Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Fine Arts - Visual Culture (Co-op) at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts degree at Waterloo, where you will develop your artistic technique and acquire essential skills for a successful career as a professional artist. This program offers two distinct paths: Studio Practice, focusing on the creation of art, and Visual Culture, which delves into the history and theory of art. Students will have the opportunity to express themselves through various mediums, including ceramics, painting, print media, photography, and advanced technologies like 3D printing and digital imagery. The program also emphasizes community engagement and personal expression, making it a unique choice for aspiring artists.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Fine Arts - Visual Culture (Co-op) program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in the arts over a four-year period. Students will have the flexibility to choose between two majors at the end of their first year:

Visual Culture - Focuses on the critique and analysis of visual media within cultural contexts.
Studio Practice - Emphasizes hands-on creation and artistic techniques.

Throughout the program, students can expect:

Access to over 80 Fine Arts courses to tailor their education.
Opportunities for co-op placements, providing relevant paid work experience.
Options for international exchange programs with over 75 partner universities worldwide.
Engagement in community art projects and exhibitions.

This program not only prepares students academically but also equips them with practical experience through co-op opportunities, enhancing their employability upon graduation.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Fine Arts - Visual Culture (Co-op) program offers a variety of unique experiences that enrich the educational journey:

Co-op Opportunities: Students can gain valuable work experience through co-op placements, alternating between study and work terms.
Internships: A 36-hour internship at a local arts institution is available for Visual Culture majors.
International Exchange: Students can spend a term abroad at one of over 75 partner universities worldwide.
Art Galleries: Access to on-campus galleries to develop curatorial skills and showcase student artwork.
Field Trips: Opportunities to visit major art cities such as New York, Chicago, and Montreal, as well as day trips to regional locations.

These experiences are designed to foster creativity, professional development, and a deeper understanding of the art world.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Fine Arts - Visual Culture (Co-op) program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Graphic Designer: Create visual content for print and digital media, focusing on aesthetics and functionality.
Art Historian: Research and analyze art movements, styles, and historical contexts, often working in museums or educational institutions.
Gallery/Museum Administrator: Manage operations, exhibitions, and educational programs within art institutions.
Marketing Coordinator: Develop and implement marketing strategies for arts organizations, enhancing visibility and engagement.
Digital Media Project Assistant: Support the development and execution of digital art projects, collaborating with artists and technologists.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to leverage their artistic skills in various sectors.

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

Visit University of Waterloo official website

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Fine Arts - Visual Culture (Co-Op) program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses:
- English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average of 8.3 is required for admission.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements must be met:

Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

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!