Visual Arts
www.ufv.ca/visual-arts

Visual Arts diploma

Entrance requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years or older before the first day of classes. Students with university-level credit must have a grade point average of 2.0 on all credits attempted. Applicants must also:

a. attend a program orientation
b. submit a portfolio of ten current works with accompanying documentation. See the Visual Arts website for specific requirements
c. attend an interview if requested
d. satisfy English language policy. For details on how to meet this requirement, see English language policy 340.29

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider the Arts Studies program path.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. 

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, if not 19 years of age or older
• students who have attended a post-secondary institution must submit an official transcript (sealed envelope) for each institution attended, whether or not they have completed courses there. If transcripts are being sent directly from the institution(s) attended, please indicate they are on order. To retain your original application date, order early so transcripts arrive within two weeks of the date your application is mailed or submitted.

2. When your application has been processed by the Admissions and Records office, you will receive information on program orientation and portfolio submission dates, and a copy of the portfolio guidelines. Applicants must attend a program orientation. Applicants must submit a portfolio of ten recently created art works and accompanying documentation. Applicants who reside outside the Lower Mainland area should contact the Program Advisor for alternate arrangements. 

3. Upon admission to the program, you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

If this program is full, or you are waiting to find out about your admission to the program, you will be given an opportunity to register as an Arts Studies student. It is not necessary to submit a separate application form. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available later, you will be contacted.

For students under 19 years of age, fall admission is conditional upon proof of B.C. secondary school graduation. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the beginning of August.

Part-time and non-program students

Students who attend UFV part-time, or who are enrolled in other programs, may take any available Visual Arts or Art History courses for which they have the prerequisites. Those who later decide to complete the Visual Arts diploma or degree program should consult with the calendar or the department head to ensure that they have the appropriate courses.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books and additional supplies cost approximately $100 per course. There are other related costs which must be considered by the Visual Arts students over the two-year program:

• Materials approximately $1,800
• Field trips $50–100
• Photography students will require a 35 mm camera

Program requirements

A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required in order to receive a diploma.

Standing required for continuance

Visual Arts diploma students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Course repetitions

Students may not repeat Visual Arts courses without permission of both the department head and the Dean of Arts and Applied Arts.

Academic warning

Students whose grades fall below a 2.0 CGPA will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester. A student on Academic Warning may not register in a course overload. Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 will continue on Academic Warning until the CGPA equals or exceeds 2.0.

Required to withdraw

Students who do not achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 while on Academic Warning will be withdrawn from the Visual Arts program. A student who has been required to withdraw may continue to take courses as an Arts Studies student.

Readmission to the program

To be readmitted to the Visual Arts diploma program, you must complete nine university-level credits (can be duplicate courses), with a minimum 2.0 CGPA. Once these criteria are met, you may apply for readmission at the Admissions and Records office. When readmitted, you will remain on Academic Warning until your overall CGPA is 2.0.

Graduation

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the Visual Arts department head.

Diploma candidates who qualify to receive a UFV Visual Arts diploma must be approved by the UFV Arts division and the University Board.

Students must apply for graduation by completing a Request to Graduate form available at the Admissions and Records office. We recommend this be done in the first month of the graduating semester. The final deadline for submissions is April 1, with all program requirements completed by April 30 for students wishing to attend the June convocation ceremony.

Program outline

Year One

Fall semester

Note: Students should be aware of the following changes to the art history requirements effective September 2010: six credits 100-level art history courses, including AH 102; nine credits 200- or 300-level art history courses, including AH/VA 205.

Winter semester

Note: Students should be aware that courses beyond the introductory level normally have prerequisites.

Year Two

Fall semester

Winter semester

Note 1: Students should be aware that courses beyond the first semester normally have prerequisites.

Note 2: Independent Study credit (VA 400-level courses) in one area (painting, sculpture, print media, interdisciplinary media, or photography) cannot be substituted for an upper-level credit (VA 300-level courses) in another area. Diploma students must meet all program requirements.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

Return to main Visual Arts page