Computation Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Why study Computation Arts?
While the digital realm continues to grow exponentially, become someone who wields the tools of technology creatively — and shape what comes next. Explore the intersection of design, art, and technology in a comprehensive, yet flexible program of studies, with the latitude to zero in on and pursue your own interests.
Develop your artistic vision while sharpening your computer programming skills and discover how to approach technology as a means of influencing digital culture. Montreal has achieved international recognition as a place where important, innovative work happens in interactive technologies, meaning you’ll find inspiration all around you. Montreal is home to the Société des arts technologiques (SAT), the Phi Centre, Moment Factory, and the digital arts festivals ELEKTRA and MUTEK. The city also has a vibrant game studio landscape that includes Ubisoft, Warner Brothers, Electronic Arts and an ecosystem of smaller independent studios.
As a trained creative and conceptual thinker, you’ll be well-placed to work for companies operating in the digital world, or to become an artist-practitioner, or even to start 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)
- Computation Arts and Computer Science Joint Major (45 credits)
- Minor in Computation Arts (24 credits) (Only available to current Concordia students, contact the department for application information)
- Minor in Game Design (24 credits) (Only available to current Concordia students, contact the department for application information)
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 Joint Major. Students in the joint major will also take half of their courses in 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 Joint Major and Specialization programs
|
Credits in computation arts | Credits in Computer Science |
Can combine with a minor? | Math prerequisites |
Degree Name |
*Computation Arts and Computer Science Joint Major |
45 |
45 |
**No |
Yes |
***B.Comp.Sc. Computation Arts and Computer Science Joint Major or ***BFA Computation Arts and Computer Science Joint 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 Joint 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.
- Joint 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
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
- Bacc. français: 11
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
Course requirements for admission
None. You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
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.
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.
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.
Many alumni find meaningful work in the videogame, advertising and entertainment industries. Graduates have gone on to start their own studios focused on work like web design, electronic installations, and “physical computing” for museum exhibits (developing computer systems that interact with the physical world).
