Visual Merchandising Arts (VMA) at Seneca Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-09

Program overview

Do you have a flair for creativity and a passion for design? Seneca Polytechnic's two-year Visual Merchandising Arts diploma program gives you hands-on expertise in fashion styling, digital design, and retail and display methodologies, all while emphasizing sustainable practices. Grounded in the fundamental principles of design, styling, and visual merchandising, this program is uniquely tailored to equip graduates with a comprehensive skill set that exceeds industry standards. It will prepare you for a dynamic career that thrives on creativity and innovation. In addition, an 80-hour field placement provides an opportunity for you to gain real-world experience, expand your portfolio, and network with seasoned industry professionals.

Program structure

The Visual Merchandising Arts program is designed to provide a comprehensive education over a period of 4 semesters (2 years). The program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining both online and in-person learning experiences. This structure allows students to benefit from flexible learning options while still engaging in essential hands-on activities.

Key features of the program structure include:

Program Length: 4 semesters (2 years)
Delivery Format: Hybrid, with some courses available online and others requiring in-person attendance.
Field Placement: An 80-hour field placement to gain practical experience and industry connections.

This program is designed to meet the needs of students while preparing them for a successful career in the visual merchandising field.

Featured Experiences

The Visual Merchandising Arts program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Field Placement: An 80-hour field placement provides hands-on experience in settings such as retail visual merchandising and fashion styling.
Collaboration with Industry Leaders: Past students have partnered with renowned companies like Saks Fifth Avenue and Holt Renfrew.
Real-World Projects: Students engage in practical assignments that reflect current industry practices.
Networking Opportunities: The program emphasizes building connections with industry professionals to enhance career prospects.
Annual Showcase: Graduating students showcase their creative work at a year-end event, highlighting their skills and projects.

Career Options

Graduates of the Visual Merchandising Arts program can explore a variety of exciting career options in Canada, including:

Fashion Stylist: Responsible for creating visually appealing outfits for photoshoots, events, and fashion shows.
Visual Merchandiser: Designs and implements attractive displays in retail environments to enhance customer engagement and sales.
Prop Producer or Prop Stylist: Works on set design for photoshoots, films, and events, ensuring the right props are used to convey the desired message.
Social Media Content Stylist: Creates visually engaging content for social media platforms, focusing on brand representation and audience engagement.
Brand Ambassador: Represents a brand at events and in marketing campaigns, promoting products and enhancing brand visibility.
E-commerce Website Stylist: Curates product presentations for online retail, ensuring an appealing and user-friendly shopping experience.
Special Event and Exhibit Designer: Plans and designs displays for events, exhibitions, and trade shows, focusing on visual impact and audience interaction.
Interior Stylist or Home Staging Assistant: Works on styling residential or commercial spaces to enhance aesthetic appeal and marketability.
Freelance Designer: Offers design services independently, working on various projects across different industries.

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

Visit Seneca Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-07-09

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Academic Requirements for the Visual Merchandising Arts (VMA) program are as follows:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant.
English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may meet Language Requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.

For international students, additional documents or assessments may be required upon request. It is important to note that all international applicants must meet Seneca’s Language Requirements.

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

Although not required for admission, completion of a grade 11 or 12 art course is recommended for your success in the program.

For any clarification and support regarding the Academic Requirements, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

All applicants to Seneca must be well prepared to study in English. If you are coming from a country where English is not the primary language, you must show one of the following:

Successful completion of a minimum of two years of full-time study in a school and country where English is the primary language
Successful completion of a minimum of one year of full-time study at the postsecondary level in an institution and country where English is the primary language
Successful completion of an intensive English program
English proficiency test scores from one of the international English language testing bodies listed below. Only tests taken in the last two years are considered valid

Please note that the requirements below are the minimum cut-offs and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Highly competitive program seats will be offered to the most highly qualified applicants based on ranking from highest to lowest.

Tests	Certificate Programs	Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs	Degree Programs	Graduate Certificate Programs
CAEL CE and CAEL online	Minimum 60	Minimum 60	Minimum 70 (Writing no less than 60)	Minimum 70 (Writing no less than 60)
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE)	Minimum 169 with no skill below 162	Minimum 169 with no skill below 162	Minimum 176 with no skill below 169	Minimum 176 with no skill below 169
Duolingo	Minimum score 105 to 110	Minimum score 105 to 110	Minimum score 115 to 120	Minimum score 120 to 125
IELTS Academic	Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5	Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5	Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0	Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0
PTE Academic	Minimum score 58	Minimum score 58	Minimum score 60	Minimum score 60
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition)	Minimum 80 with no skill below 20	Minimum 80 with no skill below 20	Minimum 84 with no skill below 21	Minimum 88 with no skill below 22
TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered	No skill below 20	No skill below 20	No skill below 21	No skill below 22

Please check with our team for more details.

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!