Visual Arts, Diploma

Blend disciplines, theory and studio time

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.

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.

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.

Boiling Point | Visual Arts graduation exhibition

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.

Artist Residencies

As a Visual Arts student, you'll benefit from the presence of alumni artists on campus through the Alumni Residency program. This program provides the time and space for an alum artist to research new ideas, experiment with different techniques and means of production while connecting and meeting with current students in the college and local committee.

Camosun also offers the Van den Brink Residency program to a new or recent graduate of the Visual Arts program who is strongly self-motivated, shows creativity and fosters community spirit.

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.