Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

About this programme

Our programs take you on an exploration of the visual arts, with a special emphasis on contemporary creation. Both programs include compulsory practical and theoretical courses that encourage both creation and reflection. The Department provides photography and media art labs as well as painting, drawing and sculpture studios. In the heart of Ottawa, you also have access to a wealth of artistic venues such as the National Gallery and the Ottawa Art Gallery. In addition, you train under the guidance of nationally and internationally recognized artists, curators, art historians and theorists. While maintaining its focus on traditional disciplines (drawing, painting, sculpture and photography), the Department also helps you discover the use of new media and technologies in the visual arts. Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2023-2024 calendars for the previous requirements. This program cannot be combined with the Major in Visual Arts nor the Major or Minor in Art History. The electives may be replaced by a combination of a Minor, Microprogram(s) , and/or elective units. The introductory survey courses, ART 1360 and ART 1361 , are required for all undergraduates in the Department of Visual Arts (Bachelor of Fine Arts; Major in Visual Arts; Major and Minor in Art History), and are prerequisites for all compulsory 3000-level courses, so should therefore be taken in first year to ensure graduation on time.