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Visual Merchandising Arts
| Program Code: | VMA |
| Campus: | Newnham |
| Duration: | 4 Semesters (2 Years) |
| Start Dates: | Fall, Start dates are subject to change |
| Credential Awarded: | Ontario College Diploma |
Program Description
The Visual Merchandising Arts diploma program will teach you design and display techniques to create effective visual presentations. You will learn merchandise co–ordination, mannequin presentation, photo styling, and drawing techniques. You will develop the ability to transform design ideas into practical creative displays that support retail sales. Your experience is further enhanced by 110 hours of field placement that provide you with an opportunity to improve your skills, expand your portfolio and network with industry professionals.
Admission Requirements
Program Eligibility:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
- Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
Applicant Selection:
- In the event of oversubscription, a skills test and questionnaire will be completed by all applicants, normally during a College orientation session. The results of the test, in combination with academic achievement (i.e. grades in pre–requisite subjects or their equivalents), will provide the basis upon which selection of applicants is determined.
Desirable:
- Grade 11 or 12 Art; portfolios may be presented at Program Information sessions.
The Importance of Learning Skills:
Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.
Fees
Your Career
As a Seneca Visual Merchandising Arts graduate, you’ll transform design ideas into practical creative displays that support retail sales. Career opportunities exist in the display departments of stores, in visual merchandising companies, in exhibition design, as a freelance display designer, or with special event and promotion companies.
Field Placement
The 2nd year 110–hour Field Placement is an excellent opportunity to connect with our industry partners. This important work placement provides you with key job skills that will improve your employment opportunities upon completion of the program. The Field Placement must be completed prior to graduation.
Diploma to Degree ...and Beyond
Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):
Ontario
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Laurier Brantford | • Honours Bachelor of Arts |
Canada
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Athabasca University | • Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies |
| Concordia University | • Bachelor of Fine Arts |
| University of New Brunswick | • Bachelor of Applied Management (General Business) |
Curriculum
| Semester 1 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| DDV133 | Drawing & Design for Visual Merchandising I | 3 |
| DSG133 | Design Fundamentals | 3 |
| DSP131 | Display Techniques I | 3 |
| EAC150 | College English | 3 |
| ICA001 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | 2 |
| VML131 | Lighting for Visual Merchandising | 3 |
| Semester 2 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| DDV234 | Drawing & Design for Visual Merchandising II | 4 |
| DSP232 | Display Techniques II | 4 |
| DSP238 | Menswear & Mannequin Styling | 4 |
| FSM232 | Materials & Prop Construction I | 4 |
| RET201 | Retailing Trends | 2 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| Semester 3 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| DDV301 | Drawing & Design for Visual Merchandising III | 3 |
| DSP333 | Window Installation I | 5 |
| FSH330 | Evolution of Design | 3 |
| FSM334 | Materials & Prop Construction II | 3 |
| PSD335 | Photo Styling & Digital Imaging | 3 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| Semester 4 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| DDV401 | Drawing and Design for Visual Merchandising IV | 3 |
| DSP435 | Window Installation II | 5 |
| FPS436 | Portfolios and Personnel | 3 |
| FSM433 | Materials & Prop Construction III | 4 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| FPL450 | Field Placement | |
Contact Us
| For more information, please visit our website at www.senecacollege.ca/fashion. | |
| Program Coordinator: | David McDermid Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 26146 Email: David.Mcdermid@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Chair: | Gitte Hansen Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22160 Email: Gitte.Hansen@senecacollege.ca |
| Admissions Advisors: | |
| Domestic Admissions Advisor: | Maureen Massicot Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22014 Email: Maureen.Massicot@senecacollege.ca |
| International Admissions Advisor: | Aakashni Ram Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22085 Email: Aakashni.Ram@senecacollege.ca |
| Registration & Records Advisor: | Andrea Matteis Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22465 Email: Andrea.Matteis@senecacollege.ca |
Apply Online
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Video
Seneca's Fashion Resource Centre is a collection of more than 10,000 garments and fashion accessories dating from the mid-1800s to present day. Everything in the collection, from the Victorian corsets to the designer originals, is used as teaching aids for student in Seneca's Visual Merchandising Arts program. Video
Testimonials
"I am a recent graduate of the Visual Merchandising Arts diploma program at Seneca College. This program taught me the skills I need to be a strong and valuable employee in the arts industry. I really enjoyed the Display and Material workshops. They gave me the basic principles of colour and design. I found the field placements to be extremely helpful in preparing me for "real world" projects. Since graduation I have worked as a Visual Stylist at Holt Renfrew and I am currently working as a senior artist at Moss & Lam. Moss & Lam provides commercial arts and special finishing for hotels and retail stores across the world."
Jin Kim
“As the Visual Merchandising Co-ordinator at Polo Ralph Lauren - Hong Kong, I would like to say thanks! I would not have reached my goal without the first-hand knowledge and experience I gained during my two years at Seneca.”
Jennifer Chang
VM Co-ordinator, Ralph Lauren
“The Visual Merchandising Arts program taught me to expand my creativity and develop the technical skills needed in order to enter the field. The program at Seneca College was a great foundation for an exciting, successful career.”
Faye Payne
Visual Presentation Specialist, Sears,
Fairview Mall, Toronto


