Fine Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree

Entrance requirements

Option 1: Secondary school (for students with secondary school graduation only)

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
2. A minimum grade of C+ in English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (see Note).

Note: Students may also present English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, AP English, IB English A (standard level or higher level), or out-of-province equivalent.

3. Portfolio review and possible interview.

Students who do not meet these requirements will be considered for the Visual Arts diploma or Qualifying Studies.

Option 2: University entrance (for students who have post-secondary credit in BFA-related courses; see Notes below)

• One of the following:
  • Completion of a minimum of 15 university-level credits in BFA-related disciplines with a minimum GPA of 2.33, and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on all courses attempted.
  • Completion of a minimum of nine university-level credits in BFA-related disciplines with a minimum GPA of 3.00, and a cumulative GPA of 2.33 on all courses attempted.
  • A UFV diploma in Visual Arts, Graphic and Digital Design, or Theatre Arts.
  • A UFV Associate of Arts degree with an option in Theatre or MACS.

Note 1: For the purpose of Admissions, credits earned in the following BFA-related disciplines will be considered: Art History, Film Studies, Graphic Design, Media Arts, Media and Communication Studies, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Credits earned in Creative Writing courses offered by the English department will also be considered: ENGL 104, 208, 211, 212, 213, 215, 302, 303, 311, 313, 315, 317 (discontinued), 373, 377 (discontinued), 378, 381.

Note 2: Applicants who do not meet the requirements for entrance under Option 2 will be considered under Option 1, and will need to submit a portfolio of work to determine eligibility.

Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Students who do not meet these requirements will be considered for the Visual Arts diploma or Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall and Winter semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Official secondary school transcript proving B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, if no previous post-secondary experience.
   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details. To retain their original application date, students should order early so transcripts arrive within two weeks of the date the application is mailed or submitted.
2. When the application has been processed by the Office of the Registrar, an applicant will receive information on program orientation and portfolio submission dates, and a copy of the portfolio requirements. Applicants under Option 1 must submit a portfolio of recently created art works and accompanying documentation, as directed in the portfolio requirements for either Visual Arts or Graphic and Digital Design. Portfolio submission is not required at the time of application, but must be submitted online for review by the submission deadlines outlined on the Visual Arts and Graphic and Digital Design websites. All applicants must attend a program orientation. An official letter of acceptance will be sent from the Office of the Registrar.

3. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.
4. In cases where course work is in progress, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due by the end of the first week in August for the September intake.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the Option 2 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. Applicants in Option 1 will be notified of their admission status after the portfolio review process is completed.

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 over the four-year program.

Visual Arts major

• Materials: approximately $3,600
• Film photography students will require access to a 35mm SLR camera

Graphic and Digital Design major

• Students pursuing a major in Graphic and Digital Design are required to have a MacBook Pro laptop configured as per GDD specifications. The cost ranges between $2,500 to $3,500.
• Students should budget an additional $300 per term for books and supplies.
• Graphic and Digital Design spaces include transmedia and photography studios, student co-lab, pod studios, and production labs. Students have access to Adobe CC, scanners, cameras, iPads, and 3D and colour printing.

Graphic and Digital Design extended minor, minor, or electives

All GD courses are offered on the Abbotsford campus in networked Macintosh studios with access to Adobe CC, colour printers, scanners etc. Designated spaces provide additional access to iMacs for homework and project completion. Purchasing a MacBook Pro is optional, and recommended for students pursuing a Minor.

Program duration

The BFA program can be completed in four years of full-time study, with students taking 10 courses per calendar year.

Bachelor of Fine Arts requirements

There are three sets of requirements to note:

1. Program requirements
2. General requirements
3. Discipline requirements for major, extended minors, and minors (see individual disciplines)

Program requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, students must complete the requirements for either one major or two extended minors. Majors are available in Graphic and Digital Design and Visual Arts. Extended minor are available in six BFA-related disciplines:

• Art History and Visual Studies
• Creative Writing
• Graphic and Digital Design
• Media and Communication Studies
• Theatre
• Visual Arts.

Minors are available in these six disciplines, as well as in Business and Communications. Minors can be added to majors or any combination of extended minors in the BFA.

Students admitted to the degree should seek advice from the BFA Academic Advisor. A formal declaration of program choice should be made in an advising appointment with the BFA Academic Advisor. Students may declare the Graphic and Digital Design major upon admission to the BFA. All other declarations are made after the completion of 30 credits. All declarations must be made before 60 credits are completed (see the Declaration of major, extended minors, and minors section below).

Students in BFA degree programs must complete a minimum of 120 credits:

• At least 45 of the 120 credits must be at the upper level.
• At least 60 credits must be completed at UFV, of which 30 must be upper-level.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts general requirements must be satisfied.
• Requirements for one major or two extended minors must be satisfied.
• A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in the BFA program and a minimum CGPA of 2.00 in all upper-level credits is required.
• Pre-college or preparatory courses will not satisfy program requirements.

General requirements

Students in all BFA degree programs will complete the following general requirements.

Writing requirement

Six credits from ENGL 105 (see Note) and any other 100-level English course, or one of CMNS 120 or CMNS 125.

Note: Students who received an A in English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or equivalent (English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, IB English A (standard level or higher level), or AP English); ENGL 091; or ENGL 099 may replace the ENGL 105 requirement with any ENGL course numbered 108 or higher.

Reasoning requirement

Lab Science requirement

Note 1: CIS 145 or GD 204 are recommended for Graphic and Digital Design major students.

