Print PDF

Visual Arts
ufv.ca/visual-arts

Visual Arts diploma

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or 19 years or older before the first day of classes.

2. Portfolio review. An interview may be requested. Attendance at a program orientation is a required element of the portfolio review process.

3. Students with university-level credit must have a grade point average of 2.0 on all credits attempted. Transcripts must be submitted to substantiate this.

4. Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language proficiency requirement in the Admissions section of the calendar.

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 and Winter semesters. 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 Office of the Registrar (OReg). You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any OReg or Student Services office. 

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. Students must request an official transcript from each institution attended. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details. 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 Office of the Registrar, you will receive information on program orientation and portfolio submission dates, and a copy of the portfolio guidelines. Applicants must submit a portfolio of recently created art works and accompanying documentation, as directed in the portfolio guidelines. Portfolio guidelines are also available from the Visual Arts department offices or on the Visual Arts website. The portfolio is not due at the time of application, but will be submitted and reviewed in April for the Fall intake and in October for the Winter intake. Applicants must attend a program orientation. Applicants who reside outside the Lower Mainland area should contact the BFA educational advisor for alternate arrangements. 

3. Upon admission to the program, you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register for courses (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 BFA educational advisor 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
• Photography students will require a 35 mm SLR 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.

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 Office of the Registrar. 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 BFA Educational Advisor.

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

Students must apply for graduation by completing a Request to Graduate form available at the Office of the Registrar. 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

Visual Arts Studio requirements: 30 credits

Art History requirements: 15 credits

Writing requirements: 3 credits

Note 1: Students who received an A in English 12 (or equivalent*), ENGL 091, or ENGL 099, may replace the ENGL 105 requirement with any ENGL course numbered 108 or higher.

*The following courses are considered equivalent to English 12: English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, International Baccalaureate English A (standard level or higher level), and Advanced Placement English.

UFV’s policy is that when a provincial exam is written for English 12, the higher of the school grade or
the blended final grade is used.

Elective requirements: 12 credits

12 credits chosen from:

• Additional Visual Arts credits
• Up to six credits may be BFA-related electives other than VA, chosen from Art History, Fashion Design, Film Studies, Graphic Design, MACS, or Theatre; any ENGL course designated as Creative Writing; or LAS 100 or 206
• Three credits may be any ENGL 100-level or higher, or CMNS 155

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

Return to main Visual Arts page