Program overview
Admission Requirements
Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art (BFA) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is designed to immerse students in the practice of visual art, critical theory, and art history. This program provides a solid foundation in various fields related to the creation and comprehension of visual art and contemporary aesthetics. Students will engage in a studio-focused, intensive learning environment within a world-renowned research university, allowing them to explore diverse artistic media and develop their unique artistic voice.

Program Structure

The BFA Visual Art program spans a 4-year duration and offers both co-op and honours options. Here are some key features of the program structure:

  • Co-op Option: Students can combine their studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
  • Honours Option: This allows for intense specialization in a single field.
  • Students will explore art-making in at least four different media areas, including digital art, photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, and print media.
  • Experiential learning opportunities are integrated into the curriculum, with annual exhibitions and projects that connect students with the wider art community.
  • The program emphasizes a combination of hands-on practical learning and academic breadth.

Featured Experiences

The BFA Visual Art program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

  • Students participate in a major exhibition each year, showcasing their work in gallery and studio spaces.
  • The program includes a course, VISA 475 Exhibition Theory and Practice, where students can take leading roles in organizing exhibitions.
  • Access to specialized facilities such as the Audain Art Centre and the UBC Printmedia Research Centre, which provide dynamic learning environments for visual art production.
  • Opportunities for research projects that explore the intersection of art and technology.
  • Engagement with community through partnerships and critical study in courses like VISA 375 Artists in Society.

Career Options

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

  • Mixed-Media Artist: Create artworks using a combination of different materials and techniques.
  • Photographer: Capture images for artistic, commercial, or journalistic purposes, utilizing both digital and analog methods.
  • Art Educator: Teach visual art in schools or community programs, fostering creativity and artistic skills in students.
  • Gallery Curator: Organize and manage art exhibitions, selecting works and creating engaging displays for public viewing.
  • Art Therapist: Use art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals express themselves and work through emotional challenges.

 

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