Design Foundations is an intensive one-year certificate program intended for students interested in exploring a career in applied design and visual communications. This foundation year provides you with an opportunity to create a competitive and individual design portfolio, demonstrating skills in 2D and 3D visual design, drawing, life drawing, traditional and digital illustration, colour theory, idea development, presentation skills, portfolio development, digital production, design history and written communication. You can expect to experience a year of goal setting, guidance, skill development, and refinement through various hands-on, creative projects. Here, you will plan, implement and present visual communications in a wide range of media. Completing this studio-based program will effectively prepare you for further education in various programs leading to careers in the design and visual communications fields.
Study options
Full Time
(1 Year)
Tuition fees
CAD$15,026.00 (US$ 10,800)
per year
Administrative fee - $200.00
Start date
September 2026
Venue
Kitchener - Doon Campus
299 Doon Valley Drive,
Kitchener,
Ontario,
N2G 4M4, Central Canada, Canada
Entry requirements
For international students
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251), or equivalent
For more information on preparatory programs
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.