Design Foundations

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Program description - January 2026

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.

Program details

Code: 1186
Start: January 2026
Campus: Kitchener – Doon
Delivery: Hybrid
Length: 1 year
Credential: Ontario College Certificate

Program contact

Academic school

Creative Industries

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Tuition & fees

Tuition and fee details for terms starting September 2025 and later will be available Spring 2025.

Tuition and fee details for terms starting September 2025 and later will be available Spring 2025.

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Program device requirements

Program device & software requirements

This program requires you to have a device that meets certain specifications. For most students, this cost is in addition to the tuition & fees listed above.

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Financial assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help eligible Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance (grants and loans) for educational costs and living expenses. The amount of funding you are eligible for depends on your program, course load, educational and living expenses, and financial situation. Apply for assistance on the and visit OSAP & aid for more information.

Awards & scholarships

Student Financial Services awarded more than 400 awards, scholarships and bursaries last year.

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Delivery sequence - January 2026 - Kitchener – Doon

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