  Job Engineering
  • Your studies will cover aspects of the Graphic Arts Workflow and will equip you with the knowledge needed to prepare industry standard print-ready files for distribution within the Graphic Arts Industry. You will examine the process a digital file takes from conception to materialization.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 191 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 206  Digital Output
  • Your studies will cover aspects of Digital Output in the Graphic Arts Industry. You will learn about the digital prepress workflow and will acquire the skills required create perfect PDF files capable of printing on all output devices used within the Graphic Arts Industry. You will discover the common mistakes that cause PDF files to fail and will learn how to avoid and fix these common mistakes.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • GRPH 210  Page Layout Software 3
  • You will acquire the practical skills required for the efficient use of page layout software through lab experience. You will use Adobe InDesign to build a wide range of real-world projects to be used to create a professional portfolio.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 191 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 211  Digital Page Layout 3
  • You will prepare basic real-world documents by using page layout software for the creation and output of error-free documents to industry output standards.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 210 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 212  Digital Page Layout 4
  • You will focus on the preparation of complex real-world documents. You will use the advanced features of page layout software for the creation and output of error-free documents to industry output standards.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 211 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 213  Digital Page Layout 5
  • You will focus on the preparation of complex, real-world digital documents. You will use the advanced features of page layout software for the creation and output of error-free, multi-page documents to industry output standards.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 212 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 240  Image Editing Software
  • 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 to be included in a professional portfolio.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 142 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 191 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 241  Image Editing 1
  • Lab experience will help you acquire the practical skills required to create unique and eye-catching photographic effects. You will learn how to enhance images through adding light for emphasis, adding drop and directional shadows, and using motion blur and film grain creatively. You will also cover how to add a distressed look to create a vintage-style photograph, use infrared and solarization, and apply creative layer blending.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 240 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 242  Image Editing 2
  • Building on the skills you developed in GRPH 241, you will focus on applying a variety of effects to images using Adobe Photoshop. The course combines practical experience in editing images for the development of advertising concepts, high quality print output, and inclusion in a professional portfolio.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 241 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 268  Sheetfed Offset Press Orientation
  • You will be able to recognize the basic types, systems, specifications, and configurations of a sheetfed offset press.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 185 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 269  Safety
  • You will understand and demonstrate proper safety procedures for sheetfed offset press operation.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 268 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 270  Feeder System
  • You will identify feeder system components and types. You will safely operate and troubleshoot the feeder system including the pickup and paperfeed devices.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 269 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 271  Sheet Register System
  • You will identify and operate the components of the register system of a sheetfed offset press.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 270 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 272  Delivery System
  • You will work with each component of a chain delivery system. You will troubleshoot sheet register system and delivery system operations.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 271 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 273  Printing Unit
  • You will explain plate, blanket, and impression cylinder principles; describe and implement proper procedures for packing, mounting, and removing plates and blankets; properly align and adjust cylinders; and troubleshoot plate, blanket, and printing unit problems.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 272 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 274  Inking System
  • You will explain ink and colour theory and inking system principles, list and describe components and characteristics of ink, perform proper selection, handling, and usage of ink, perform care and maintenance of the inking systems, and troubleshoot ink-related problems.



    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 273 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 275  Dampening System
  • You will explain dampening principles and chemistry; describe the components and operating principles of conventional and continuous-flow dampening systems; and troubleshoot dampening-related problems.



    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 274 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 276  Press Makeready
  • You will list and describe guidelines and procedures for efficient makeready; identify and explain quality control and colour measurement devices used during makeready; identify makeready problems and their solutions; and perform operation and procedures to prepare the sheetfed offset press for production, including achieving register and bringing the press up to colour.



    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 275 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 277  Press Production
  • You will safely and properly operate the sheetfed press by completing the following objectives: set up the press, maintain register, colour, and quality during the pressrun, recognize a problem when it occurs, determine its causes, and take corrective action.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 276 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 278  Preventative Maintenance
  • You will explain the importance of regularly scheduled equipment maintenance and prepare a schedule for the maintenance of particular press areas, including procedures for lubrication and the maintenance of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.



    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 110 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 279  Press Operation 2
  • Building on the skills you acquired throughout the Graphic Communications program, you will produce a variety two colour projects to industry standards.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 278 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GRPH 291  Job Production 2
  • Building on the skills you developed throughout the Graphic Communications program, you will locate a client from a non-profit organization and work as the customer service representative, graphic artist/prepress operator and press operator on a "live" job from concept through to delivery. You will plan a job, work with external suppliers, and utilize your skills and knowledge of the print production workflow and issues.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 213 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 279 Minimum Grade of 60


  • WORK 300  Work Experience
  • 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.

    0.0 Credit Units
    120.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Work Experience -Individual, Work Experience - Group

    Prerequisites:
    GRPH 131 Minimum Grade of 60 and GRPH 291 Minimum Grade of 60



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