Applying as a Canadian applicant
Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.
Applying as an International applicant
Campus tours
Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.
Book your tourVirtual tours
If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.
View our Virtual tourCourses - September 2025
Level 1
Course details
Storyboarding for Animation
ARTS71010
This course explores the essential techniques and principles of storyboarding for animation, providing students with the skills to visualize and effectively communicate their creative ideas. Students will learn how to interpret engaging narratives, create dynamic and expressive storyboards, and utilize various tools and software to bring their stories to life. The course emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling in animation and the role of the storyboard artist in the production process.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Life Drawing Fundamentals for Animation
ARTS71020
This course offers an in-depth exploration of life drawing techniques and principles, with a specific focus on their application within the field of animation. Students will develop their observational skills, learn to accurately represent the human figure, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of form, gesture, and anatomy. These skills will be directly applicable to the creation of expressive and dynamic animated characters, enhancing students' abilities to bring their visions to life.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Introduction to 3D Animation
ARTS71030
This course serves as an introduction to the fundamental techniques and principles of 3D character animation. With a focus on character animation, students will progress from simple exercises such as animating a bouncing ball to more advanced character movements and expressions. The course emphasizes the importance of timing, weight, and performance in creating believable and engaging animations. Students will gain a solid foundation in animation principles and 3D software, preparing them for further study in character animation.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Conestoga 101
CON0101
- Hours: 1
- Credits: 0
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Character Design
DSGN71090
The Character Design course explores the creative process of developing characters for animated productions. During this pre-production phase, students will utilize fundamental design principles to create characters for animation. These characters will be proficient in expressing emotions and driving the narrative of the animation. With a deep exploration of design principles and techniques, the course prepares students to create characters that resonate with audiences and enhance storytelling.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Academic Communications
ENGL71000
This course is intended to develop the communication skills required in academic studies, which will translate into useful writing and presentation skills in Canada’s increasingly intercultural professional and technical domains. Students will practice planning, drafting, and revising documents. The complex process of researching, creating, and revising arguments will encourage critical thinking, grammatical writing, and appropriate citation skills. Correct formatting of research papers and effective oral presentation skills will be emphasized.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
History of Animation
HIST71040
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of animation from its beginnings to its present-day impact in various forms of media. Students will understand the technical advancements, artistic movements, and significant innovators that have shaped the animation industry over time. Through the study of various animation styles, techniques, and genres, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the medium's artistic and cultural significance, while drawing inspiration for their own creative work.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Level 2
Course details
Life Drawing for Animation
ARTS71050
Building upon the foundations established in Life Drawing Fundamentals for Animation, this advanced course delves deeper into the techniques and principles of life drawing, with a continued focus on its application within the field of animation. Students will further develop their observational skills and understanding of the human figure, while exploring more complex poses, dynamic movements, and expressive gestures. The course emphasizes the importance of anatomy, perspective, and storytelling in the creation of engaging animated characters, while encouraging students to develop their own unique drawing style.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS71020
- CoRequisites:
Visual Development
ARTS71060
This course is aimed at equipping students with the skills needed to thrive as a Visual Development artist. Students will learn to conduct effective visual research, design environments, props and develop concept art for animation production. The focus is on the effective use of art tools, both physical like charcoal and inks, and digital, such as graphic tablets and painting software, to generate high-quality, versatile artwork.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Introduction to 3D Modelling
ARTS71070
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the skills needed for 3D modelling in animation. With a focus on hard-surface modelling, students will learn how to craft and optimize a variety of props and environments using industry-standard 3D modelling techniques and tools. This hands-on experience will equip students with a robust skill set, setting a foundation for their future studies in 3D modelling
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Animation Principles and Body Mechanics
DSGN71160
This course delves deeper into the world of 3D animation, expanding upon the foundations established in the Introduction to 3D Animation course. Students will build upon the core principles of animation and the intricacies of body mechanics, enabling them to create more lifelike and dynamic character movements. Emphasizing the importance of weight, balance, and timing, this course will equip students with the skills needed to bring their animated characters to life with a strong sense of believability and appeal.
