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Programs

Design and Visual Arts

ADSPSchool of Creative Industries

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Student in an apron stands smiling, holding a paintbrush and cup in an art studio. Artwork and an easel are in the background.

Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Richard Neufeld

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.7614
International Admissions
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Program Overview

Art class with four students standing around easels, observing and discussing sketches in a bright, spacious room.

Attention artists! Harness your talent and build your portfolio

Whether you’re a beginner or a practicing artist, a distinctive portfolio is your entry into the world of art and design. Gain the tools you need to find your personal style and creative philosophy and begin establishing your brand or business. 

Your first intensive year explores a wide range of media and concepts relevant to all creative endeavors, by way of drawing, illustration, 2D and 3D design, as well as printmaking, painting, applied multimedia, and more. After you discover which talents you want to develop in greater depth, your second year takes you to another level where you can choose to specialize with studio courses taught by practicing artists who guide you toward an end-of-year exhibition. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Instruction and creative guidance by practicing artists 
  • Opportunity to work in a vibrant creative space with like-minded individuals to develop a robust portfolio that opens doors 
  • Explore the practical elements of being a working artist and learn how to market your artwork as well as your skills 
  • Participate in creative group projects, including a mural in Sudbury that beautifies a public space 
  • Showcase your artwork in a public graduate exhibition 

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 in the first year, there is no portfolio requirement for admission.

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more
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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
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
AFP 1100Ideas & Imagery3
AFP 1105Design Fundamentals3
ART 1008Colour and Design3
AFP 1120Fundamentals of Drawing3
AFP 1125Fine Art Studio 2D3
COM 1001Art and Design Communication3
AFP 1235Graphic Design Studio3
 Credits21
Semester 2
AFP 1200Life Drawing3
AFP 1205Drawing from your Imagination3
AFP 1210Applied Colour3
AFP 1221Applied Multimedia3
AFP 1225Analytical Drawing3
ART 1231Fine Art Studio 3D3
ART 1009Introduction to Art History3
IND TBD-21
One General Education course: 13
 Credits25
Semester 3
ART 1018Materials and Processes I3
ART 1146Visual Art Practices I3
ART 1048Multimedia Printing3
ART 1050Business of the Arts3
ART 1051Art and Design Project I3
ART 1052Portfolio Development I3
ART 1055Modern Art History3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits24
Semester 4
ART 1021Materials and Processes II3
ART 1049Advanced Printing3
ART 1053Art and Design Project II3
ART 1054Portfolio Development II3
ART 1147Visual Art Practices II3
ART 1232Business Application3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits21
 Total Credits91
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,126.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

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.

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.

Learn more

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

Employment opportunities

Graduates of this program will be prepared for various career pathways, including building their name as an exhibiting artist. 

Graduates may also choose to continue their post-secondary studies in visual and fine art programs or in Cambrian’s Graphic DesignAnimation, or Game Design programs.

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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.

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!

A student in a white shirt smiles while holding a children's book titled "What's My Superpower?" in a room with books and an orange chair.

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!

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