Fine Art Certificate

New to visual art and eager to try to a number of different methods, mediums, and materials?

The Fine Arts Certificate provides students with a foundation in creative techniques, processes and concepts that can be applied to interdisciplinary art practices and to further education.

Students will work with a range of tools and materials to gain experience in various mediums, such as drawing, painting and photography. Traditional and experimental processes will be explored across disciplines and through studio and lecture-based courses. Art history and contemporary theory will encourage students to think about their practice in the modern context, and professional practice courses will help in navigating a creative professional practice. With more elective options, students can continue to build diverse on skillsets or focus on one discipline.

Required Courses in this Certificate

Core Courses

CEFA 1002D Composition + Form
CEFA 101
3D Materials + Media
CEFA 102
Colour Theory
CEDR 100Introductory Drawing
CSIL 100Introductory Illustration
CEPN 100Introductory Painting Techniques
CEPH 100Introductory Digital Photography

History + Theory | Complete both of:

CESE 101Art History
CESE 102Contemporary Critical Theory

Professional Practices | Complete either:

CSPD 105Business Planning for Creative Practitioners
(formerly CEPD 200: Professional Practices for Artists)

Or both of the following...

CSPD 100Portfolio Websites
(formerly CEPD 202: Artist Statement, CV + Portfolio Development and CEPD 203: Artist Website + Social Media)
CSPD 102Applications: Grants, Residencies + Exhibitions
(formerly CEPD 204: Artist Grants, Residencies + Exhibition Applications)

Elective Courses | Complete 5 courses from any of our offerings, we suggest:

CEPR 100Introductory Printmaking Techniques
CEPR 104Introductory Screen Printing


How do I get started?

Courses can be taken individually or as part of a certificate, but do take note of the prior learning recommendations for each specific course! Students are to take the recommended prerequisite courses or self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

For those pursuing a certificate pathway, there is no need for an application. Register for each required course at your own pace. View our term schedule and register online today!

The flexible certificate pathway is open to all students over the age of 18 and/or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education. There are no academic prerequisites required to begin the journey.

Once you have completed all the required courses successfully, you can request your certificate from the Continuing Studies department here.

What does self-paced learning mean?

Our certificate pathways are designed to be flexible! There are no requirements to complete certificates within a specific timeline.

You can complete each certificate at your own pace and the number of courses you take per term is entirely dependent on your own individual schedule and workload. Register by course based on the course offerings of each term. See our term schedule here.

Courses are scheduled during the evenings and weekends to allow for part-time study.

In what order should I register for courses?

To optimize the your certificate pathway experience and achieve successful learning outcomes, it is recommended that beginners follow the suggested course order listed above for a cohesive learning journey.

For those with prior knowledge, please take note of the recommended prerequisites for each specific course. Students are to self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

In the event of a conflict between the recommended course order and prerequisites, please prioritize meeting the recommended prerequisite skills for smooth progression.

What is the general course load and how will I be assessed?

Student assessment is based on each course's learning outcomes. Instructors will evaluate your learning using assignments, exercises, activities and participation. A general rule of thumb is to expect about one hour of homework for every hour spent in class.

All Continuing Studies individual courses are graded using a Pass (P) / Fail (F) system. To successfully complete the certificate pathway, you must receive a passing (P) grade in every required and elective course.

Career + Further Education

Fine Arts Certificate recipients can apply their education to a variety of careers and enterprises. Depending on the level of work they achieve and previous education and experience, they can pursue a range of opportunities, including:

  • Studio or Commercial Artist
  • Community Arts Programmer
  • Gallerist
  • Storyboard or Concept Artist
  • Educator

Students can use artwork from their certificate program in an admissions portfolio to apply for a Degree in Fine Arts here at ECU!