DIPLOMA OF FINE ARTS
The Diploma Program provides a student with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the fine arts disciplines of drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and art history. Throughout the three-year program, students will move from developing a basic vocabulary in art and design to completing a professional-quality body of work in their third year. This work will culminate with a Graduation Exhibition. Students will finish the diploma program with a comprehensive portfolio package ready for presentation to galleries, grant applications or graduate studies.
Who is the Diploma of Fine Arts for?
- people who have just completed high school and who want to study art at an institution that can offer small class size, extensive one-on- one time with instructors as well a hands-on approach to teaching that balances technical and conceptual information
- people who already have a university degree and are looking for an alternate course of study; some of our students plan on applying for a graduate degree such as an MFA and are using their Diploma of Fine Arts to develop a high quality body of work to present to a Graduate Studies Admissions Committee
- professionals who are looking to switch into an arts-related career
- people in search of the necessary discipline and resources to become a professional artist
Required Documentation for Admission:
- copy of photo ID
- CD with 12-15 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)
- 800 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)
- transcripts from other institutions (if applying for transfer credits)
- written request and supporting documents for Prior Learning Assessment or course exemptions
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: three years (six consecutive Fall & Winter semesters)
- credit requirement: 1512 classroom hours
- minimum course load: 21 hours per week (seven courses per Fall & Winter semesters)
Part-time Study:
- duration: maximum five consecutive years
- credit requirement: 1512 classroom hours
- minimum course load: 9 hours per week (three courses per Fall & Winter semester)
Note: Once accepted into the Diploma Program students must register for their individual 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 1512 hours within a five-year time period. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure they complete the necessary requirements within the maximum allowable time. Advanced Studio must be taken in the final year prior to graduation. Academic Advising is available to help determine course and class selection, please inquire at the office.
The following table depicts a sample program of study.
| Diploma of Fine Arts five years full time study |
|
| year one | |
| 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 |
| year two | |
| Fall Semester | Winter Semester |
| Drawing 200 level | Drawing 200 level |
| Painting 200 level | Painting 200 level |
| Art History 200 level | Art History 200 level |
| Special Topics 200 level | Special Topics 200 level |
| Elective 200 level | Elective 200 level |
| Elective 200 level | Elective 200 level |
| Elective 200 level | Elective 200 level |
| Recommended Electives for 2nd year Diploma: Independent Studies and/or Curatorial Project |
|
| year three | |
| Fall Semester | Winter Semester |
| Drawing: Advanced I | Drawing: Advanced II |
| Painting: Advanced I | Painting: Advanced II |
| Advanced Studio I | Advanced Studio II |
| Elective 200/300 level | Professional Development |
| Elective 200/300 level | Elective 200/300 level |
Transfer Credits
The Vancouver Island School of Art accepts credits from other institutions based on the criteria that the courses are similar in content and duration. Not more than 50% of total acceptable credits can be transferred to a program. Hourly equivalents are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the institution, course and year completed. Students who wish to transfer credits must provide transcripts from other institutions attended.
Hourly credits completed at VISA by non-program students can also be transferred to a program, up to a maximum of 100%.
Prior Learning Assessment
To be considered for Prior Learning Assessment, students must submit a letter and CV that clearly indicates previous experience in their field, as well as ten images (slides, jpegs or cd) of their work.
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).