- Hours: 84
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS71030
- CoRequisites:
3D Layout for Animation
DSGN71170
Building upon the foundations established in Storyboarding for Animation, this course explores the critical role of a 3D layout artist. Students will gain the competence to strategically stage and block scenes using characters, props, and cameras for animated projects. They will evaluate and employ varied cinematography techniques, such as framing, blocking, and controlling the point-of-view within a 3D space to enhance storytelling.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS71010
- CoRequisites:
Level 3
Course details
Advanced Life Drawing for Animation
ARTS72040
This advanced course builds on skills achieved during the first and second semester of life drawing. Students will continue to explore anatomy and movement with additional focus on surface anatomy and character expression. Students will be challenged to capture complex poses, dynamic actions, and emotional subtleties of the live model. Various drawing exercises include gesture drawing, sighting/measuring techniques and rendering light and shadow of both nude and draped costumed model. The course emphasizes the importance of clear, accurate visual communication while encouraging artistic individuality that is necessary for the animation industry.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS71050
- CoRequisites:
Advanced 3D Modelling
ARTS72050
This course emphasizes organic modelling techniques in the context of 3D character creation. Students will explore the intricacies of creating detailed and stylized 3D characters, applying the methods of topology, texturing, and proper edge flow. With an emphasis on costume, proportion, and stylization, this course will equip students with the skills to bring 2D character designs successfully into the 3D environment.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS71070
- CoRequisites:
Co-op and Career Preparation
CEPR71050
- Hours: 14
- Credits: 1
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Advanced Animation Principles and Body Mechanics
DSGN72150
Building upon the fundamentals acquired in the previous courses, students will refine their skills in creating complex character movements, believable body mechanics, and expressive performances. The course emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, subtlety, and nuance in crafting truly compelling animated characters and sequences while incorporating the study of action analysis to enhance the understanding of motion and its application to character animation.
- Hours: 84
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites: DSGN71160
- CoRequisites:
Lighting and Rendering for Animation
DSGN72160
Building upon the fundamentals acquired in the previous courses, students will refine their skills in creating complex character movements, believable body mechanics, and expressive performances. The course emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, subtlety, and nuance in crafting truly compelling animated characters and sequences while incorporating the study of action analysis to enhance the understanding of motion and its application to character animation.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS71060
- CoRequisites:
Group Dynamics
SOC71500
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Level 4
Course details
Animating Character Performances
ARTS72070
Building upon the knowledge acquired in Advanced Animation Principles and Body Mechanics, this course focuses on animating character performances. Students will learn to create compelling character performances by studying pantomime, monologue, and acting styles and genres. By honing their observation and storytelling skills, students are equipped with the tools necessary to bring their animated characters to life with authenticity and emotional depth.
- Hours: 84
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites: DSGN72150
- CoRequisites:
Digital Sculpting for Animation
ARTS72080
This course delves into the advanced techniques and principles of digital sculpting for animation. Students will utilize industry-leading software to generate and refine organic 3D models. An exploration of form and detail through the lens of accurate anatomical references will enable the creation of high-quality character or creature digital sculptures. From initial blocking out to meticulous detailing and texturing, students will balance artistic and technical facets of crafting realistic or stylized 3D models. An essential aspect of the course includes optimizing 3D model topology while preserving intricate details - a crucial prerequisite for subsequent rigging and animation.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Introduction to Rigging for Animation
DSGN72310
This course focuses on the techniques and principles of rigging for animation. Students will learn to create various character rigs, capable of producing a wide range of movements. Emphasizing the importance of functionality, control, and deformations, this course will equip students with the skills necessary to bring their 3D character models to life in the animation pipeline.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Compositing and Post-Production
DSGN72320
In our comprehensive Compositing and Post-Production course, you'll explore the role of compositing in the 3D animation pipeline, learning to combine diverse elements to enhance your animation visual appeal and narrative coherence. The course covers advanced topics such as sound integration and colour grading for mood setting, contrast improvement and lighting balance. You'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, learning techniques to control the rendering and compositing process for increased workflow efficiency and artistic control.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: DSGN72160
- CoRequisites:
Studio Management
MGMT72300
This Studio Management course equips students with critical skills for successfully setting up a sustainable animation production. Students will explore studio branding, project analysis and design, project management, and best practices for budgeting and scheduling required resources while exploring job roles, copyright laws, and professional development in the animation industry. The course also enhances crucial soft skills, including communication and leadership. Through hands-on exercises and practical projects, students will apply these concepts directly, preparing them for real-world animation studio environments.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Level 5
Course details
Coop Work Term Bachelor of Animation
COOP72300
The co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience within an animation environment. Students will be provided an opportunity to: build skills (physical and procedural skills including accuracy, precision, and efficiency); assist in the acquisition of knowledge in and application of knowledge gained in the academic setting (concepts and terminology in a discipline or field of study); develop critical, creative, and dialogical thinking (improved thinking and reasoning processes); cultivate problem solving and decision-making abilities (mental strategies for finding solutions and making choices); explore attitudes, feelings, and perspectives (awareness of attitudes, biases, and other perspectives, ability to collaborate); practice professional judgment (sound judgment and appropriate professional action in complex, context-dependent situations); and reflect on experience (self-discovery and personal growth from real-world experience).
