Pursue Undergraduate Program in

Visual Arts - Studio

Mould your artistic style by casting, carving, painting, and printing across diverse mediums in Canada's premier arts creation facilities. The studio-based program prepares you for a career creating change across industries as a practicing artist, educator, curator, entrepreneur, or researcher. With guidance from world-renowned artists, display works at curated public art exhibitions on campus, across the City, and in downtown Toronto.    

The AMPD Advantage:  

  • Class size is capped at 25 students, promoting a personalized learning experience.   
  • Highest retention rate on campus with over 90% of entering students completing their degree.  
  • Professional Practices seminar course exploring grant writing, contracts, intellectual property, exhibition proposals, networking, documentation archive, marketing and business development.  

Program Structure  

Students in the Visual Arts - Studio (BFA) program complete a fundamentals studio course in their first term that introduces them to the visual arts studios, faculty members, and a spectrum of production methods addressing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) elements of time in artmaking. An established theme provides students with a starting point for research, conceptualization, and the exploration of fundamental processes to visualize their creative ideas.  

After completing a common first year, students choose to specialize in one or more visual arts areas. In the fourth year, students complete a capstone studio course designed to allow senior-level students to develop an independent studio practice, furthering their creative, conceptual and technical skills in both an area-specific medium and an interdisciplinary focus.  Over the years, students develop a self-directed, cohesive body of work while making connections between their practice and a broader context of contemporary art and ideas.   

Featured Facilities

Students in the  Visual Arts - Studio (BFA) program explore and create in facilities unrivalled in any Canadian university, including the Joan Goldfarb Visual Arts Study Centre; the L. L. Odette Centre for Sculpture; spacious, state-of-the-art studios; five student-run exhibition galleries and the award-winning Art Gallery of York University.  

The Visual Arts - Studio Art (BFA) program offers high-quality, state-of-the-art visual arts facilities supported by technicians with extensive after-hours access offering access to dedicated studios in:   

  • Digital and analogue photography, printmaking (silkscreen, lithography, intaglio);  
  • Drawing (conceptual and life model);  
  • Painting (abstract and figurative);  
  • Time-based arts (video and performance); and   
  • Sculpture (metal, foundry, carving, modelling, wood, 3D printing, ceramics, etc.). 

 


Program Details


Offered By

School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Degrees Offered

BFA

Fall Entry

Yes (first and upper year)

Winter Entry

Yes (first and upper year)

Summer Entry

Yes (first and upper year)

Ways to Study

Full-Time, Part-Time

Sample Schedule (First-year)

  • Painting, Drawing, Photography, Print and/or Sculpture
  • Art Fundamentals
  • Critical Issues in the Studio
  • Introduction to Art History

Possible Career Paths

  • artist
  • curator
  • art dealer
  • gallery director
  • art consultant
  • art teacher
  • arts administrator
Explore what you can do with your degree
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

BFA, Visual Art

Requirements for admission:
  • Alberta High School Diploma
  • ELA30-1 or English 30
  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
    • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
      • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
    • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
      School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

      BFA, Visual Art

      Requirements for admission:
    • British Columbia Secondary School Graduation Diploma
    • English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
    • And four additional Grade 12 Academic subjects
      • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
        • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
      • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
        School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

        BFA, Visual Art

        Requirements for admission:
      • Baccalauréat Général
        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
          • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
          • A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
          School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

          BFA, Visual Art

          Requirements for admission:
        • Successful completion of the final year of senior studies
          • Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
          • Some programs require a higher GPA.
          • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
            • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
          • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

            BFA, Visual Art

            Requirements for admission:
          • Diploma with a total of at least six units, including prerequisites, and grades of 1, 2 or 3 in each unit.
            • A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
            • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
              • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
              • CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
              School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

              BFA, Visual Art

              Requirements for admission:
            • One year of CEGEP
            • 2 semesters of English (code 603) / Français (code 601)
            • And ten additional academic courses (high-school equivalent courses not accepted)
              • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                • Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
                To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                BFA, Visual Art

                Requirements for admission:
              • Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate
                • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                  • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                  BFA, Visual Art

