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Ministry-approved title: Foundations In Art And Design
Entrance Award Available
Students learn art and design-related media, tools and techniques necessary to create a portfolio that demonstrates creative and technical skills. Many graduates use their portfolios to prepare for competitive programs in fine arts, graphic design, animation and game development. Students develop productive habits of conceptualization through visual problem solving and experimentation using a wide range of media. They also strengthen their visual communication skills, empowering them to think and respond critically to opportunities and responsibilities as artists and/or designers, regardless of their chosen discipline.
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.
If you begin classes in January, you will start the Foundations in Art and Design program with the courses listed in Semester Two (below) 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.
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This program introduces students to a broad range of art and design ideas and techniques. Over two semesters, students explore whether they wish to pursue further studies or a career in art and design.
Students are encouraged to explore and experiment with a variety of materials, contemporary art-making techniques and design processes. Purpose-built studios support fine arts learning, and courses are taught by practicing artists, professional illustrators and designers who actively exhibit and work in the industry.
In addition to exploring a range of practices in class, students develop a portfolio through project work that can support admission to a variety of advanced art and design programs.
The program maintains working relationships with local public art galleries, providing students with opportunities to view regular exhibitions of professional creative work. Students may also showcase their work at annual public exhibitions, juried by professionals, at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa, The Station Gallery in Whitby, the Visual Arts Centre in Clarington, and through associated exhibition websites.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who 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.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
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:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Students in this program are eligible to apply for The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary. Available to students in any program, with preference to those entering preparatory programs, The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary will be awarded to up to 10 students annually and will help students cover tuition in their chosen program as well as in any continued studies at DC for up to four years. Recipients of The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary will also have the opportunity to participate in mentorship programs at the college.
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School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Graduates can transition directly into the second year of Durham College’s Fine Arts - Advanced program.
Two additional years of study are required to complete the program. Foundations in Art and Design graduates can also further their studies by applying to Durham College’s Graphic Design; Interactive Media Design; Contemporary Web Design; Advertising and Promotion; Game-Art or Animation – Digital Production programs.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
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