Design and Visual Arts
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Creative Industries
Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Program Duration
2 Semesters / 1 YearProgram Contacts
Richard Neufeld
Program Coordinator / Professor
richard.neufeld@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Explore a future of creative possibilities
Take your talent and love for the arts to new heights as you gain confidence in your artistic journey building a solid foundation in creative art and design. You will experiment with a rich and diverse cross-section of media and concepts, including drawing, 2D and 3D design, illustration, applied multimedia, and creative and conceptual problem solving.
Surrounded by like-minded creatives, you will learn to apply critical thinking skills to produce solutions to the varied challenges creative industries present, as well as developing your visual sensitivity and artistic dexterity.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Experiment with a wide range of artistic media and concepts
- Engage with students from all creative art and design programs
- Opportunity to create and install a mural that will beautify a public space
- Graduate with a vibrant and diverse portfolio
- Option to continue into the second year of the Design and Visual Arts program to further build your portfolio and specialized skills
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
Note: As this is a portfolio building, foundational program of study, there is no portfolio requirement for admission.
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn more
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AFP 1100 | Ideas & Imagery | 3 |
| AFP 1105 | Design Fundamentals | 3 |
| ART 1008 | Colour and Design | 3 |
| AFP 1120 | Fundamentals of Drawing | 3 |
| AFP 1125 | Fine Art Studio 2D | 3 |
| COM 1001 | Art and Design Communication | 3 |
| AFP 1235 | Graphic Design Studio | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| AFP 1200 | Life Drawing | 3 |
| AFP 1205 | Drawing from your Imagination | 3 |
| AFP 1210 | Applied Colour | 3 |
| AFP 1221 | Applied Multimedia | 3 |
| AFP 1225 | Analytical Drawing | 3 |
| ART 1231 | Fine Art Studio 3D | 3 |
| ART 1009 | Introduction to Art History | 3 |
| IND 1105 | Decolonizing the Creative Arts | 1 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
- 1
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Creative Industries
Looking to further your craft and pursue a career where your creativity can lead to a fulfilling career? At Cambrian, a program in Creative Industries allows you to tap into your talents and develop skills that can allow you to pursue that ideal job. You’ll learn from industry professionals who have been able to create and succeed in the modern workplace.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system, (OS 10 preferred) OR
- Apple MacBook Pro 13- or 15-inch with at least 256 GB of storage (2015 or newer) or a 2018 MacBook Air
- Processor: 64-bit Intel or AMD multicore processor, Intel i5 minimum or AMD equivalent
- RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB (preferred)
- Storage space: 100 GB free with a minimum of 10 GB for software installs
- Software: Adobe Creative Cloud
Required software will be provided by Cambrian College. Instruction on how to obtain software will be provided to you. Some software that you may access as part of your program may not be compatible with every device. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended Storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended Audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
Related Programs
