Photography (BFA)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Why study Photography?
Everyone has an opinion about a photograph. Anyone can take one. But the medium is deceptive. Behind photography’s mass appeal is a highly technical artistic discipline with distinct intellectual traditions.
Photography blends art and technology. When you study photography, you’re exposed to digital and film-based photographic practices. You’ll learn camera and darkroom techniques for colour and black-and-white prints, digital photography tools and printing skills. You’ll also take courses that give you:
- An historical and theoretical understanding of the medium
- Concepts and vocabulary to discuss photography critically
- A social and aesthetic base to look at photography's social and artistic impact
- A broad understanding of how to construct contemporary images
You’ll leave us as a fine arts photographer, able to control the camera to express yourself, to produce a coherent body of work and to take your skills into many creative enterprises.
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.
Concentrations:
- Major in Photography (60 credits)
Photography is a discipline with a distinct artistic and historical identity. This program recognizes that contemporary photographic practice encompasses a rich diversity of formal and conceptual approaches.
As a Photography Major you will receive a strong historical and theoretical understanding of the medium. You will also acquire the concepts and vocabulary necessary for critical discussion of your own photographic work and the work of others. Emphasis is placed on photography's social and artistic ramifications.
Photography students have access to a full range of digital and analog outputs. Exposure to these techniques and technologies help to bring about a broader understanding of contemporary image construction and media specificity.
See detailed degree requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar.
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
- 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
Course requirements for admission
None. You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
Additional requirements for admission
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.
Your work
- Please include 15 to 20 images consisting of black-and-white and/or colour photographs.
- Your work should show evidence of both technical skill and conceptual development.
- The Portfolio Evaluation Committee prefers cohesive, well-edited portfolios that indicate an applicant’s specific interests and/or thought process.
- Work in animation, film or video may be submitted as supplementary material.
Letter of intent
Your letter of intent should be no longer than one page, written in English or French, and address the following:
- What are your reasons for applying to this program? Discuss the particular area(s) within the field of photography that interest you.
- Describe your educational background and any relevant experience. List all courses and workshops you have taken in photography (including where and when).
- Discuss the conceptual unity of the portfolio contents and the context in which the work was produced (for example, in a course, for a specific event or exhibit, as part of a self-directed study, etc.).
- What are your aspirations upon receiving your degree?
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
N/A Admission to this program is only available for the Fall Term. |
| Outside Canada (International) |
February 1 | N/A |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Sample classes
- Foundations in Photographic Vision: Theory and Practice I, II
- Black and White Photography
- Digital Photography
- Aspects of the History of Photography
- Studies in Contemporary Photography
Course descriptions
Browse all Studio Arts course descriptions in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Faculty members
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.
To see what current students are working on, visit our events page.
Our darkrooms and digital areas are accessible Monday to Friday until 10 p.m. and Saturday until 9 p.m. during the school year. Students should have their own 35mm camera for basic courses. Other photographic facilities include:
- High-end computers
- A drum scanner, two virtual drum scanners, plus negative and flatbed scanners
- 44" inkjet printers and other smaller printers
- A colour darkroom with 20 colour enlargers
- 30" and 40" colour processors and print viewing area
- 18 black-and-white enlargers
- A large print darkroom and finishing area
- Two studios
You also have access to portable photographic equipment:
- Cameras, including digital 4 × 5 and 6 × 7
- Accessories, including electronic flash kits, soft boxes, tripods, light metres and other items
Discover the full range of equipment available in each of these facilities.