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School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism

Area of Study - Applied Arts

CNA's Applied Arts programs celebrate creativity, storytelling, and the power of communication. Students explore a wide range of visual, media, and design disciplines, including graphic design, journalism, film production, and visual arts, while developing technical expertise and artistic identity. These programs focus on real-world production and portfolio development, guided by instructors with industry experience and deep creative insight.

Hands-on learning is at the core of Applied Arts. Through studios, workshops, and collaborative projects, students build skills in problem-solving, design thinking, and cultural expression. Whether your future is in advertising, media, publishing, or independent arts practice, our programs prepare you to contribute meaningfully to Canada's creative economy with both confidence and a unique point of view.

Who Should Enroll?
  • Aspiring artists, designers, musicians, and writers
  • Storytellers seeking careers in media, film, or communications
  • Creative professionals upgrading skills for the digital marketplace
  • Entrepreneurs in the creative and cultural industries
Students in applied arts learning environment
Why CNA

Why Applied Arts at CNA?

Creative Skills Development

Master techniques in visual arts, design, music, writing, and multimedia production.

Hands-On Media Production

Work with industry-standard equipment and software in studios and labs.

Innovative & Original Thinking

Learn to develop unique concepts and creative solutions for diverse audiences.

Collaborative Learning

Work alongside other creatives in an inclusive, idea-driven environment.

Programs

Our Applied Arts Programs

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CNA's Applied Arts programs foster creativity, communication, and critical thinking across diverse disciplines including Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Journalism, Digital Filmmaking, and more. Students develop foundational and technical skills in visual storytelling, media production, branding, and creative problem-solving while working with industry-standard tools and technologies.

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Applied Music

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

Music can be a powerful force – it can boost motivation, ease anxiety, inspire a mood and empower a generation.

In recent years we have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the music industry; new digital platforms are reshaping the ways artists are connecting with their audiences on a global stage. Accessible technologies such as audio production software, video recording and editing platforms, and digital distribution methods are providing access for everyone to share their... Learn more

Music can be a powerful force – it can boost motivation, ease anxiety, inspire a mood and empower a generation.

In recent years we have witnessed a remarkable... Learn more

Art & Design Essentials

Duration: Two Years, Part-Time |  Credential: Certificate
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive,
OA
Online - Asynchronous

Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

Applications closed to International Applicants for Online Asynchronous.

Studies in art and design promote creativity, flexibility, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking and other invaluable skills needed in the world today. The national Status of the Artist Act recognizes the important contribution professional artists make to the economic and social well-being of communities. Studies show that artmaking and design can improve health and well-being, and these areas are recognized for their tremendous benefits to individuals and society as a... Learn more

Studies in art and design promote creativity, flexibility, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking and other invaluable skills needed in the world today. The national... Learn more

Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education

Duration: Four Years |  Credential: Applied Degree
Deliveries Offered:
OA
Online - Asynchronous

Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Applicants who have an Early Childhood Education diploma and an Early Childhood Education advanced diploma from CNA (or equivalent), may apply directly to year 4; applicants who do not must apply to year 1 of Early Childhood Education.

Studies show that children who participate in early learning and child care programs grow to build positive work habits, develop strong social skills and make gains in all areas of learning that benefit them throughout their lives.1

Early childhood educators contribute to this legacy of learning, as they lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being. Driven by multidisciplinary... Learn more

Studies show that children who participate in early learning and child care programs grow to build positive work habits, develop strong social skills and make gains in all areas... Learn more

Community and Therapeutic Recreation

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: CLOSED
International Applications: CLOSED

Applications closed to international applicants.

Today we are seeing an increased focus on personal wellness and the compelling recognition that it is paramount to leading full, satisfying and productive lives. This proactive movement is generating an increased demand for trained professionals in community and therapeutic recreation. These leaders create programs that embrace the diversity of communities, emphasize the importance of cultural connections and bring awareness to the benefits of balanced living.

If you are interested in... Learn more

Today we are seeing an increased focus on personal wellness and the compelling recognition that it is paramount to leading full, satisfying and productive lives. This proactive... Learn more

Community Leadership Development

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Bay St. George
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

Effective community leaders bring people together. They help create a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for individuals to thrive. They engage citizens, strengthen agency and foster community resilience.

Community leadership development involves working with community agencies, non-profit organizations, and both the public and private sectors, along with the people they represent. Effectiveness in community leadership requires specific core... Learn more

Effective community leaders bring people together. They help create a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for individuals to thrive. They... Learn more

Digital Animation

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Bay St. George
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

Animation brings imagination to life. More than toy stories for children, digital animation has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. Technological advancements and the wide use of animated videos in manufacturing, medicine, engineering, entertainment, and other sectors are driving this rapidly expanding market. That means animators are in high demand.

