Faculty of Art
About the Program
The VISA program provides the student opportunities to showcase their talents and participate in the wider art world of the university and Vancouver.
The Visual Art Students Association (VASA) connects visual art and art history students though events, workshops, and invited presentations. The Undergraduate Journal of Art History (UJAH) gives students an opportunity to have their work published in a student-run university journal. An annual BFA/BA exhibition is staged for graduating VISA students; works selected for this exhibition are prominently displayed and published in the exhibition catalogue.
Students are equipped with the tools and skills necessary to work professionally in the field of contemporary visual art or to pursue further studies, such as a Master of Fine Arts or graduate work in education, architecture, law, or library and archival studies.
Faculty in the Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory are actively involved in research and bring this strength into their teaching at all levels. Undergraduate and graduate seminars enhance the student experience through advanced academic and artistic research. Many VISA graduates have established distinguished careers in the creative, scholarly, and gallery fields.
The program fosters critical and reflexive thinking regarding the visual art within an inclusive and supportive environment. The program fosters an international scholarly perspective, treats interaction with the social sphere as an essential component of academic study, and engages with professional and community groups associated with visual art practices.
Program Structure
The Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory offers four undergraduate programs in visual arts:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Major in Visual Art
A professional program in the practice of art. It can lead to further studies in art practice such as an MFA or to other professional programs that involve the making and understanding of art and visual culture. - Honours BFA program
For students demonstrating, in the opinion of the department, a special aptitude and capacity and who would benefit from working intensively in the subject. - Bachelor of Arts Major in Visual Art
Similar to a liberal arts degree, with an emphasis on studio art. A double major option is also available (for more information, see UBC’s Faculty of Arts requirements). - BA Minor in Visual Art program
For students in a major or honours program in a subject other than the visual art specialization.
To learn more, see the sidebar to the left or email the Undergraduate Advisor, Greg Gibson.