CERTIFICATE OF VISUAL ARTS
The Certificate of Visual Arts provides basic training in the fundamentals of drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and art history. Students will finish the Certificate of Visual Arts with a comprehensive and diverse portfolio package. The Certificate of Visual Arts can be completed within one year (full-time) or over a period of four years (part-time).
VISA's Certificate of Visual Art = 1st year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Media Arts or Bachelor of Design degree at the EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY OF ART + DESIGN. .
Who is the Certificate of Visual Arts for?
- people who want to study art but have a limited amount of free time to do so (minimum hourly requirement per week is six hours)
- people who need to develop a portfolio for admission to an arts program at the university level
- people who are looking for a sense of direction or meaning in their life and would like to find this through art
- professionals in other careers who want to enrich their lives through art
- people who have been taking art courses for several years and would like to start working towards a specific goal and complete a program
Required Documentation for Admission:
- copy of photo ID
- CD with 6 images (jpegs) of applicant's original work done in the last two years. Images must be a minimum of 640 pixels or 8 inches wide, 72 dpi is fine as long as image width is at least 640 pixels wide. Include a list of titles, mediums and size of each image (submitted as a PDF or Word document)
- 300-400 word essay or letter describing your reasons for pursuing the Certificate Program. (submitted as a PDF or Word document)
- proof of high school graduation or mature student status (19 years or over and completion of english 12 or completion of BC Provincial english 12 exam with a minimum 60% or 'C' grade)
- completed application form with $50 application fee submitted prior to July 31st (for September enrollment)
Non-native speakers:
Provided non-native speaking applicants have met all other application requirements, they will be required to meet with the Director for a Language Proficiency Interview. If required, the applicant will be asked to complete the TOEFL English language test, with a minimum score of 70%.
Full-time Study:
- duration: one year (consecutive Fall & Winter semesters)
- credit requirement: 504 classroom hours
- minimum course load: 21 hours per week (seven courses per semester)
Part-time Study:
- duration: maximum four consecutive years
- credit requirement: 504 classroom hours
- minimum course load: 6 hours per week (two courses per Fall and Winter semester)
Note: Students must register for their courses by Aug 15 (Fall) and Dec 15 (Winter) to ensure placement in required courses.
Important note for Part-time students: In addition to Fall and Winter semesters, hourly credits can be earned in workshops and in the Spring semester to accumulate the required 504 hours within a four-year time period. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure they complete the necessary requirements within the maximum allowable time. Academic Advising is available, please inquire at the office.The following table depicts a sample program of study.
| Certificate of Visual Arts one year full time study |
|
| Fall Semester | Winter Semester |
| Drawing 100 level | Drawing 100 level |
| Painting 100 level | Painting 100 level |
| Foundation 100 level | Foundation 100 level |
| Sculpture 100 level | Sculpture 200 level |
| Art History 200 level | Art History 200 level |
| Critical Studies 100 level | Critical Studies 200 level |
| Photo/Video 100 level | Photo/Video 200 level |
Mature Student Status
Applicants who are 19 years of age or older, who lack the minimum program admission requirement may apply as mature students. The Director will consider written requests for admission as a mature student. Applicants are asked to provide, in writing, details of other qualifications or experiences and documents from any completed educational courses or programs. The Director may request an interview.
Academic Advisement
If you would like to discuss your future studies at the Vancouver Island School of Art, please call 250-380-3500 or email info@vancouverislandschoolart.com to make an appointment for Academic Advising.
Bursary Work/Study Program
Students who are enrolled in a program (Certificate or Diploma) and have taken at least two 12-week courses at the Vancouver Island School of Art are eligible to apply for Bursary Work/Study. Participating students are able to work hour-for-hour for a course or courses (up to nine hours per week). For example, a student taking a 12-week course (three hours per week), they can 'pay' for this course by putting in three hours of work at the school per week. Bursary students need to commit to a regular weekly time-slot for the duration of the semester. To apply for the Program the Bursary application form must be submitted by August 31st for Fall semester and December 31st for the Winter semester.
The Vancouver Island School of Art is Accredited with the Private Career Training Institute Association (PCTIA).
