Program type
Major
Studio Art (BFA)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall
Why study Studio Art?
Develop your own path as a creative artist in one of Canada’s foremost environments for the study of contemporary visual art. As a Studio Art major, you’ll have the flexibility to choose one or combine any of our seven disciplines: Ceramics, Fibres and Material Practices, Intermedia (Video, Performance, and Electronic Arts), Painting and Drawing, Photography, Print Media, Sculpture and Installation. By joining a large Faculty of Fine Arts with strengths in every artistic field, you will learn a full range of technical and theoretical approaches to artmaking, putting you at the forefront of this exciting, rich and complex field of study.
Working in studios equipped with professional tools and equipment, you will discover a variety of processes and techniques. You will also develop the critical abilities to evaluate artistic work and create your own personal direction through the exchange of ideas on contemporary art with practising artists. Choose from studio courses that reflect currents in today’s art world. Or, combine your studio practice with a degree in Art History, enabling you to balance art practice with academic studies.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program option
- Major in Studio Art (60 credits)
By majoring in a Studio Arts program, you will engage in an arena of dialogue and debate that is furthered by critiques, visiting speakers, lectures and panel discussions.
With pedagogical approaches that integrate critical thinking into studio practices, Studio Arts offers an open interdisciplinary environment that positions you as an active participant in the creation of contemporary culture.
Graduates continue to distinguish themselves as leading contemporary artists, curators, critics, educators and citizens.
Courses
You have the flexibility to choose from a range of courses that address the practice, theory and history of art. You’ll also take courses with artists across all disciplines — exploring new ideas and imagining the frontiers of contemporary art together. As a Studio Art student you’ll take:
- Art History and Art Theory courses
- Studio art courses across all disciplines
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
This program is only available for Fall admission.
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Additional requirements for admission
Applicants must submit additional requirements for admission directly to the department.
- Letter of Intent
- Portfolio
Portfolio / Letter of intent
The portfolio of artwork for admission to a Studio Arts program should be a collection of your best and most recent work in visual arts. It should represent your individual interests, abilities and explorations. Consider visual, conceptual, and technical proficiency in selecting your best and most recent work.
If you are applying to more than one Fine Arts program, be sure to submit a separate portfolio for each program choice.
Your portfolio should contain:
- Minimum number of portfolio items: 15.
- Maximum number of portfolio items: 20.
- Each portfolio item must be a single digital file.
- Either recently completed or currently in progress.
- Include work that demonstrates your ability to work in a variety of media, in both two and three dimensions. Examples include drawings, paintings, prints, collage and other mixed media work, sculpture, ceramics, and fibres work.
- You may also include photographs, animation, film, video, audio recordings, and documentation of performance art.
- Please tailor your portfolio to the specific program area to which you are applying.
- Your work should show evidence of both technical skill and conceptual development. Basic abilities in drawing, composition and color-use must be demonstrated.
- You may not submit your portfolio via email or through other websites.
Letter of intent
Your letter of intent should be no longer than one page and written in English or French. In general, it should describe your educational background and any relevant experience in art, as well as your expectations in relation to the programs to which you are applying.
- What are your reasons for applying to this program? If you are particularly interested in an area within Studio Arts, please indicate why.
- Describe your educational background and any relevant experience.
- What are your goals and expectations in relation to this program?
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL ENTRY (September)
Deadline: March 1
International applicants: Apply no later than February 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country, and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
WINTER ENTRY (January)
Admission to this program is available for the Fall Term only.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Student story
Marilou Brickert
Bachelor of Fine Arts Major Design
Create and experiment with sustainable practices at the Faculty of Fine Arts, where Marilou Brickert brings artistic visions to life.
Other programs of interest
The Major in Art History and Studio Art is the ideal choice for someone interested in both the study and practice of art. Perform academic research and learn to write formally about art as you focus on periods that interest you, from ancient Greece to contemporary art and architecture.
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