| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Conestoga College's Visual Merchandising Arts program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the creative field of visual merchandising. Through hands-on learning, students develop expertise in design, display techniques, marketing, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for careers as visual merchandisers, event planners, and more. The program boasts industry partnerships and accreditation, ensuring graduates are industry-ready.
Program Outline
Visual Merchandising Arts
Degree Overview:
_Description:_
The Visual Merchandising Arts program at Conestoga College is a two-year diploma program that focuses on project-based, hands-on learning for creative problem solvers. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a successful career in the highly creative industry of visual merchandising.
_Objectives:_
- Develop a strong understanding of the art and science of visual merchandising.
- Learn the principles of design, including window displays, prop making, graphic design, event planning, photo styling, and e-commerce.
- Gain experience in floor planning, planogramming, branding and marketing, and entrepreneurship.
- Develop skills in project management, communication, and teamwork.
- Prepare students for a career in the visual merchandising industry.
Outline:
_Content:_
- The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Merchandising principles and practices
- Visual communication and design
- Retail marketing and branding
- Store planning and layout
- Visual display techniques
- E-commerce and digital marketing
- Entrepreneurship and business development
- Project management
_Structure:_
- The program is divided into four semesters, with each semester lasting four months.
- Students take a combination of theory and practical courses, including studio work, labs, and field placements.
_Modules:_
- The program is divided into the following modules:
- Semester 1: Introduction to Visual Merchandising
- Semester 2: Visual Communication and Design
- Semester 3: Retail Marketing and Branding
- Semester 4: Store Planning and Layout
- Semester 5: Visual Display Techniques
- Semester 6: E-commerce and Digital Marketing
- Semester 7: Entrepreneurship and Business Development
- Semester 8: Project Management
Assessment:
- Assessments include a variety of methods, such as:
- Assignments
- Projects
- Presentations
- Exams
- Field placement evaluation
Teaching:
- The program is taught by experienced faculty with industry experience.
- The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Guest speakers
- Field trips
Careers:
- Graduates of the Visual Merchandising Arts program are prepared for a variety of careers in the visual merchandising industry, including:
- Visual merchandiser
- Display coordinator
- Event planner
- Photo stylist
- E-commerce specialist
- Retail buyer
- Marketing manager
- The program has a strong industry partnership with leading retailers and brands.
- The program is open to both Canadian and international students.
- The program has a start date of September 2024.
- The tuition for the program is $4,468.38 for Canadian students and $17,640.38 for international students.
Conclusion: The Visual Merchandising Arts program at Conestoga College is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the visual merchandising industry. The program offers a strong curriculum, experienced faculty, and a variety of career opportunities.
Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Overview:
Conestoga College is an Ontario college offering full and part-time studies. It provides a wide range of programs and services to students, including full-time, continuing education, online, apprenticeship, and open programs. The college is known for its focus on applied learning and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers.
Services Offered:
Conestoga College offers a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Academic integrity resources, accessible learning services, bookstore, eConestoga online learning platform, global opportunities, library services, program technology requirements, student tech help, and tutoring & academic help.Student Support:
Counseling, Indigenous services, medical care clinic, remote service hours, student financial services, and student rights and responsibilities.Get Involved:
Athletics & Recreation, Co-Curricular Record (CCR), CSI - Student association, Orientation, and Student Engagement.Campus Services:
Child care centers, facilities management, food services, IT service desk, lockers, ONE Card, parking & transportation, printing services, safety & security, and student housing.Career & Employment:
Community Career Centre, Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective, co-operative education, myCareer Services, and Talent Hub.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Conestoga College provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for students. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and student government. The college also offers a range of social events and opportunities for students to connect with their peers and the wider community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Applied Learning:
Conestoga College emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills development, preparing students for real-world careers.Career-Focused Programs:
The college offers a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of employers and prepare students for specific career paths.Strong Industry Partnerships:
Conestoga College has strong relationships with industry partners, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and access to real-world experiences.Supportive Campus Environment:
The college provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students, with a range of services and resources available to help them succeed.Academic Programs:
Conestoga College offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
- Applied Computer Science & Information Technology
- Business
- Community Services
- Creative Industries
- Engineering & Technology
- Health & Life Sciences
- Hospitality & Culinary Arts
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Trades & Apprenticeship
Other:
Conestoga College has multiple campuses and locations across Ontario, including Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Ingersoll, Kitchener, Milton, Stratford, and Waterloo. The college also offers a variety of online programs and courses.
Entry Requirements:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent:
- Six (6) Grade 12 courses, including:
- English (ENG4U or equivalent): 70% minimum
- **Four (4) credits in university or university/college preparation courses in any subject.
Additional Entry Requirements:
- Portfolio:
- Students are required to present a portfolio that includes a variety of creative work.
- The portfolio review will assess the student's creative potential, technical abilities and overall commitment to the field of Visual Merchandising.
- Interview:
- Shortlisted applicants are required to participate in an interview with faculty members.
Mature Applicants (19 years and older):
- Individuals who do not possess a secondary school diploma may be considered for mature student admission.
- International students may have additional entry requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Conestoga College requires international applicants whose first language is not English to demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Acceptable English proficiency tests and minimum score requirements are as follows:
- TOEFL (paper-based): 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (internet-based): 92 (23 in writing)
- IELTS (academic): 6.5 overall with no band score less than 6.0
- PTE Academic: 65
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English): 176 overall
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): 180 overall
- Some exemptions from these language proficiency tests may be granted based on students' previous education, work experience, or citizenship.
- Students who have completed an academic degree from an accredited institution where English was the language of instruction are not required to provide an English proficiency test score.
