Visual and Creative Arts (Sheridan)

Sheridan College

Program Overview

Program Overview

Learn a wide array of art mediums and techniques

You’ll get rigorous in-studio training in every semester of the two-year Visual and Creative Arts diploma program. You’ll study 2D and 3D design, observational and life drawing*, anatomy, colour theory and painting. (*Note: You’ll be required, as part of the curriculum, to study life drawing and painting. This regularly includes drawing the nude figure and the study of human anatomy.)

Choose studio electives that match your career goals and interests

In second year, you’ll choose from electives to specialize in areas that interest you and build a broader set of marketable skills to help you find work after graduation. You’ll choose from studio courses such as Figurative/Interpretive Drawing and Painting, Digital Media Studio, Digital Drawing and Painting and 3D Material Explorations.

Work in specialty studios with a faculty of practicing professional artists

Sheridan has a reputation as one of the best art schools in Canada. Our Visual and Creative Arts program shares spaces and faculty with our globally recognized Art and Art History, Illustration and Animation degree programs. Learning in world-class studios, you’ll get rigorous, hands-on training from faculty who are connected to galleries, studios and agencies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Easily transfer to a three-year advanced diploma

If you decide you want to further your artistic education and knowledge, transferring to our three-year Visual and Creative Arts advanced diploma is easy — simply speak to your program coordinator. You’ll learn more advanced techniques, in-depth theory and the professional skills you need to market yourself as a professional artist, designer or creative entrepreneur with your own business.

Further your education or begin your career

Many students who complete the Visual and Creative Arts diploma program go on to further study in a degree program of their preference.

Some students gain entry-level employment in jobs that require visual art and design skills, as fine artists, freelance designers, and in community arts groups.

View the work of our graduates: Visual and Creative Arts Graduate Exhibition

Courses

CODE TITLE CREDITS
DESN 11632 Introduction to 2D Design 3
DESN 18081 Introduction to 3D Design 3
ARTS 13672 Observational Drawing 3
ARTS 10025 Colour Theory 3
ARTS 14998 Introduction to Painting 3
COMM 19999 Essential Communication Skills 3
TOTAL: 18
CODE TITLE CREDITS
DESN 19798 2D Design 3
DESN 19014 3D Design 3
ARTS 17370 Figure Drawing 3
DESN 17721 Design Drawing 3
ARTS 19798 Painting 3
  General Education Elective 3
TOTAL: 18
CODE TITLE CREDITS
ARTS 25436 Painting: Media and Materials 3
DSGN 17198 Digital Media Lab 3
HIST 11456G History of Western Art 3

Plus one of the following:

CODE TITLE CREDITS
ARTS 20330 Interpretive Drawing 3
ARTS 25142 Figurative Drawing 3

Plus one of the following:

CODE TITLE CREDITS
DESN 28634 2D Design Studio 3
DESN 10587 Introduction to Surface Design 3

Plus one of the following:

CODE TITLE CREDITS
DESN 26048 3D Design Studio 3
DESN 14998 Introduction to Figurative Sculpture 3

Total credits: 18

CODE TITLE CREDITS
BUSM 25892 Business for the Arts 3
  General Education Elective 3

Plus select 5 of the following courses:

CODE TITLE CREDITS
ARTS 25586 Figurative Drawing Studio 3
ARTS 23431 Interpretive Drawing Studio 3
DESN 26859 Design: Text and Image 3
DESN 24178 Surface Design 3
DESN 28448 Figurative Sculpture 3
DESN 20082 3D Design: Material Exploration 3
ARTS 28263 Figurative Painting Studio 3
ARTS 24444 Interpretive Painting Studio 3
DSGN 27545 Digital Media Studio 3

Total credits: 21

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

or

Mature student status.

OR

Programs Details

Program Code : PCVAT

Credential : Post Secondary Diploma (2-year)

Duration : 60 weeks

Intakes - Open

Sept 2025

Tuition Fee

  • Trafalgar Road Campus Campus $19213  CAD / Year
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