COURSE CURRICULUM

The Visual Art Diploma program at VIU spans two years, requiring a total of 60 credits. In the first year, students complete foundational courses including Drawing I and II, History of Western Art I and II, Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Design, along with degree English requirements and two non-art electives, totaling 30 credits. The second year focuses on more specialized art courses, starting with Contemporary Art: Concepts and Terminology. Students select four art courses such as Printmaking I, Photography I, Fundamentals of Painting I, Beginning Watercolour Painting, Ceramics I, or Sculpture I, ensuring that at least one course is either Ceramics I or Sculpture I. In the subsequent term, students continue by selecting four more advanced art courses including Photography II, Fundamentals of Painting II, Watercolour Painting, Ceramics II, Sculpture II, or Printmaking II, with the requirement that at least one course is either Ceramics II or Sculpture II. Students also take an additional non-art elective to complete their second year’s 30 credits. This curriculum balances skill development in various artistic media with critical art historical knowledge and academic requirements, preparing students for diverse creative careers or further study. The program emphasizes both practical studio work and theoretical understanding to foster well-rounded visual artists.