Bachelor Of Arts - Visual Art (BA) (Co-op) at UBC - The University of British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art (BA) at the University of British Columbia is designed to cultivate individual creative production and visual literacy. This program emphasizes the practice of visual art within a stimulating academic environment, encouraging lively discussions, critiques, and instructor-led debates. Students will engage in a well-rounded curriculum that integrates visual art practice, critical theory, and art history, preparing them for a dynamic career in the arts.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art program spans a 4-year duration and offers an optional co-op component, allowing students to gain practical experience through full-time, paid work at various local and international organizations. The program structure includes:

Combination of visual art practice and academic courses
Exploration of multiple artistic media, including digital art, photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, and print media
Opportunities for research and exhibitions each academic year
Ample elective courses, allowing for a minor or second major
Experiential learning through projects and exhibitions

Students will also have access to specialized facilities, including the Audain Art Centre and the UBC Printmedia Research Centre, which provide a supportive environment for artistic development.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on experience in various artistic media, fostering individual creative production.
Annual major exhibitions organized by graduating Visual Art students, showcasing their work.
Course offering, VISA 475 Exhibition Theory and Practice, which allows students to take leading roles in organizing exhibitions.
Access to the Audain Art Centre, featuring learning labs and gallery spaces for collaboration.
Dynamic learning environment at the UBC Printmedia Research Centre, integrating digital and traditional print media.

Career Options

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

Visual Artist: Create and exhibit original artwork across various media, contributing to the cultural landscape.
Art Educator: Teach visual arts in schools or community programs, inspiring the next generation of artists.
Gallery Curator: Organize and manage art exhibitions, selecting works that align with the gallery's mission.
Art Therapist: Use art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals express emotions and improve mental health.
Art Director: Oversee visual aspects of projects in advertising, publishing, or media, ensuring cohesive artistic vision.

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

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Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts - Visual Art (BA) program at the University of British Columbia, prospective students should be aware of the following Academic Requirements:

Minimum GPA: Specific GPA requirements are not mentioned, but students are encouraged to maintain a strong academic record.
International Students:
- Students from international high schools must meet the general Academic Requirements.
- For students from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is essential to ensure that your educational qualifications align with UBC's standards.
Transcripts: Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite Courses: No specific prerequisite courses are mentioned for this program.
Application Deadline: While no specific deadline is provided, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors who are ready to assist you.

Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English before they’re admitted.

There are nine ways to meet UBC’s minimum English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) for an undergraduate degree on the Vancouver campus:

Complete four or more consecutive years of recognized, full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending UBC.
Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language. These four years must be immediately prior to attending UBC.
Achieve a final exam grade of 70% or better on the provincial examination portion of Alberta English Language Arts 30-1, BC English 12 (achieved August 2019 or earlier), or equivalents.
Achieve a final grade of 4 or better on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition; or achieve a final grade of 5 or better on International Baccalaureate English A: Language and Literature or English A: Literature (higher-level or standard-level).
Achieve the competence standard indicated by one of the tests of English language proficiency that evaluates skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Successfully complete the equivalent of six credits of transferrable post-secondary first-year English studies at a recognized university in an English-speaking country.
Graduate from a recognized degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the principal language.
Attend four or more years at an eligible international secondary school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English.
Achieve a UBC Certificate in English Language or CEL by completing Level 600 and Level 650 of the UBC English Language Institute’s English for Academic Purposes program on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

If you are fully proficient in English but do not meet any of the nine options listed above, you may request a waiver for the English Language Admission Standard.

Tests that satisfy UBC’s English Language Admission Standard include:

CAEL or CAEL Online: Overall 70
Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency - Minimum score: 180
IELTS (Academic): Minimum score: 6.5, with no part less than 6.0
PTE or PTE online Academic: Overall 65, with minimum scores in each component
TOEFL: Overall 90, with minimum scores in each component
Duolingo English Test: Overall 125, with additional requirements

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!