Visual Arts, Diploma

Blend disciplines, theory and studio time

This full-time two-year program is hands-on, with an integration of studio and theoretical credit courses to help you explore the role of the artist in contemporary culture. Your teachers and technicians are all professional artists who foster a spirit of creative thinking and experimentation.

What to expect

The Visual Arts program is located at our Lansdowne campus, using classrooms and studios in the historic Young building and smaller annexes nearby. Classes may be offered in the evenings as well as during the day, giving you lots of time in the studio to experiment. We host visiting artists in a lecture format, allowing students to learn from professional artists and other members of the art community. 

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.

After graduation

At the conclusion of the program, you'll have a portfolio that illustrates your competence and achievement to prospective clients, employers, granting agencies and institutes of advanced study.

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

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. 

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

Part-time studies in Visual Arts

In addition to the full-time diploma program, the Visual Arts department also offers Art and Art History courses that can be taken part-time through the University Transfer program. These courses are popular choices for personal development or as a transferable arts elective, or while you're waiting to get into the full-time program.