                  Requirements for admission:
                • Lise Diplomasi
                  • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                    • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                  • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                    BFA, Visual Art

                    Requirements for admission:
                  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examinations
                    • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                      • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                      • GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                      To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
                      The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
                      School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                      BFA, Visual Art

                      Requirements for admission:
                    • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
                      • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                        • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                      • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                        BFA, Visual Art

                        Requirements for admission:
                      • International Baccalaureate Diploma
                        • IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                          • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                          • Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                          To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
                          The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
                          School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                          BFA, Visual Art

                          Requirements for admission:
                        • Completion of one of the following:
                          • All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
                          • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
                          • Indian School Certificate (ISC)
                          • Intermediate Examination Certificate
                          • Pre-University Examination Certificate
                          • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                            • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                          • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                            BFA, Visual Art

                            Requirements for admission:
                          • Manitoba High School Diploma
                          • English 40S
                          • And four additional 40S level academic subjects (no more than one at the 40G level)
                            • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                              • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                            • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                              School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                              BFA, Visual Art

                              Requirements for admission:
                            • New Brunswick High School Graduation Diploma
                            • English 120, 121 or 122
                            • And five additional Grade 12 academic subjects (college preparatory 120, 121 or 122)
                              • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                              • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                BFA, Visual Art

                                Requirements for admission:
                              • Newfoundland and Labrador High School Graduation Diploma
                              • English 3201
                              • And nine additional credits at the 3000 level
                                • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                  • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                  School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                  BFA, Visual Art

                                  Requirements for admission:
                                • Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma
                                • English 12
                                • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced)
                                  • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                    • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                  • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                    School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                    BFA, Visual Art

                                    Requirements for admission:
                                  • Nunavut High School Graduation Diploma
                                  • ELA30-1 or English 30
                                  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
                                    • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                      • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                    • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                      School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                      BFA, Visual Art

                                      Requirements for admission:
                                    • Northwest Territories High School Graduation Diploma
                                    • ELA30-1 or English 30
                                    • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
                                      • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                        • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                      • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                        School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                        BFA, Visual Art

                                        Requirements for admission:
                                      • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
                                      • ENG4U
                                      • And five additional 4U or M courses
                                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                          • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                        • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                          OUAC code YM
                                          School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                          BFA, Visual Art

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Completion of a diploma program or at least two full semesters or one year of full-time academic study at an accredited college
                                        • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
                                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                          • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                        • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                          BFA, Visual Art

                                          To be considered a mature student, you must:
                                        • be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University;
                                        • have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years; and
                                        • have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited college or university.
                                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                          • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                        • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                          BFA, Visual Art

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Completion of at least four full-year courses or one year of full-time degree studies at an accredited university
                                        • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
                                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                          • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                        • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                          BFA, Visual Art

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Prince Edward Island Senior Secondary School Diploma
                                        • English 621
                                        • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (numbered 611 or 621)
                                          • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                            • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                          • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                            School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                            BFA, Visual Art

                                            Requirements for admission:
                                          • Quebec Grade 12 Certificate of Graduation
                                          • Grade 12 English
                                          • And five additional academic (university preparation level) subjects
                                            • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                              • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                            • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                              School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                              BFA, Visual Art

                                              Requirements for admission:
                                            • Transcript of Secondary Level Achievement
                                            • English A30 and English B30
                                            • And three additional Grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30
                                              • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                              • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
                                                School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                                BFA, Visual Art

                                                Requirements for admission:
                                              • General Secondary Education Certificate
                                                • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                  • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                                • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                                  BFA, Visual Art

                                                  Requirements for admission:
                                                • High School Diploma
                                                  • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                    • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                                    • AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                                                    School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                                    BFA, Visual Art

                                                    Requirements for admission:
                                                  • West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO)
                                                    • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                      • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                                    • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                                      BFA, Visual Art

                                                      Requirements for admission:
                                                    • Yukon High School Diploma
                                                    • English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
                                                    • And three additional Grade 12 Academic subjects
                                                      • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                        • February 4, 2022, for Fall 2022 entry
                                                      • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.