Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Program Coordinator / Professor
Program Overview
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 moreAcademic 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
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 TBD-2 | 1 | |
One General Education course: 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 25 | |
Semester 3 | ||
ART 1018 | Materials and Processes I | 3 |
ART 1146 | Visual Art Practices I | 3 |
ART 1048 | Multimedia Printing | 3 |
ART 1050 | Business of the Arts | 3 |
ART 1051 | Art and Design Project I | 3 |
ART 1052 | Portfolio Development I | 3 |
ART 1055 | Modern Art History | 3 |
One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 24 | |
Semester 4 | ||
ART 1021 | Materials and Processes II | 3 |
ART 1049 | Advanced Printing | 3 |
ART 1053 | Art and Design Project II | 3 |
ART 1054 | Portfolio Development II | 3 |
ART 1147 | Visual Art Practices II | 3 |
ART 1232 | Business Application | 3 |
One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 21 | |
Total Credits | 91 |
- 1
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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
- Web cam 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 minimum 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
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- 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.
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!