Foundations In Art and Design at Durham College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-04-21

Program overview

Program Overview

The Foundations in Art and Design program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and techniques necessary for creating a professional portfolio. This program serves as a stepping stone for those looking to advance their studies in various art and design disciplines, including fine arts, graphic design, animation, and game development. Throughout the program, students will engage in visual problem-solving and experimentation with a diverse range of media. By developing their visual communication skills, students will be empowered to think critically and respond to opportunities and responsibilities in their artistic careers.

Program Structure

The Foundations in Art and Design program spans a duration of two semesters and is delivered in person at the Oshawa campus. The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to art and design concepts, encouraging exploration and experimentation with various materials and techniques. Key features of the program include:

Hands-on learning in purpose-built studios for fine arts.
Courses taught by practicing artists and industry professionals.
Opportunities to develop a portfolio for advanced studies.
Annual public exhibitions to showcase student work.
Collaboration with local public art galleries for exposure to professional exhibitions.

This program not only prepares students for further studies but also fosters a creative environment where they can thrive as artists and designers.

Featured Experiences

The Foundations in Art and Design program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Access to purpose-built studios designed specifically for fine arts learning.
Engagement with practicing artists and professional illustrators who teach courses.
Opportunities to participate in annual public exhibitions, juried by professionals.
Collaboration with local galleries to view and learn from regular exhibitions of professional work.
Development of a portfolio that can be used for applications to advanced programs.

Career Options

Graduates of the Foundations in Art and Design program have a variety of career paths available to them in Canada. Here are some potential job options:

Graphic Designer: Create visual content for print and digital media, working on branding, advertising, and marketing materials.
Fine Artist: Produce original artwork for galleries, exhibitions, and private commissions, often specializing in a specific medium.
Animator: Develop animated content for films, video games, and online platforms, utilizing various animation techniques.
Art Director: Oversee the visual aspects of projects, guiding the artistic vision and ensuring consistency across all media.
Illustrator: Create illustrations for books, magazines, and other publications, often working closely with authors and editors.

These career options highlight the versatility and applicability of the skills gained through the program, allowing graduates to pursue their passions in the art and design fields.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-04-21

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Foundations in Art and Design program, you need to meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status AND
Grade 12 English (C or U)

Please note: A willingness to engage in the exploration and experimentation of the many art and design techniques and ideas presented is essential to your success in this program. If you wish to enter into a more advanced program after completing the Foundations in Art and Design program, you will be required to have senior level credit in mathematics (Grade 11). It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all the entrance requirements for advanced studies in art and design.

January Start

If you begin classes in January, you will start the Foundations in Art and Design program with the courses listed in Semester Two and will be enrolled from January to April. You will follow the courses listed in Semester One starting in September and complete the Foundations in Art and Design program in December.

Are you missing Academic Requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet Academic Requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Language Requirements

Applicants may be admitted to Durham College for our undergraduate programs if they have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent high school diploma from another country which includes:

One senior-level English language credit (from an English-speaking country as listed below)
Equivalent English Proficiency test results (see chart below), or
Completion of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through one of our recognized English Language Partner schools.

Applicants from Canadian curriculum high schools, both inside and outside of Canada, must complete a minimum of three years of high school credits to be considered for exemption from TOEFL/Academic IELTS requirements upon provision of a full transcript.

Applicants with a minimum of three years of high school or post-secondary studies in Canada, Australia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, New Zealand, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom, Philippines, some Caribbean countries, and selected other countries may be exempted from TOEFL/Academic IELTS requirements upon provision of a full transcript. Exceptions may apply.

English Language Score Requirements:

Academic IELTS: 6.0, no band score less than 5.5
IBT TOEFL: 80, with minimum section scores of 20
PTE Academic: 53 minimum overall, no section below 49 L,W,S,R
CAEL: Overall scores of 60 with no section below 60
DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST (DET): 105

Exceptions:

Practical Nursing: Academic IELTS: 7.0, with no band less than 6.5
TOEFL: 94, with minimum section scores of 23

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview