Design Foundations
Explore the array of design fields to define your creative career path.
- Students can explore a range of design-related disciplines in order to discover where your strengths and interests lie
- Create a diverse portfolio that represents your drawing ability and artistic strengths that can be used to apply for further programs of study
- Laddering opportunities for other Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs such as Bachelor of Interior Design, Interior Decorating and Graphic Design
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
This one-year Design Foundations Ontario College Certificate allows you to develop fundamental design skills and to explore a range of design-related disciplines in order to discover where your strengths and interests lie....(read more)
Overview
Explore the array of design fields to define your creative career path.
This one-year Design Foundations Ontario College Certificate allows you to develop fundamental design skills and to explore a range of design-related disciplines in order to discover where your strengths and interests lie.
Throughout the program you develop foundational knowledge and skills used in a variety of design elements such as:
- principles of design and layout
- typography
- drawing and sketching
- perspective
- colour theory
- 3D structure
- time management
- digital graphic software
- industry-standard software
You explore your own aptitudes and interests through research and a speaker series of professionals to help determine which area of design suits you. Your work accumulates into a portfolio that represents your best design and artwork, which can be used to apply for future programs of study. An annual showcase provides an opportunity to exhibit your portfolio and interact with industry professionals, peers and the community.
You have the opportunity to explore design-related areas such as:
- interior decorating
- interior design
- graphic design
- structural design
- web design
- multimedia design
Throughout the program, you create and strengthen a diverse portfolio that represents your design skills that can be used to apply for further programs of study. An annual showcase provides an opportunity to exhibit your best works and interact with industry professionals, peers, family and friends. This foundational training provides you with an introduction to more advanced design-related programs including, but not limited to:
- Graphic Design Ontario College Advanced Diploma
- Interior Decorating Ontario College Diploma
As a graduate, you will qualify to receive transfer credits in related programs for some courses taken in this program. Contact the Program Coordinator to explore specific transfer credit opportunities.
SUCCESS FACTORS<
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Think visually, creatively and conceptually.
- Can work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Have good hand-eye coordination.
- Have an eye for detail.
- Enjoy exploring and solving design problems.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
DSN1710
Course Name:
Design Strategy
Course Description:
Design projects should be motivated by the answer to the question "Why?". Designers who know the reason for the design create a more success... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5350
Course Name:
Observational Drawing
Course Description:
Design is a visual art. The better we draw, the better we see detail. Observational drawing is the foundation of strong design. Essential dr... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
DSN5351
Course Name:
Layout and Design 1
Course Description:
Good design enhances our environment and organizes our visual world. The basic elements and principles of layout and design are practiced as... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
DSN5352
Course Name:
Introduction to Computer Design
Course Description:
The field of computer graphics consists of page layout, illustration and photo manipulation. Page layout is the hub for illustrations and ph... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
DSN5355
Course Name:
Design Pathways
Course Description:
Understanding the breadth of the design-related industry is essential to making future academic and career plans. Design-related career opti... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2029M
Course Name:
Foundations of Communication
Course Description:
Students develop language and communication skills necessary to promote success in education pathways and careers. With effective workplace ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1782
Course Name:
Understanding Colour
Course Description:
Colour plays a huge part in determining the success or failure of any graphic endeavour in the consumer market place, be it print or web gen... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DSN5318
Course Name:
Drawing Techniques
Course Description:
Drawing skills with an emphasis on structured freehand sketches and rendering techniques are used by Interior Decorators to communicate desi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5360
Course Name:
Sketching and Concept Development
Course Description:
The ability to quickly sketch concepts by hand is critical, especially during the initial stages of a design. Students explore various mater... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
DSN5361
Course Name:
Layout and Design 2
Course Description:
Combining digital tools, principles of design and typography into a layout elevates students' ability to create more advanced design. Studen... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications 1
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1457
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a group of general education electives. Your options will include courses... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create two- and three-dimensional purpose-driven works using a wide range of materials, processes and techniques that support form and function within the principles of design.
- Solve design problems and develop creative form using a research-based design process.
- Develop and present a portfolio that showcases personal artistic style using a range of media appropriate for a variety of design-related disciplines.
- Communicate in an art and design environment using appropriate language, strategies and techniques in order to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships and participate in a peer evaluation process.
- Explore and select existing and emerging technologies and techniques to develop and manage a personal visual and digital presence.
- Explore the professional requirements and opportunities in various design industry-related fields to inform academic and professional goals.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Approximately $600 for books and consumable supplies.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
DESIGN FOUNDATIONS
Program Code 1442X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro