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Program Information

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Textile & Apparel Design

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Duration: Two Years


 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
Show Legend Definitions
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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

The fabric of life.

Textile creation and apparel design shapes individual identities and honours culture, reflecting diversity and inclusivity. This craft can drive innovation and support environmental sustainability. It has been woven through societies and cultures for centuries and plays a major role in celebrating our human heritage.

In CNA’s Textile & Apparel Design program, you have an opportunity to express your creativity and develop your own one-of-a-kind textile and apparel creations through drawing, design, textile and apparel practices. You will nurture an appreciation for the handcrafted product with the use of natural and sustainable materials. In fabric design you will create fabric through knit, weave and felt. In surface design, you will explore surface manipulation through embroidery, dye and rug hooking. And in apparel design, you will have the opportunity to design and create clothing and accessories using machine sewing and garment construction techniques, while exploring the exciting world of fashion and apparel.
 
Innovation and originality are encouraged through contemporary application of traditional skills and the incorporation of innovative materials into project ideas. The relationship between a maker’s intent and content will form, through discourse in contemporary and traditional practice. Technical and critical skill development will progress throughout the program, and the business side of craft will be explored, including grant writing.

Different media and techniques are introduced in the first year of the program. In the second year, you can choose to specialize in two out of three studio areas: fabric design, surface design or apparel design.

Apply your creative and artistic interests in craft and design, and gain important technical design skills and knowledge of the integral relationships among fabric, surface and apparel design.

Make yours a career by design!
 
 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Opportunity in the second year to focus studies and further develop design and technical skills when students choose two out of the three studio areas: fabric design, surface design or apparel design
  • Gain the solid foundation necessary to begin building a career as an independent artist, a production craftsperson, or as an employee in the craft and apparel industry
  • Offers graduates a solid foundation for exploring higher learning opportunities
  • Designed to offer innovative training that reaches beyond the classroom with an emphasis on experiential learning during fine craft and design fairs, wholesale trade shows, gallery exhibitions, and a fashion show
  • Supported by courses in colour theory, digital design, art and craft history, communications, entrepreneurial studies, art marketing development and proposal writing
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Canada is recognized globally for the quality of its creative industries, which showcase our talented artists and entrepreneurs, encourage innovation, and create economic growth.1
  • The value of the Canadian apparel market was estimated at approximately 35 billion Canadian dollars in 2023. This figure is estimated to increase to around 38.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2027.2
  • Established over 150 years ago, in small, urban communities that offered a stable labour supply and rivers ideally suited for water-generated power and dyeing/finishing processes, the Canadian textile industry started with the manufacture of yarns and fabrics from natural fibres.3
  • In 2016, the total craft industry sales in Newfoundland and Labrador was valued at $36 million, based on the average sales of approximately 760 craftspeople/businesses.4
  • There are roughly 2.1 million sellers on Etsy, the largest single platform for handmade sellers
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to: 
  1. Create aesthetic, functional, and innovative designs and products in the textile and apparel industry.
  2. Integrate learned skills and techniques in fabric, surface and apparel design towards building a career as a professional artist.
  3. Solve textile and apparel design issues through research and critical analysis.
  4. Apply personal style and media choices in the creation of drawings, which support conceptual and technical design work.
  5. Contribute to and enrich the quality, standards and professionalism of the textile and apparel industry.
  6. Utilize effective communication techniques while promoting oneself in a professional manner as an emerging artist or designer.
  7. Write professional proposals, grant applications, work reviews, and critiques.
  8. Employ entrepreneurial skills, art marketing and self-promotion during events such as gallery exhibitions, fashion shows, craft fairs, wholesale trade shows, workshops and conferences.
  9. Plan, develop, monitor and implement a successful textile and/or apparel-based event.
  10. Express the importance of the relationship between traditional and contemporary craft and art within individual studio practice.
REFERENCES
[1] Government of Canada, Canadian Heritage new, Helping Canada’s creative industries succeed in global markets - Canada.ca
[2] Statista, Canada forecast apparel market value 2027, July 7, 2023, Canada forecast apparel market value 2027 | Statista
[3] Government of Canada, 2018, Canadian textiles industry (canada.ca)
[4] Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Industry Strategy, 2023-2025, Binder2 - Draft.pdf (gov.nl.ca)

Admission Requirements


1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one year to be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Note: This program is not suitable for applicants with respiratory problems or colour blindness.

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
GA1130
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Digital Design Fundamentals 2 2 1
HY1106
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Art History 3 3 0
TX1100
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Fibre & Fabric Exploration 5 4 2
TX1200
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Introduction to Sewing 3 2 2
VA1100
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Introduction to Drawing 2 2 1
VA1200
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Elements of Design 3 3 0
VA1400
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Colour Theory 3 2 2
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
HY1201
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Craft History 3 3 0
TX1220
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Fabric Design I 3 2 4
TX1225
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Surface Design I 3 2 4
TX1400
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Apparel Design I 3 2 2
VA1101
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Drawing Application 3 3 1
VA1201
close
Principles of Design 3 3 0
         
Semester 3 Intersession Cr Le La
CG1400
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Production Fundamentals 4 3 3
CM1450
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Writing Fundamentals 3 3 0
TX1210
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Industrial Sewing 3 2 2
         
The Course and Lab hours per week are based on a 15 week semester. In intersession, the Course and Lab hours will be adjusted to reflect the shorter semester length. 
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
EP1100
close
Entrepreneurial Studies 4 3 2
TX2101
close
Art Marketing 3 3 0
VA2100
close
Intermediate Drawing 3 3 0
VA2260
close
Application of Design Theory I 3 3 1
Studio Areas - Students select two areas from the following:      
ST2405
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Apparel Design II 4 3 3
ST2450
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Fabric Design II 4 3 3
ST2455
close
Surface Design II 4 3 3
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
CM1530
close
Proposal Writing 3 3 0
TX1230
close
Studio Practice I 3 2 2
VA2101
close
Advanced Drawing 3 3 0
VA2251
close
Application of Design Theory II 3 3 1
Studio Areas - Students select two areas from the following:      
ST2406
close
Apparel Design III 4 3 3
ST2461
close
Fabric Design III 4 3 3
ST2465
close
Surface Design III 4 3 3
         
Semester 6 Intersession Cr Le La
TX1235
close
Studio Practice II 6 4 8
         
The Course and Lab hours per week are based on a 15 week semester. In intersession, the Course and Lab hours will be adjusted to reflect the shorter semester length. 

 

Careers & Pathways


CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Working within the field of textile and apparel design offers rewarding opportunities and work experiences. Graduates of the Textile & Apparel Design program may become employed within the craft and fashion industry, which is inclusive of textile and apparel. Not only are graduates employed in their immediate area of skill and with various employers in full-time, part-time and contractual employment, but they also may become self-employed. Graduates of this program may find gainful employment working with art galleries, and during film/theatre productions.  Visit the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador exhibition, showcasing graduates individual interests, unique visions, style, creative process and practiced skills.


Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Application fees must be paid for each application to the College.
    Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $1,197.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $572.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $320.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due within two (2) weeks of date of Letter of of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay this non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • First Semester Tuition- which includes the $1500 Deposit Fee
      Deposit fee - $1500 non-refundable, non-transferable fee.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $4,581.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $2,291.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $354.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $354.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $313.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
PayMyTuition Logo


Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
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