Ontario College Advanced Diploma | 6 semesters | Barrydowne Campus

Learn how to tell dynamic and convincing 2D and 3D animated stories on screen from our talented professors who have worked on audience favourites like Tarzan, 9, and the Tom and Jerry Show.

Our program is based on the curriculum of Sheridan's renowned Animation program at the diploma level. You'll gain a working knowledge of traditional, 2D, and 3D methods of animation while becoming proficient with the 12 principles of animation. You'll develop strong and dynamic storytelling, drawing, and animation skills that are brought to life on screen through a series of projects and an eventual final film. When you graduate, you will be able to showcase convincing performances through both traditional and digital animation alongside a final production-ready portfolio.

Program Highlights

  • 3 years – 6 semesters

  • Focuses on both 2D and 3D animation

  • Develop skills in the College's 13,900-square-foot animation studio on the latest equipment and software

  • Program is more concept-based than other animation programs and still emphasizes the importance of drawing techniques

  • Learn from highly-experienced faculty who have worked around the world for Disney and Amblimation

4D Learning Opportunities

In your third year, you may have the opportunity to showcase your work through:

  • A field trip to Toronto where you'll show off your best work to industry representatives.

Quick Links

How to Apply

Creative Arts, Music and Design

Admission Requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

  • Submission of a portfolio (see requirements below)

Recommended:

  • Grade 11 or 12 credits in visual arts and/or media arts (M) or (O)

Portfolio Requirements

In order to be accepted for admission in Cambrian College's Animation Program, students are required to submit a portfolio.  All entries should be submitted on 8 1/2" x 11" paper (no original artwork) and should include the following elements:

Life Studies

Two (2) drawings are from life, either a human model or an animal.  The drawings should reflect an attempt to understand:

  • structure and anatomy
  • proportion
  • perspective
  • mass and volume
  • visual appeal and rhythm
  • balance

One (1) drawing of the artist's hand and forearm that shows and understanding of the above elements.  The drawing can be loose.

Character Study

Design a character and draw this character in a variety of poses (minimum of 5 poses).  Each pose should show a different emotion.  It is important to think about the character as an actor.  Students should pay close attention to the following:

  • structure and solid 3D construction 
  • perspective
  • mass and volume
  • appeal
  • continuity of model (is it the same character in each pose?) 
Perspective Study

One (1) drawing of a room in your home.  This drawing should showcase knowledge of the following:

  • perspective
  • depth and 3D space
  • proportion
  • visual appeal

This drawing should be a clean line drawing.

Personal Work

Six (6) to ten (10) pieces that reflect your style and skill.  These can be drawings and paintings.  If you would like you can show a mix of classical and digital art.

Submission Process

Please mail your portfolio to the following address: 

James Munro

c/o Cambrian College

1400 Barrydowne Road

Sudbury, ON, Canada

P3A 3V8

Portfolios can also be submitted digitally to the following email address: james.munro@cambriancollege.ca

Remember, presentation says a lot about who you are and your work ethic.  Good luck!

Additional Information

Graduates will be provided with an attestation noting that the curriculum for this program was provided through a partnership with Sheridan College. Sheridan and Cambrian have collaborated in the development and implementation of ongoing quality assurance processes to ensure that the program is consistent with the standards set by Sheridan College for Animation graduates at the diploma level.

APPLY NOW!

Program Delivery

2023-2024

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Fall Term Start

  1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2023
  2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2024
  3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2024
  4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2025
  5. SEMESTER 5 Fall 2025
  6. SEMESTER 6 Winter 2026

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule posted on our website.

Program of Study for 2023-24 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ANI 1001 Life Drawing I 3
ANI 1002 Animation I 3
ANI 1003 Design I 2
ANI 1004 Drawing and Painting I 3
ANI 1005 Digital Methodologies: Tools 2
ANI 1006 Visual Language 2
ANI 1121 Animation History and Styles 2
ENG 1002 College Communications 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits23
Semester 2
ANI 1008 Animation II 3
ANI 1009 Design II 2
ANI 1010 Story Concepts 2
ANI 1011 Drawing and Painting II 3
ANI 1039 Life Drawing II 3
ANI 1040 Digital Methodologies-3D I 3
ANI 1018 Digital Methodologies -2D Animation 2
 Credits18
Semester 3
ANI 1014 Animation III 3
ANI 1015 Design III 2
ANI 1016 Story and Visual Narrative I 2
ANI 1050 Digital Methodologies - 2D II 2
ANI 1041 Life Drawing III 3
ANI 1042 Digital Methodologies-3D II 3
ANI 2315 Layout and Design I 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits21
Semester 4
ANI 1020 Animation IV 3
ANI 1021 Design IV 2
ANI 1022 Story and Visual Narrative II 2
ANI 1051 Digital Methodologies - 2D III 2
ANI 1025 Digital Methodologies-Modeling I 2
ANI 1043 Life Drawing IV 3
ANI 1044 Digital Methodologies-3D III 3
ANI 2415 Layout & Design II 3
 Credits20
Semester 5
ANI 1026 Production Processes-Story 2
ANI 1028 Animation V 3
ANI 1029 Design V 2
ANI 1030 Production Processes-Layout 3
ANI 1032 Design and Art Direction 3
ANI 1045 Life Drawing V 3
ANI 1046 Digital Methodologies-3D IV 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits22
Semester 6
ANI 1034 Animation VI 6
ANI 1035 Design VI 2
ANI 1036 Production Processes-Background 3
ANI 1038 Digital Methodologies-Modeling II 3
ANI 1047 Life Drawing VI 3
ANI 1048 Digital Methodologies-3D V 3
ANI 1052 Digital Methodologies - 2D IV 3
 Credits23
 Total Credits127
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition and Ancillary Fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books & Supplies

The cost of books and supplies for Year 1 is approximately $1,000. Students will be required to purchase a laptop or computer that meets the minimum program specifications. A drawing tablet will also be required. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.

Graduate Options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates may find employment in entertainment, information, and education, and training industries that include the following:

  • Feature

  • Television

  • Advertising

  • Internet

  • Video games

  • Visual aids

Furthering Your Studies

Graduates from Cambrian College may apply to continue their studies at Sheridan College.

College/University Degree Opportunities

Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.

Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.

Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.