- Hours: 420
- Credits: 14
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Level 6
Course details
Creature Animation
ARTS73050
Building upon the knowledge acquired in Advanced Animation Principles and Body Mechanics, this course focuses on the advanced techniques and principles of creature animation. Students will explore the intricacies of animating quadruped movement and flight. By studying animal anatomy, using action analysis techniques, and applying their understanding of animation principles, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to create convincing and captivating creature animations for a range of projects, including films, games, and visual effects.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: DSGN72150
- CoRequisites:
Senior Animation Project
ARTS73070
In this course, students will embark on the first phase of a two-part journey in creating an animated short film. The Senior Animation Project will focus on pre-production and preparation for short film creation, encompassing visual development, storyboard, animatic, and 3D layout. This comprehensive course will guide students through the essential steps needed to develop a captivating and well-planned animated short film, setting the foundation for the second part of the project in Capstone Animation Project.
- Hours: 84
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS72070 AND COOP72300 AND MGMT72300
- CoRequisites:
Game Engine and Emerging Technologies
DSGN73500
This course focuses on the techniques and principles of leveraging game engines and AI technology for animation production. They will explore the capabilities of industry-standard game engines along with AI-driven tools to create complex and captivating animation projects. Drawing upon their current knowledge of animation, modelling, rigging, and lighting, students will learn to integrate AI tools within game engines to streamline the animation process, emphasizing the production of animated sequences. This will equip them with the cutting-edge skills necessary to produce high-quality animated content across various platforms, such as games, virtual reality, and interactive experiences, while also familiarizing them with the potential of AI in the future of animation.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS72070 AND COOP72300 AND MGMT72300
- CoRequisites:
Advanced Rigging for Animation
DSGN73510
This course explores the complexities of constructing advanced animation character rigs, diving deep into specialized techniques, principles and tools. Students will venture into creating advanced control systems, facial rigging, and quadruped rigging. With a dual focus on functionality and realism, the course aims to arm students with the requisite skills to construct top-tier rigs for complex animation projects.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: DSGN72310
- CoRequisites:
Entrepreneurship
ENTR71201
This course will introduce students to concepts relating to creativity and personal entrepreneurial characteristics with knowledge and skills essential for planning and developing a new venture. Entrepreneurial processes involved in transforming ideas into commercial ventures are examined through discussion of readings and case studies.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Level 7
Course details
Capstone Animation Project
ARTS73090
Building upon the foundation laid in the Senior Animation Project, this course leads students through the production and post-production phases of their animated short film capstone project. Students will apply their animation production, lighting, rendering, and compositing knowledge to create a polished and captivating final film. Through hands-on experience and collaboration, students will develop a deeper understanding of the entire animation pipeline and refine their skills in various aspects of the production process.
- Hours: 112
- Credits: 8
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS73070
- CoRequisites:
Portfolio Development and Industry Networking for Animation
CDEV73000
This course will equip students with the tools and strategies to craft a compelling professional portfolio. Students will acquire the skills to display their achievements and proficiency through a curated selection of their best work or refine their existing work to meet industry standards. Furthermore, the course extends its guidance beyond portfolio creation, offering practical insights on networking, devising effective job search strategies, and professional communication. The ultimate objective is to assist students in fostering and nurturing valuable industry connections, paving the way for a successful career in the animation industry.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites: DSGN72150
- CoRequisites:
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Program outcomes
- Create original characters and environments using digital modeling, sculpting, rigging, texturing, and design techniques to bring them to life with intricate details and realistic textures.
- Use action analysis techniques and key animation principles to create emotionally engaging character animation performances that effectively convey the intended narrative or message of the animation.
- Construct and integrate original environments, and lighting, into animation projects, while utilizing storytelling principles to enhance the animation's visual impact and overall effectiveness.
- Optimize animation productions by creating innovative pipelines using appropriate computer animation software, game engines, and other digital tools.
- Analyze the creative requirements of an animation project and appraise the appropriateness of various animation styles including realistic, caricatured, and others to support informed decision-making and justify the chosen style.
- Evaluate and improve visual storytelling in animation projects, incorporating cinematography principles and film language.
- Use various post-production and compositing techniques to enhance computer animation projects' visual storytelling and aesthetic impact.
- Design and produce a professional animation portfolio to enhance personal brand and entrepreneurial goals, integrating relevant animation principles, techniques, and technologies at an advanced level, to support diverse forms of independent production activities.
- Communicate, orally and in writing, about animation project deliverables and expectations to technical and non-technical audiences to support the completion of animation projects that meets the needs of project stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain effective working teams by applying concepts of human relations and organizational behaviour.