Canada is recognized as a world leader in animation, video game development, and visual effects. According to the Canada Media... Learn more

Animation brings imagination to life. More than toy stories for children, digital animation has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. Technological advancements and the... Learn more

Digital Filmmaking

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Bay St. George
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

As a two-year, six-semester program, Digital Filmmaking responds to the increasing demand for filmmakers and technicians in the Canadian filmmaking industry. The primary objective is to prepare students for an exciting career in the filmmaking industry by providing each student with an abundance of fundamental knowledge and skill development in narrative, documentary, music videos, factual entertainment and other genres of filmmaking.

While learning the skills required for visual... Learn more

As a two-year, six-semester program, Digital Filmmaking responds to the increasing demand for filmmakers and technicians in the Canadian filmmaking industry. The primary... Learn more

Early Childhood Education

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Carbonear,
C
Corner Brook,
C
Gander,
C
Port aux Basques,
C
Prince Philip Drive,
OS
Online - Synchronous

Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Applications closed to international applicants.

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) have a lasting, positive impact on the development of children, and provide an essential support for families, communities, and society. Early literacy and numeracy, socialization, indoor and outdoor physical activities, and creative experience in art, music, movement, and dramatic play, are some of the areas in which students will acquire knowledge and skills to support and encourage children's development. Students will have the opportunity to apply their... Learn more

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) have a lasting, positive impact on the development of children, and provide an essential support for families, communities, and society. Early... Learn more

Early Childhood Education - Online Asynchronous

Duration: Varies |  Credential: Certificate
Deliveries Offered:
OA
Online - Asynchronous

Domestic Applications: CLOSED
International Applications: CLOSED

Applications closed.

A Learner Course Plan for ECE course completion is developed with each student, based on an assessment of any previous ECE or related training they may already have, and any PLAR credits received. Learner Course Plans are posted on the Early Childhood Education – Distributed Learning program pages.

Online students register each semester from a list of course offerings. These offerings, and other important information about ECE online, are posted on the Early Childhood Education –... Learn more

A Learner Course Plan for ECE course completion is developed with each student, based on an assessment of any previous ECE or related training they may already have, and any... Learn more

Early Childhood Education - Online Asynchronous

Duration: Varies |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
OA
Online - Asynchronous

Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Applications closed to international applicants.

A Learner Course Plan for ECE course completion is developed with each student, based on an assessment of any previous ECE or related training they may already have, and any PLAR credits received. Learner Course Plans are posted on the Early Childhood Education – Distributed Learning program pages.

Online students register each semester from a list of course offerings. These offerings, and other important information about ECE online, are posted on the Early Childhood Education –... Learn more

A Learner Course Plan for ECE course completion is developed with each student, based on an assessment of any previous ECE or related training they may already have, and any... Learn more

Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership

Duration: One Year |  Credential: Advanced Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
OA
Online - Asynchronous

Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Applications closed to international applicants.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Administrative Leadership program provides an exciting opportunity for further education and specialized training for early childhood educators, with a focus on increasing knowledge and skills in the area of administrative leadership. Students completing the ECE Administrative Leadership program will gain invaluable knowledge to enhance confidence and support career advancement. This knowledge will be utilized to increase educational qualifications as well... Learn more

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Administrative Leadership program provides an exciting opportunity for further education and specialized training for early childhood... Learn more

Early Childhood Education Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice

Duration: One Year |  Credential: Advanced Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
OA
Online - Asynchronous

Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Applications closed to international applicants.

Early childhood educators have a lasting, positive effect on the development of children and provide essential support for families, communities, and society.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice advanced diploma program is designed to equip current early childhood educators with the specialized knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality early learning and child care to children with diverse abilities and needs.

These studies focus... Learn more

Early childhood educators have a lasting, positive effect on the development of children and provide essential support for families, communities, and society.

The Early... Learn more

Graphic Communications

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

Alternate Year Intake.

Printing is an ancient practice that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry in Canada today. Along with a multitude of digital mediums, the printing of books, magazines, brochures, banners, art, clothing and more keeps graphic communications at the forefront of this fast-paced industry.

Advances in modern technology have revolutionized the business world and companies are constantly diversifying and in search of talented and ambitious graduates. With our modernized equipment and... Learn more

Printing is an ancient practice that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry in Canada today. Along with a multitude of digital mediums, the printing of books, magazines,... Learn more

Graphic Design

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

Design is everywhere from the moment we wake up until we close our eyes at night. Not just beautiful art, graphic design has purpose – to communicate clearly, shape experiences and inspire action across print, screen and motion.

In this two-year Graphic Design diploma program, you will develop strong visual problem-solving skills while mastering industry-standard tools for branding, typography, layout, illustration, user experience, motion graphics and digital content creation. Through... Learn more

Design is everywhere from the moment we wake up until we close our eyes at night. Not just beautiful art, graphic design has purpose – to communicate clearly, shape experiences... Learn more

Journalism

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

If you are a born storyteller with a strong command of the English language, an insatiable sense of curiosity, a drive to get to the truth and a desire to witness history, you may have the makings of a journalist.

