Bachelor Of Fine Arts - Visual Arts at KPU - Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-08-07

Program overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts degree program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers students a comprehensive education in the field of visual arts. This program emphasizes a strong studio curriculum that focuses on understanding and producing contemporary art. Students will gain essential skills in academic writing, verbal communication, and presentation, all while developing their aesthetic judgment and professional knowledge. The program is designed to prepare students for direct entry into the creative economy, fostering both personal and professional growth. With access to outstanding facilities, studios, and opportunities for community engagement, students are encouraged to become practicing artists and contributing global citizens.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts program is structured to provide a robust educational experience over a four-year period. Key elements of the program structure include:

Program Length: 4 years
Open intake for students starting in Fall (September), Spring (January), or Summer (May)
Minimum of 120 credits required for graduation
Small class sizes to ensure personalized attention from faculty
Dedicated studio space for fourth-year students
Opportunities for experiential learning, including field school travel abroad and visits to local galleries and museums

This program also allows for flexibility, enabling students to explore various studio electives in their third and fourth years, thereby broadening their artistic understanding and skills.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the educational journey:

Emphasis on contemporary studio arts across multiple disciplines, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms
Access to visiting artists and student exchange programs
Experiential learning opportunities through field trips to galleries, museums, and art spaces
Collaboration with the community to foster real-world artistic engagement
Focus on both theoretical and practical skills, preparing students for employment in the cultural industries

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Visual Artist: Create and exhibit original artwork in various media, including painting, sculpture, and digital art.
Art Educator: Teach art in schools or community programs, fostering creativity and artistic skills in students.
Gallery Curator: Manage art exhibitions, selecting and organizing artworks for display in galleries and museums.
Art Therapist: Use art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals express emotions and improve mental health.
Graphic Designer: Create visual content for print and digital media, including branding, advertising, and marketing materials.

These career options reflect the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, preparing students for successful careers in the creative economy.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit KPU - Kwantlen Polytechnic University official website

Last updated on 2025-08-07

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University has specific academic requirements that students must meet to be eligible for admission.

For international students, including those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following requirements apply:

Students must be in good academic standing with the University.
Completion of a minimum of 18 credits of undergraduate coursework, including:
- ENGL 1100 with a minimum grade of “C”
- 15 credits of FINA or ARTH courses, including:
  - ARTH 2222
  - FINA 1100
  - FINA 1167
  - FINA 1175

Students will achieve a B.F.A., Visual Arts by completing a minimum of 120 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, plus a minimum grade of ‘C’ in all required courses. Successful entry into the third year “Advanced Studio and Seminar I” will require a CGPA of 2.0 or higher.

The following are additional program requirements:

ENGL 1100 must be completed within the first 30 credits.
A 24-credit breadth requirement consisting of courses outside of Fine Arts (FINA) and Art History (ARTH), including:
- A minimum of 15 credit hours from courses in at least 3 different academic disciplines.
- 3 credits from courses numbered 3000 or higher.
- A minimum of 3 credits of Writing Intensive (WI) courses.
- A minimum of 3 credits of Quantitative (QUAN) courses.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. For any clarification and support regarding these requirements, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts - Visual Arts program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following accepted tests:

Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Score of 70 or higher with no sub score less than 60, taken within the last two years from the term of admission.
Duolingo English Test: Score of 110 or higher, taken within the last two years from the term of admission.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test: overall band of 6.5 or higher, with a minimum 6.0 in each band, taken within the last two years from the term of admission.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of 61 or higher, taken within the last two years from the term of admission.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT 88 or higher, with no sub score less than 20, taken within the last two years from the term of admission.
Accuplacer: Reading score of 260, Writing score of 250 and WritePlacer Essay score of 6, or higher, taken within the last 2 years from the term of admission.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!