University of Calgary

Prospective Students

Degree Programs Offered
Admission Requirements
Portfolio Requirements
Important Forms
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Undergraduate Degree Programs

  • BFA Visual Studies
  • BFA Visual Studies (Studio Concentration)
  • BFA Visual Studies (Developmental Art Concentration)
  • Concurrent BFA (Visual Studies)/Education
  • Minor in Visual Studies and Art History

 

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Visual Studies

Students who elect the four-year BFA (Visual Studies) program do so in order to better realize themselves through study and active involvement in art as related to contemporary society and culture. The courses of study enable the student to develop conceptual understanding in the visual arts, to develop a foundation of knowledge and practice of artistic self-sufficiency, to develop creative processes of planning in order to carry out his or her various studio interests, and to teach art in the elementary or secondary school systems or to work as art specialists in other settings. The program enables the individual student to determine through studio practice the understandings and insights that support his or her artistic and intellectual development.

For more information, click here.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Visual Studies (Studio Concentration)

The Studio Concentration is an advanced undergraduate program that gives students a more focused studio experience typically leading to graduate work or specialization in a specific medium as well as professional experience in proposing and preparing for a group show.  Admission to the studio concentration is based on G.P.A., a letter of intent and a portfolio review.  Students apply by May 1 of the winter term in which they complete 9 full course equivalents.  The minimum G.P.A. required is 3.3 and this must be maintained for continuation of the program.

For more information, click here.

For details about portfolio requirements, click here.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Visual Studies (Developmental Art Concentration) 

The Developmental Art Concentration is an undergraduate program that gives students the opportunity to combine technical training in visual art fundementals with a focused selection of courses that deal with creativity, design thinking, art education, community based art, and the development of art curriculum. Students who take this degree typically have an interest in teaching art, creativity and visual literacy with children, designing and implementing community based art programs, or working to educate the public about art in community and museum settings.   

For more information, click here. 

Concurrent Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) (Visual Studies)/Education

Students interested in teacher certification may pursue the concurrent degree program with the Faculty of Education.

For more information, click here.

Minor in Visual Studies and Art History

A minor can be declared up to the time of your last registration at the University of Calgary. It is awarded based in the completion of 10 half courses and not more than 12 half courses from the Field of Art (all courses labelled ART or ARHI).

For more information, click here. 

Undergraduate Admission to the Department of Art

The deadline for Undergraduate Admissions is May 1st.

The deadline for portfolio submission is May 1st.
 

How to Apply:

Applying to the Department of Art is a two step process:

1. Apply on-line.

Link to online application


Please note: When applying online to the Visual Studies program, if you are entering your first year you will NOT be choosing a concentration; you will apply to the Visual Studies program with NO concentration.  In the second semester of your first year, you will apply to a specified concentration if you so desire.

Applicants who are interested in doing more than one degree concurrently (or applicants who are interested in
doing two degrees concurrently) may either be admitted to both degree programs when they first apply OR they may seek admission to a second degree program after being admitted. Students should consult with an advisor in the Student Success Centre to explore their options.


2. Portfolio

We recommend that you apply to the University of Calgary (May 1st deadline) BEFORE submitting your portfolio to the B.F.A. Visual Studies program (May 1st deadline).

The portfolio must include ten original works of art representing the following:

  • a still life drawn or painted from observation, in the applicant's choice of medium
     
  • a study drawn or painted from observation, in the applicant's choice of medium, of a nude or clothed model
     
  • eight original works by the applicant, demonstrating skills in a range of media which may include: drawing, painting, sculpture, installation photography or other medium

Please submit images in jpeg format; image size should be approximately 1024 x 768 with a maximum of 300dpi.  File names of images should include the number, your last name, underscore, then the title of work (all in lower case);  i.e., 01.smith_ravensrequest.  If you are showing time-based works, please submit a DVD (no longer than 15 minutes).
 

To submit a portfolio online, click here.

 All portfolios are due May 1st.

 

Contact

Questions about the Department of Art programs can be directed to:

Student Success Centre
3rd Floor, Taylor Family Digital Library 
success@ucalgary.ca
403/220-5881

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