Computation Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Why study Computation Arts?
When you study Computation Arts, you become part of a visionary digital program that explores the intersection of design, art and technology. Break new ground with wearable computing or intelligent textiles. Create pieces or installations that straddle both the physical and virtual world using a computer screen, networked computers, audio and video.
Our studios provide spaces to unleash your creativity and ability as an artist. Utilize professional equipment in our labs and studios. You may even have a chance to participate in research for the Hexagram Centre. As a Computation Arts student, you’ll learn to develop your own technologies to make your digital art a reality. You will also:
- Study the cultural and political implications of a society that is increasingly wired and networked
- Learn to re-imagine objects, narratives and the physical environment through the use of digital technologies
- Learn to integrate electronics, sensors, and physical computing into digital artworks
After graduation, you’ll leave with the knowledge, skill and passion to succeed in various branches of the cultural sector, pursue graduate studies, or form your own studio.
Program Details
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.
Options:
- Specialization in Computation Arts (60 credits)
- Major in Computation Arts with Computer Applications (45 credits)
- Minor in Computation Arts (24 credits)
- Minor in Game Design (24 credits)
Students interested in either a design or studio practice in digital media with a solid technical foundation should consider the Specialization. Students in the specialization program take all their courses within the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Students interested in combining a design or studio practice in digital media with a deep foundation in computer science should consider the Major. Students in the major will also take half of their courses in computer science. The major must be taken with the Computer Applications Option program offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science.
Students in the Minor program will explore the use of computers as a new medium for creative expression. Using digital media, the program provides students with a rich foundation for innovative work that crosses the areas of design, art and technology.
Difference between the Computation Arts Major and Specialization programs
|
Credits in computation arts | Credits in Computer Science |
Can combine with a minor? | Math prerequisites |
Degree Name |
*Computation Arts - Major |
45 |
45 |
**No |
Yes |
***B.Comp. Sc. Computer Applications - Computation Arts Major or ***BFA Computation Arts - Major |
*Computation Arts - Specialization |
60 |
0 |
Yes |
No |
BFA Computation Arts - Specialization |
* Based on a 90/108/120 degree program depending on the educational level of the applicant.
**A minor will extend the student's time in this program due to the program core course content.
***Applicants applying to the Computation Arts Major can choose their degree name to be B.Comp.Sc or BFA.
Annual Capacity
- 40 (all Computation Arts programs)
Cegep Profile
- Specialization: No specific profile required. However, following a profile in the arts may help applicants build a successful portfolio.
- Major: Mathematics 103 or 201-NYA and 203 or 201-NYB and 105 or 201-NYC (The major must be taken with the Computer Applications Option program offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science.)
- Minor: No specific profile required. However, following a profile in the arts may help applicants build a successful portfolio.
Additional Requirements
- This program is only available for Fall admission.
- Computation Arts requirements
- General admission requirements at Concordia
Portfolio Day
Twice a year, in the fall and in the winter, faculty meet one–on–one with prospective students to give feedback on their portfolios. It’s a chance to share your work with us before you apply.
Minimum cut-off averages
Minimum Cut-off Averages should be used as indicators. Data may change depending on the quality of the application pool. Admission to the Faculty of Fine Arts is very competitive. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
- Quebec Cegep (CRC): DEC
- Canadian High Schools: 65% or C+
- U.S. High Schools: 2.5
- University Transfers: C
Admission to most programs is based on portfolio/audition evaluations as well as academic grades. Applicants selected for admission have normally achieved grades that exceed minimum requirements.
- International Bacc. (IB): A minimum total of 27 points. Admission to competitive programs is based on strong portfolio/auditions and, normally, above-average grades.
- Bacc. Français: A minimum grade of 11/20 for students who have completed their Bacc. Français outside of Quebec. Admission is competitive and based on strong portfolio/auditions and, normally, above-average grades.
Make sure you also meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
The CART curriculum includes courses in:
- interaction design
- game design and development
- programming
- tangible media (electronics, sensors, and physical computing)
- computational media (real-time graphics, video, and sound)
- social media, interactive media environments and new media theory
For a list of required courses please download the Program Guide according to year of entry.
For a complete list of course descriptions please consult the Undergraduate Calendar. Advanced level students have the opportunity to pursue independent study courses and internships.
Schedules for courses are available on the class schedules website.
Our Centre for Digital Arts is equipped with the latest 3D graphics, video editing and high-performance computing technologies and staffed with technical experts who will help you realize your ideas. You’ll have access to:
- Computing labs for programming, scripting, and video editing
- Audio-visual equipment loans
- Instructive workshops and activities that show you how to use the equipment
- A sensor lab for electronics, microcontroller programming, and simple textile construction
International Study Opportunities
Concordia University offers students the opportunity to take part in an International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) that will count for credit towards their Concordia degree, while paying the same tuition fees they do at home and possibly receiving funding. International study opportunities bring cultural diversity and enrichment through immersion in the programs of study at Concordia’s partner institutions.
Professional Internships
Internships provide students with the opportunity to pursue work in design-related industries and cultural institutions. Students have found placements in both large companies, as well as independent studios in a wide range of disciplinary areas. Consult the undergraduate calendar for details about program specific requirements and prerequisites. See internship guidelines.
Independent Studies
Students may explore specific areas of design through intensive research in an independent study. This opportunity allows students to work directly with a member of the faculty to develop a semester-long project. Consult the undergraduate calendar for details about program specific requirements and prerequisites. See independent study guidelines.
Student work drives the creative energy in the Faculty of Fine Arts, and you’ll have many opportunities to exhibit your work in art festivals and exhibitions at on-campus venues such as the FOFA and VAV galleries.
Computation Arts alumni have established careers in the video game, advertising and entertainment industries as programmers and designers. Many graduates start their own design firms or become creative or art directors. Some have been hired by:
- Ubisoft
- Moment Factory
- Sid Lee
- Dpt. | A creative digital studio
- Warner Brothers Interactive
