Visual Arts, Diploma

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

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

What you'll learn

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

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.

Course	Weekly eours*	Credits
ART 121 Modes of Drawing	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 124 Traditional Printmaking	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 128 Graphic Design Foundations	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 140 Visual Foundations 3D Design	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 180 Modern Art History	1 x 3hr	3
ART 127 Introduction to Painting	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 142 Sculpture	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 144 Ceramics 1	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 152 Visual Culture	1 x 3hr	3
ART 161 Lens-Based: Images & Concepts	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3

*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.

Course	Weekly eours*	Credits
ART 240 Ceramics 2	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 260 Performance Art: The Body As a Generator of Art	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 265 Creative Photography	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 268 Contemporary Video & Film Art	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 282 Art Seminar and Theory	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 182 Professional Arts Management	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 222 2D Studio Practice	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 234 Mixed Media Printmaking	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 242 3D & 4D Studio Practice	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3
ART 269 Art of Animation	1 x 4 + 1hr lab	3

*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.

Cooperative education		Credits
CDEV WPS	Workplace Preparation Skills	0
ART 101	Cooperative Work Experience 1	6 credits
ART 201	Cooperative Work Experience 2 (optional)	6 credits

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Visual Arts, Diploma

$7,836 (domestic)
$33,981 (international)

Visual Arts, Diploma, Co-Op designation

$8,672 (domestic)
$36,336 (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:

Mandatory attendance at an information session (scheduled by Camosun).

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...