Note 2: Students with credit for the discontinued GEOG 101 or GEOG 102 cannot take GEOG 103 for further credit.

Elective Note: Theatre Practica
BFA students may use a maximum of six credits from lower-level Theatre practica courses toward elective requirements in the degree program. Lower-level Theatre practica courses include THEA 299, 290, and 295. Since each production represents a unique project, students may repeat THEA 299 once, or THEA 290 or 295 multiple times for further elective credit towards the BFA degree, within the six credit maximum. Additional credit will only be granted when the work undertaken in each practicum represents a different production role.

Co-operative Education option

The Co-operative Education option provides students with the opportunity to acquire paid, career-related work experience in conjunction with their studies in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program. See the Co-operative Education section for more details.

Programs of study within the BFA degree

UFV offers majors in Graphic and Digital Design and Visual Arts, and extended minors and minors in six disciplines related to fine arts: Art History and Visual Studies, Creative Writing, Graphic and Digital Design, Media and Communication Studies, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Graduation requirements can be met by completing the course of study for the major, or by completing the course of study for two extended minors. Extended minors and/or minors in these subject areas and in Business and Communications may be added at the student's discretion to either the major or a double extended minor program. Minors are not available in the BFA from other Arts areas.

Declaration of major, extended minors, and minors

Students who have been admitted to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program may formally declare a major, extended minors, or minors after they have completed at least 30 credits in the program with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on all credits attempted, provided that they have also met the declaration requirements of the subject discipline where applicable. Students may declare the Graphic and Digital major at the time of admission to the BFA. Formal declaration is completed by appointment with the BFA Academic Advisor.

Students must declare at least one major or two extended minors by the time they have completed 60 university-level credits. Students who have completed 60 credits but have not yet declared at least one major or two extended minors will not be permitted to register. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances by the BFA Academic Advisor.

Double extended minor requirements

Students wishing to concentrate on two subject areas can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree by completing two of the following extended minors:

• Art History (see Note)
• Creative Writing
• Graphic and Digital Design
• Media and Communication Studies (see Note)
• Theatre
• Visual Arts

Note: The BFA degree must contain at least one creative practice discipline. Extended minors in Art History and Media and Communications Studies cannot be combined with each other in the BFA degree. Students wishing to combine these two disciplines should pursue a BA degree.

To receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a double extended minor, students must complete all designated requirements in two discipline areas, plus one course from each of the following two areas:

• Visual literacy: At least three credits from any Film Studies course, any Graphic Design course except GD 102, or any Visual Arts course.
• Performance literacy: At least three credits from ENGL 211, ENGL 381, MUSC 199, or any Theatre course except THEA 101, THEA 201–204, THEA 301/ENGL 365, or THEA 401.

Students admitted to the degree should seek advice from the BFA Academic Advisor regarding requirements. Declarations should be made with the BFA Academic Advisor when at least 30 credits have been completed.

Additionally, of the 120 BFA credits:

• 65 must be in Arts subjects.
• At least 15 credits must be completed at the upper level in each of two extended minor disciplines (see individual subject areas for specific extended minor requirements).
• Residency requirements must be met: at least seven upper-level credits counting towards each extended minor must be completed at UFV.
• The Bachelor of Fine Arts general requirements must be satisfied.
• Students completing a double extended minor must also complete a breadth requirement of six credits in two areas: Visual Literacy and Performance Literacy. These credits must be exclusive of the work completed for the discipline requirements of the extended minors.

Program continuance

All students accepted into the BFA program at UFV are expected to maintain acceptable standards of scholarship. Specifically, they are expected to maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on all courses.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV's Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

The academic standing of all students covered under this policy for courses where letter grades are assigned will be determined at intervals of nine credits at the start of students' academic careers and then at the end of every term after 27 credits have been completed. Students will be assessed after every term enrolled, but Academic Standing will only change at the intervals noted above. Students’ academic standing will be permanently reflected on their student record and will appear on official and unofficial transcripts.

After each semester, students put on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Required to Withdraw status or who are continued on Warning or Probation will be notified by the Registrar.

For assistance, see an Advisor or contact advising@ufv.ca.

Course repetition

Students may not register for a course more than twice. Where a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Readmission

Students who have been required to withdraw from UFV under the Undergraduate Continuance policy (92) are subject to readmission and continuance requirements as listed in the UFV academic calendar. Students are normally only readmitted once to the same program.

Students who are required to withdraw from the BFA program must submit an appeal for readmission to the BFA Academic Advisor if they wish to resume studies in the degree program.

Students who have been required to withdraw will be advised to complete a further nine credits of academic work or to repeat a similar amount of academic work taken previously in order to demonstrate their academic abilities. Appeals must be received at least three months before the start of the semester for which a student has applied. Readmission is not automatic. If readmitted, students will be placed on Academic Warning again, subject to the conditions for Academic Warning as described above.

Residency

Students must complete at least 60 of the credits required for the BFA at UFV. At least 30 of these credits must be at the upper level. Transfer credits and credits earned through prior learning assessment, including course challenge, do not meet this requirement. Students should consult the calendar section for their major or extended minors of choice, as there may be additional residency requirements for specific courses of study.

Graduation requirements

It is the student's responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the BFA Academic Advisor. To be eligible to graduate, students must achieve a minimum program and cumulative GPA of 2.00. Degree candidates who qualify to receive a UFV degree must be approved by the BFA Academic Advisor and the Senate.

Students must apply for graduation in the first month of their final semester. Visit the Graduation webpage for more information. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by April 30.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.