Course Overview
Typography is the craft of designing with type, and good typography is an essential part of good design. Half of typography is the ability to effectively choose the right typeface for the project. We will learn about the development of early type to provide context for contemporary typefaces. We will also study typographic forms closely, explore typographic vocabulary, and classify type in different ways to allow us to communicate why a typeface is a good fit for a project. The other half of typography is the ability to set typefaces effectively. We will learn how to create hierarchy and compose balanced documents using grids. Focus will be placed on creating readable, appealing body text and dynamic, expressive display text. Through a series of projects and assignments, students will learn to work confidently and effectively with type.
Domestic fees
$622.98 - $652.73 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe how history and technology has shaped type classification and its major characteristics.
- Identify type anatomy and terminology such as x-height, small caps, ligatures, and accents.
- Follow principles and guidelines based on research to select the most effective typeface(s) for a given project.
- Implement font pairings for readability and expression.
- Apply design with type as the primary element (expressive type).
- Construct page layouts using printers' measurements (points and picas).
- Alter InDesign typographic preferences to enhance output.
- Produce a typographic design layout using multiple and complex grids.
- Apply and control basic typesetting functions for standard text, tabular settings and tables.
- Apply typesetting conventions such as measurement, paragraph spacing, hanging punctuation, and indents, to help create sophisticated typography.
- Distinguish tracking and customize kerning for large, highly visible typography such as headlines.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2023
Related Programs
Typography (GDES 2145) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Graphic Communications
Diploma Full-time
- Graphic Design
Certificate Full-time/Part-time
- Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Diploma Part-time
- Media Techniques for Business
Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of GDES 2145 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68659
Dates
Apr 09 - Jun 25 Loading
- CRN 68659
- $622.98 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 09 - Jun 25 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Carolina Becerra
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This is not a self-paced course. You will be expected to be available and online on the posted days and times shown on your registration schedule. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. Students who are currently registered in one or more BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. For subscription information, please visit: kb.bcit.ca/student/using-adobe-software-for-students-3588/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of GDES 2145 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 50904
Dates
Sep 09 - Dec 02 Loading
- CRN 50904
- $652.73 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 09 - Dec 02 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:15 | Downtown DTC Rm. 890 |
Duration
11 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- No class Sept 30 or Nov 11. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud to complete this course. In order to access the Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal devices for off-campus use, a subscription will be required. Information explaining how to obtain a discounted Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.