Visual Studies

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Introduction

Congratulations on being accepted into a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program. You are embarking on an educational journey that will offer you a balance of artistic attainment, expression and scholarly discipline in the fine arts.

Students in the four year BFA and BFA Honours (Visual Studies) are involved in creative research and visual art practices that engage with contemporary society. 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 their various studio interests, and to teach art 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 their own artistic and intellectual development. The Honours degree in Visual Studies is an advanced undergraduate program for students seeking a more focused studio experience, aspiring to careers as practicing and professional artists, or considering further graduate level study in an MFA program. A high standard of creative achievement is required for admission, continuation, and completion.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree requires the completion of 120 credits and typically four years of full-time study.

Courses required in your first year

1. Non-Art Options are to be selected from courses offered by programs outside of the Department of Art. 

2. Students are required to complete two of Art History 201 or 203, Museum and Heritage Studies 201. 

3. Students are required to complete 3 units of English, this can be completed at the 200 level in first year or be completed in any subsequent years. 

Tip:
Remember to register for both fall and winter semesters at the same time.

For further information, please contact:
Telephone: 403.220.3580
Email: artsads@ucalgary.ca
Website: arts.ucalgary.ca/art

Studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree means that you are a student in the Faculty of Arts.

The program that you choose refers to the subject area you’d like your Bachelor of Arts degree to focus on (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, major in History). This is something that you will have indicated when you applied for admission.

To see your program, log into your online Student Centre and under the Admissions menu and within the "My Applications" box, click on "status". You will then be able to see your faculty and program.

From Archaeology to Visual Studies, there are numerous majors and programs to choose from within the Faculty of Arts. If you'd like to see the different majors and programs that the Faculty of Arts has to offer, visit the faculty website.

If you are coming to the University of Calgary with Advanced Placement credit or International Baccalaureate credit, you will follow the same registration process as any first time university student. You may be eligible to use your transfer credit in your degree program depending on the program you have entered and whether or not the courses are applicable. Look for International Baccalaureate credit information here and Advanced Placement information here.

View your transfer credit in your online Student Centre. Once you know the transfer credit you have received, you may contact the academic advisor in your faculty to get advice on course selection.

Generally, students must complete 18 units at the junior (200-level) before they are allowed to register in 300-level courses. However, if you received IB or AP credit for a 200-level course, you may take the 300-level course that has your 200-level course listed as a prerequisite.

Co-op and Internship: Get a head start on your career through our co-operative education and internship opportunities. You will gain valuable work experience in your industry—all before you graduate. 

Study Abroad: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe, all while earning credit towards your degree. The University of Calgary offers exchanges and study abroad programs in 61 different countries. 

Community Service-Learning: Combine your classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals, and see first-hand how your academic learning relates to social issues. 

Arts and Science Honours Academy: Be part of a unique program that combines collaborative study, global opportunities and academic challenge. The ASHA program brings together 25 like-minded high achieving students to learn and study in six distinct scholars courses. As an Arts and Science Honours Academy student, you will be one of a class of the best and brightest at the University of Calgary. 

Pentimento Collective: The Pentimento Collective is a student-run organization from the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Calgary. Through our annual exhibitions, PULL and PUSH, we dedicate ourselves to promoting and sharing students' visual artworks in different galleries and public spaces. The Pentimento Collective strives to build a community where artists can engage with fellow artists and the audience, while creating relevant experiences. 

The Fine Arts Society (FAS): The Fine Arts Society (FAS) is a newly registered club at UCalgary. Among the SU Clubs, FAS represents the Department of Art and Art History. The objective is to bring together emerging artists enrolled in the arts and students across all faculties. Upcoming events could include paint nights, logo competition and social gatherings. Ultimately, FAS is a bridge for building connections between artists and developing a community.