| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Foundation in Entertainment Arts
About
The Foundation in Entertainment Arts certificate program is a full-time, one-year Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) program to prepare you for advanced studies in animation, modelling, visual effects, or game development. Students who are interested in a career in entertainment arts will be taught how to observe, represent, and ultimately development fundamental visual decision making skills in a variety of formats.
With classes such as figure drawing, colour and design, sculpting, and more, the students will be able to create increasingly expressive, dynamic, and consistent artistic works, while establishing a well-rounded technical base. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to pursue intermediate or advanced programs of study in line with their specific professional goals in the industry.
You will receive foundational, hands-on training in the industry software and workflows. Students will also work to develop a strong personal portfolio which will help graduates gain entry into the advanced diploma programs at Centre for Entertainment Arts.
Software and Hardware
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Adobe Photoshop
- Confluence
- Nuke
- Maya
- Blender
- Microsoft Office
- Substance Painter
- Unreal
- zBrushCore
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- English 30-1, English 30-2 or equivalent
- Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test
- Portfolio submission of 5-10 pieces (8+ pieces are recommended) of artistic work (e.g. sketches, renderings, design variations) in digital format. Successful portfolios reflect a broad range of techniques, influences, styles, and subject matter. Submissions must represent the original work of the applicant; if an item is a collaborative piece, list all contributors and describe your contribution.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.
Academic Upgrading
Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.
Available Intakes
- September 2025: Domestic - Open, International - Open
- January 2026: Domestic - Closed, International - Closed
Tuition and Fees
Domestic Students
| Term | Tuition Fees | Additional Fees | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | $6,768 | $605 | $7,373 |
| Term 2 | $6,768 | $605 | $7,373 |
| Term 3 | $7,946 | $605 | $8,551 |
International Students
| Term | Tuition Fees | Additional Fees | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | $6,768 | $605 | $7,373 |
| Term 2 | $6,768 | $605 | $7,373 |
| Term 3 | $8,176 | $605 | $8,781 |
*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only. Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.
Courses
Term 1
| Code | Course | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ARTF1101 | Sketching for Communication | 3 |
| ARTF1301 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| ARTF1102 | Figure Drawing | 3 |
| ARTF1201 | Figure Sculpting | 3 |
Term 2
| Code | Course | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ARTF1302 | Colour and Design | 3 |
| ARTF1401 | Head Sculpting | 3 |
| ARTF1303 | Head Drawing | 3 |
| ARTF1103 | Traditional Painting | 3 |
Term 3
| Code | Course | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ARTF1999 | Foundations in Entertainment Arts Capstone Project: Creature Sculpting | 5 |
| ANMO1101 | Introduction to Animation Principles and Techniques | 3 |
| GAME1101 | Game Design | 3 |
| FIPR1102 | The Departments: Roles and Responsibilities | 3 |
