Visual Arts, Diploma

This comprehensive, hands-on Visual Arts program can prepare you for a career in, graphic design, pottery, sculpture, filmmaking & animation, photography, drawing & painting, printmaking and more. 

Apply now

Check our current program availability.

VISARTS pottery classroom

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma

Work experience

Co-op / internship

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Open to International

Yes

Area of study

Arts & Humanities

Length

2 years full-time, part-time options available

Get started

Get your application in for the September intake.

We help you shape your creative future

Explore the significance of art in relation to historical and contemporary cultures. This studio immersion program offers you a comprehensive education in visual arts. The program provides a foundation of exploration and design intended to promote inquiry, experimentation, and critical awareness.

Blend disciplines, theory and studio time

You will learn a wide variety of disciplines including: graphic design, ceramics, sculpture, performance art, animation, analogue & digital photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, video and film, art history, visual culture, art theory, professional practice. Learn collaboratively and foster community through integration of studio and theoretical credit courses that will lead to a Diploma in Visual Arts with University transfer towards a BFA. Our instructors are professional artists who produce experiential learning environments supported by qualified technologists who create space to promote the success of diverse learners.

After graduation

You will have a portfolio that represents your competence and achievement for institutes of advanced study, granting agencies, applications (such as residencies and public art competitions), prospective clients, and employers.

Your Visual Arts diploma can open doors to employment opportunities, and further education. Past graduates have successfully transferred into third-year studies at universities and art colleges, and have successful art showings around the globe.

Your courses may also transfer to other BC universities and colleges to allow you to continue your education towards a degree in visual arts and design studies. Check the BC Transfer Guide to find out where each course transfers. For further information, consult with an Academic Advisor.

Transfer to the Bachelor of Fine Art (Visual Art) at Emily Carr University of Art + Design

a) Students who complete the Diploma in Visual Arts at Camosun College with a cumulative grade point average of B (3.00) will be automatically accepted into year three (3) of the Bachelor of Fine Art (Visual Art major) degree program at Emily Carr University.

b) Students with a cumulative grade point average between 2.00 and 2.99 will be considered for admission to year three (3) of the BFA on the basis of their academic standing and a portfolio review.

Part-time studies in Visual Arts

While designed as a full-time diploma program, part-time completion is fully supported. Additionally, many of our courses can be taken individually as electives through the University Transfer program.

Where can you work?

As a graduate of the Visual Arts program you will leave with broad knowledge, skills and abilities suitable to work in various fields. Our graduates have many roles, including:

Career options
  • animator & special effects artist
  • art historian & curator
  • art teacher & professor
  • art therapist
  • ceramicist
  • concept artist
  • storyboard artist
  • designer (industrial, interior, graphic, gaming, web, fashion, textile, narrative etc)filmmakers and film technician; assistant director
  • fine furnishing
  • hair stylist
  • illustrator
  • landscape designer
  • museum and gallery personnel
  • ornamental iron work
  • photo technician
  • photographer
  • printmaker
  • scenographer (set designer)
  • self-employed practicing artist

Related links

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

    Chelsea Vignola, 2018

    Program outline

    For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

    Program Outline

    What to expect

    The Visual Arts program is located at the Lansdowne campus (land acknowledgement seek consultation). Our studios are designed and equipped for experiential making and exploration of materials. In our classrooms, we promote inquiry through discussion, critical awareness, language, and openness of mind. Throughout the semester, we host a Visiting Artist Lecture Series providing students and the community an opportunity to engage and learn from a diverse range of professional artists, curators, and designers.

    Year 1

    Your first year includes two semesters (September to April) and includes courses in drawing, printmaking, painting, graphic design, ceramics, sculpture, 3D design, video, Modern art history, and photography.

    CourseWeekly Hours*Credits
    ART 121 Modes of Drawing1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 124 Traditional Printmaking1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 128 Graphic Design Foundations1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 140 Visual Foundations 3D Design1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 180 Modern Art History1 x 3hr3
    ART 127 Introduction to Painting1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 142 Sculpture1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 144 Ceramics 11 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 152 Visual Culture1 x 3hr3
    ART 161 Lens-Based: Images & Concepts1 x 4 + 1hr lab3

    *4 or 3-hour class once a week

     

    Year 2

    When you return in September for your second year, you will build on your foundation knowledge to develop communication and practical skills in animation, performance art, photography, video, filmmaking and art theory.

    CourseWeekly Hours*Credits
    ART 240 Ceramics 21 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 260 Performance Art: The Body As a Generator of Art1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 265 Creative Photography1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 268 Contemporary Video & Film Art1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 282 Art Seminar and Theory1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 182 Professional Arts Management1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 222 2D Studio Practice1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 234 Mixed Media Printmaking1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 242 3D & 4D Studio Practice1 x 4 + 1hr lab3
    ART 269 Art of Animation1 x 4 + 1hr lab3

    *4 or 3-hour class once a week

     

    Optional work terms

    During the program, you can choose to take one work term and add an internship designation to your diploma. If you complete two work terms, you will graduate with a co-operative education designation.

    CDEV WPS Workplace Preparation Skills ART 101 Cooperative Work Experience

    Cooperative Education
    CDEV WPSWorkplace Preparation Skills0
    ART 101Cooperative Work Experience6 credits

      Tuition and fees

      Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

      Estimated tuition

      Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

      Visual Arts, Diploma

      $7,678 (domestic)
      $32,864 (international)

      Visual Arts, Diploma, Co-Op designation

      $8,498 (domestic)
      $35,142 (international)

      Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

      For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees.

      Student fees

      In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

      The Visual Arts program provides basic materials to all students, however, full-time Visual Arts students should budget to potentially spend roughly $600 per term on art materials and text books. This can vary based on individual student needs.

      Financial assistance

      You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

      Financial Aid & Awards 

      Admission requirements

      One of:

      • C in English 12 
      • C in English 12 Camosun Alternative  

      And all of:

      Note:

      • Acceptance of transfer students from other post-secondary Art programs into 2nd year is at the approval of the department.

      When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

      For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...

      Ready to get started?

      Apply now

      Check our current program availability.

      Missing admission requirements?

      You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

      Need help applying?

      Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

      Contact us

      If you have admissions questions contact us today!

      If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your classes contact artsci@camosun.ca or the program chair. 

      Faculty/staff profile

      Faro Annie Sullivan

      Faro Annie Sullivan

      Lab Technologist, Visual Arts

      sullivanfa@camosun.ca
      250-370-3458/250-370-3383
      Pottery Bldg, Art Annex
      Full bio

      Audie Murray, 2016

      Learn more

      For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar. 

      Contact information

      School of Arts & Science

      Campus location

      Fisher building, room 104

      Location link

      Lansdowne campus

      250-370-3298

      artsci@camosun.ca


       

      International students please contact Camosun International