FAQs
Q. What high school graduation requirements do I need to enter your program?
A. B.C. Secondary School Graduation (Grade 12) or equivalent.
Q. How long do I have to be out of high school to apply to your program as a mature student?
A. After two years out of high school, written requests for admission as a mature student will be considered by the admissions officer.
Q. What level of English do I need to enter your program?
A. All students must have a level of English sufficient to write assignments, understand class lectures and take part in class discussions.
Q. Do I need a TOEFL or ELA score?
A. If English is not your first language or you have received your education in another language you are required to submit, along with your application, a TOEFL or ELA score. Specific testing requirements for admission: TOEFL 220 (560 paper based score) ELA145 IELTS 6.5.
Depending on portfolio and previous experience we sometimes accept students into the program with slightly lower scores
Q. Do I need to write an EDT?
A. If you did not receive an A in Grade 12 English, you are required to write an EDT for entry into college English courses. Students with lower scores can take Communications 120 or 010 level English courses.
Q. Can the program be taken part-time?
A. Not usually, unless you have previous courses. You could take certain general courses i.e. Art History, Drawing, Design and English before taking the core studio courses in Surface Design and Weaving. You would need to come in for a portfolio interview.
Q. What is required in the portfolio?
A. We recommend a maximum of 10 pieces of original artwork, in a variety of media, if possible slides or photographs. We like to see both polished and experimental work. Sketchbooks and/or journals can be included. Submit anything creative, from textiles and clothing to photography and drawings, etc.
Q. Do I have to attend an interview?
A. Yes, applicants are required to have an interview, you must call 604.984.4911 before the end of April to arrange an interview in early May. Occasionally later appointments will be possible depending on available spaces in the program; please contact the above number for updated information.
Q. Are there Information Meetings?
A. Yes they are usually scheduled February through to May. Check our website Information Meeting page as well as the college website Information Meetings page for dates or call 604.984.4911 for details; you should attend a session as it will facilitate the interview process.
Q. How do I find out about scholarships, bursaries and other forms of Financial Assistance?
A. Phone the Financial Aid office at 604.984.4966. Funds may be limited. Early application recommended.
Q. Are there any residences on campus?
A. No, Capilano College has no residences. Our Student Union lists some shared accommodation and apartment listings on their bulletin board.
Q. Where do I go after Textile Arts?
A. See brochure or website for career options and also visit our alumni page.
Q. I really want to do fashion, will I learn this in your program?
A. We are not a fashion program and we do not teach cloth construction but we have many students interested in making clothes and they often go to a fashion school after the Textile Arts program and we also often get students from fashion programs that want to concentrate on the fabric. Many students will make clothes for the class projects; they may construct them based on sewing patterns.
Q. Is there a practicum?
A.There are no formal practicums.
However, as part of the TXTL 230 Professional and Business Skills course,
students develop an applied project. This project provides "real"
opportunities for students to engage with a variety of skills ranging from
organizational and project planning, public speaking and presentation, or
teaching to name a few examples.
Q. Do courses transfer to University or Art Schools?
A. The successfully completed Textile Arts Diploma Program transfers directly to the following institutions: see Degree Completion page. Specific courses, such as Art History, Textile History and others transfer to other institutions as per the BC Transfer Guide while studio courses help students gain advanced acceptance at other institutions inside and outside of Canada, particularly to institutions with similar courses.
Q. Do I qualify for the Advanced Textile Arts Certificate?
A. The Advanced Certificate is designed for students with 2 years of post-secondary level Art programs. Several fields of Fine Arts, Textile Arts, Photography, Fashion Arts, Interior Design etc. qualify. Practical experience in one area, or workshops, generally does not qualify entry into the Advanced Program.