Campus
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma

Program and course delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.

About the Program

Do you have a flair for creativity and a passion for design? Seneca Polytechnic's two-year Visual Merchandising Arts diploma program gives you hands-on expertise in fashion styling, digital design and retail and display methodologies, all while emphasizing sustainable practices.

Grounded in the fundamental principles of design, styling and visual merchandising, this program is uniquely tailored to equip graduates with a comprehensive skill set that exceeds industry standards. It will prepare you for a dynamic career that thrives on creativity and innovation. In addition, an 80-hour field placement provides an opportunity for you to gain real-world experience, expand your portfolio and network with seasoned industry professionals.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • fashion, photo and product styling
  • visual storytelling and window display techniques
  • social media marketing and digital design
  • product knowledge and trend analysis
  • prop concept, design and activation
  • floorplans, merchandising directives and store operations
  • colour theory and design principles
  • budgeting and resource management
  • communication and teamwork

Work Experience

Field Placement

The 80-hour field placement offers an opportunity to make connections and expand your network with our industry partners. In addition, it will provide you with hands-on experience in a range of settings. You could be working in retail visual merchandising, assisting as a fashion stylist or collaborating with visual designers on seasonal projects such as the Santa Claus Parade. In the past, students have worked with partners such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew and Fashion Art Toronto. This pivotal work placement is designed to furnish you with essential job skills, enhancing your employment prospects when you successfully complete the program.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

  • fashion stylist 
  • visual merchandiser
  • prop producer or prop stylist
  • social media content stylist 
  • brand ambassador
  • e-commerce website stylist 
  • special event and exhibit designer
  • interior stylist or home staging assistant
  • freelance designer

Affiliations/Associations

British Display Society Centre of Excellence
WindowsWear

Sustainability

Sustainability

Our School of Fashion is committed to promoting and advocating sustainable development. As a member of Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada, we integrate sustainable practices into our teaching and initiatives.

Student Works and Experiences

Redefining Design

Graduating Visual Merchandising Arts students showcase their creative work at the annual year-end event for Seneca’s fashion programs.

Behind the Scenes of VMA

Catch a glimpse of some eye-catching display windows for fashion, home décor, the holidays and more, as styled by our Visual Merchandising Arts students.

Highlights from Visual Merchandising Arts on Flickr

Success Stories 

Marisol Flores

“I really liked the VMA program’s hands-on approach. The exceptional teachers offered practical, real-world perspectives that were crucial for my entry into the workplace as an international student from Mexico. The field placement expanded my experience and network, enabling me to build a portfolio and secure employment shortly after graduating.”

Marisol Flores

Designer and Stylist, If Walls Can Talk

Read Marisol's success story

Jin Hwang

“I had an amazing experience with countless opportunities in the Visual Merchandising Arts program. The connections with my classmates and professors were priceless, as was the support offered during my courses. After I completed this program, I was fully confident to proceed in my career as a Visual Merchandiser.”

Jin Hwang

Visual Merchandising Associate, Uniqlo

Read Jin's success story

Elle Zavarei

“The Visual Merchandising Arts program brought me the delight of creation and construction at a fast pace. With the unconditional support and generosity of my professors, I had the opportunity to explore and experience a vast design field, expand my proficiency and acquire the confidence to start my career as a freelance designer.”

Elle Zavarei

Designer, Elle Design Studio

Read Elle's success story