Journalists weave words into stories and capture images that matter. Those words and images become part of history’s first draft. Journalists have opportunities to travel, cover exciting events and projects, and meet interesting, diverse people. Journalists can be the voice of... Learn more

If you are a born storyteller with a strong command of the English language, an insatiable sense of curiosity, a drive to get to the truth and a desire to witness history, you... Learn more

Mental Health and Addictions

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Grand Falls-Windsor,
C
Happy Valley-Goose Bay,
OA
Online - Asynchronous

Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Applications closed to Online Asynchronous. Applications closed to international applicants for Grand Falls-Windsor campus.

Our mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how we handle stress and make choices. If you are patient, compassionate, and keen to help others and are interested in a career in the mental health and addictions field, this is what you need to know.

The need for trained practitioners in the mental health and addictions field is critical. In this... Learn more

Our mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and... Learn more

Sound Recording & Production

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

Canada's entertainment industry is a powerhouse, and the demand for qualified sound technicians and audio engineers is constantly growing. With audio playing a critical role in music, television, film, live events and digital media, skilled sound professionals are in high demand across the globe.

If you are interested in playing a part in this exciting industry, we invite you to enroll in this dynamic, hands-on program. Gain experience in everything from the fast-paced world of live... Learn more

Canada's entertainment industry is a powerhouse, and the demand for qualified sound technicians and audio engineers is constantly growing. With audio playing a critical role in... Learn more

Television and Film Creation

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

The spotlight is on Newfoundland and Labrador. Award-winning productions like Hudson & Rex and Son of a Critch, and major motion pictures drawn to the province's landscapes, have transformed NL into an exciting film and television destination, and the industry is growing fast. That means real opportunities for new voices.

The Television and Film Creation diploma puts you at the centre of that momentum. This program focuses on creative roles that shape every production: the Writer, who... Learn more

The spotlight is on Newfoundland and Labrador. Award-winning productions like Hudson & Rex and Son of a Critch, and major motion pictures drawn to the province's landscapes,... Learn more

Television and Film Post-Production

Duration: One Year |  Credential: Certificate
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

The Editor. The Sound Designer. The Colourist. These are the artists who take raw footage and turn it into something you feel. The Editor shapes the story, choosing the best moments, building pace and making it all flow. The Sound Designer creates the world you hear: every footstep, explosion and heartbeat. The Colourist transforms flat images into cinematic visuals with mood, tone and style. No post-production means no finished films. It's that simple.

Newfoundland and Labrador has... Learn more

The Editor. The Sound Designer. The Colourist. These are the artists who take raw footage and turn it into something you feel. The Editor shapes the story, choosing the best... Learn more

Television and Film Producing

Duration: One Year |  Credential: Certificate
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

This program was formerly known as Television and Film Production Management

One day you’re shooting on a windy beach. Next, you’re coordinating a scene with animals. Then suddenly, your lead actor is delayed, and the entire schedule needs to be rebuilt on the fly. That’s the reality of producing.

The producing team is the engine of every film and television project. They balance the creative vision with business realities, keeping everything moving, on time, on budget and on track. From pitching projects and building budgets to locking locations and navigating... Learn more

One day you’re shooting on a windy beach. Next, you’re coordinating a scene with animals. Then suddenly, your lead actor is delayed, and the entire schedule needs to be rebuilt... Learn more

Television and Film Technical Production

Duration: One Year |  Credential: Certificate
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

This is the call for everyone on set to spring into action. In live production, there are as many moving parts (or more!) happening behind the camera as in front of it. Without lighting, grip, camera, and set decoration, a film, video, or television production simply won’t see the light of day.

The technical production crew works like a well-oiled machine behind the scenes to ensure seamless takes that bring the director’s vision to life. Masters of integration, these technicians can... Learn more

This is the call for everyone on set to spring into action. In live production, there are as many moving parts (or more!) happening behind the camera as in front of it. Without... Learn more

Textile & Apparel Design

Duration: Two Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
C
Prince Philip Drive
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: OPEN

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... Learn more

Textile creation and apparel design shapes individual identities and honours culture, reflecting diversity and inclusivity. This craft can drive innovation and support... Learn more

Video Game Art & Design

Duration: Three Years |  Credential: Diploma
Deliveries Offered:
OA
Online - Asynchronous

Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Applications closed to International Applicants.

Game designers and artists inspire through innovation and imagination. They merge storytelling, art, and technology to bring interactive experiences to life.

The video game industry has grown into one of the largest and most successful on the globe, generating revenue of over $10.2 billion in Canada in 2023 alone.[1] With more than 820 active video game companies nation-wide Canada’s video game sector remains a major employer, supporting over 34,000 full-time positions and sustaining... Learn more

Game designers and artists inspire through innovation and imagination. They merge storytelling, art, and technology to bring interactive experiences to life.

The video... Learn more

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