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Department of Art and Design | University of Alberta

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Description

The Department of Art & Design at the University of Alberta delivers globally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs in studio art, visual communication design, and art history through intensive hands-on training, cutting-edge research facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration within Canada’s top-tier research university environment.

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Department of Art & Design
University of Alberta

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Academic Programs & Curriculum Structure

Undergraduate students pursue either a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with specializations in Drawing, Intermedia, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture; or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Design (Visual Communication Design) or History of Art, Design and Visual Culture (HADVC). The BFA curriculum emphasizes:

Foundation Year: Intensive core studies in observational drawing, 2D/3D design, and critical visual analysis
Advanced Studio Practice: Specialized coursework in chosen media with progressive technical challenges
Critical Studies: Integrated art history/theory courses contextualizing studio work
Professional Practices: Career development modules covering portfolio creation, grant writing, and exhibition strategies

The Visual Communication Design program merges digital and traditional methodologies through sequential courses in typography, branding, UX/UI design, motion graphics, and design ethics. HADVC students examine visual culture through anthropological, historical, and critical theory lenses with courses spanning Renaissance art to digital media theory. Graduate studies include a 2-year MFA program requiring original creative research, a comprehensive thesis exhibition, and written documentation, plus MA and PhD options in HADVC with mandatory teaching practicums.

Research & Creative Infrastructure

Specialized facilities across the Fine Arts Building and adjacent studios include:

Digital Fabrication Lab: Industrial-grade laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers
Photography Complex:</> Traditional darkrooms alongside digital imaging suites with large-format printers
Material Workshops: Foundry for metal casting, woodshop, ceramics kiln room, and printmaking studios with lithography/etching presses
New Media Labs: VR development stations, motion capture systems, and interactive installation spaces

Faculty-led research initiatives intersect art with technology through projects like bio-art experimentation, augmented reality public installations, and indigenous material culture revitalization. The internationally circulated Hecate journal and annual Thin Air speaker series foster scholarly discourse.

Faculty & Pedagogical Approach

Instruction is delivered by 45 full-time faculty including award-winning practitioners like Dr. Royden Mills (sculpture), Dr. Anne Bissonnette (historic dress curation), and design innovator Isabel Prochner. The department maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with mentorship emphasizing:

Critique-driven studio instruction with weekly individual feedback sessions
Material investigation through risk-taking and iterative prototyping
Cross-disciplinary collaboration with science/engineering faculties
Decolonization frameworks integrating Indigenous ways of knowing

Experiential Learning & Career Development

All programs incorporate mandatory professional practice components. Highlights include:

FAB Gallery: Student-run exhibition space hosting 20+ shows annually
Practicum Program: 200+ hour placements at institutions like the Art Gallery of Alberta or Stantec Design
Design Internships: Industry partnerships with Edmonton’s gaming/animation studios
International Exchanges: Study abroad at 40+ institutions including Glasgow School of Art

The annual Graduating Students’ Exhibition attracts national curators and collectors, while the department’s alumni network connects students to leaders at studios like Doublenaut (NYC) and the National Gallery of Canada.

Community Engagement & Location

Located on the university’s North Campus in Edmonton, the department leverages partnerships with the AGA, Harcourt House Artist Run Centre, and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Outreach includes free public workshops, artist residencies in northern communities, and the “Art in Public Spaces” initiative installing student work throughout Edmonton’s LRT system. The $89-million Fine Arts Building renovation (2020) added 12 new critique spaces and accessibility features throughout its 11,000m² footprint.

Undergraduate Studio Practice Programs

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (BFA)

Four-year program emphasizing intensive studio practice across six specialization areas requiring completion of 120 credits. Foundation Year focuses on core principles before specialization selection in second year.

Drawing: Explores observational, figurative, and experimental approaches through graphite, charcoal, ink, and mixed media
Intermedia: Integrates digital technologies, sound, performance, and installation with conceptual development
Painting: Investigates color theory, materiality, and contemporary approaches from oil to acrylic and experimental substrates
Photography: Combines analog darkroom techniques with digital imaging, alternative processes, and large-format printing
Printmaking: Covers intaglio, lithography, relief, screenprinting, and photo-mechanical processes
Sculpture: Works with wood, metal, found objects, and spatial concepts including installation and public art

All specializations require ART 395 (Professional Practices), ART 396 (Critical Theory), and culminate in ART 495 (Degree Project). Studio courses feature 6-hour weekly sessions with technical demonstrations and individual critiques.

Undergraduate Design Program

Bachelor of Arts in Design (Visual Communication Design)

Four-year 120-credit program preparing designers for communication challenges through sequential project-based learning.

Core Curriculum: Typography, branding systems, editorial design, information visualization, UX/UI design, motion graphics
Technical Training: Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, HTML/CSS, 3D modeling, AR prototyping
Required Courses: DES 254 (Design Research Methods), DES 354 (Interaction Design), DES 455 (Capstone Project)
Ethical Frameworks: Sustainability practices, accessibility standards, decolonial design approaches

Includes mandatory 200-hour internship and portfolio development sequence. Third-year students participate in national design competitions through RGD Student Awards.

Undergraduate Art History Program

Bachelor of Arts in History of Art, Design and Visual Culture (HADVC)

120-credit degree examining visual culture across historical periods and global contexts through critical theory frameworks.

Core Requirements: HADVC 201 (Ancient to Medieval), HADVC 202 (Renaissance to Modern), HADVC 301 (Critical Methodologies)
Specialized Topics: Indigenous art histories, gender studies, museum anthropology, material culture, digital humanities
Research Methods: Archival research, visual analysis, curatorial writing, collection management
Experiential Components: Curatorial projects with FAB Gallery, conservation lab visits, seminar discussions with visiting scholars

Capstone requires HADVC 499 (Advanced Research Project) with original thesis paper. Optional practicum at partner museums.

Graduate Studio Practice Program

Master of Fine Arts in Art (MFA)

Two-year terminal degree requiring 60 credits of advanced studio investigation and theoretical research.

Studio Component: Private studio access with 24/7 building access, dedicated faculty mentorship, and technical support
Thesis Requirements: Solo exhibition at FAB Gallery, written supporting document (50+ pages), oral defense
Critical Seminars: ART 601 (Contemporary Critical Discourse), ART 605 (Research-Creation Methodologies)
Professional Development: Graduate teaching assistantships, grant writing workshops, national exhibition opportunities

Students receive annual funding packages including tuition remission. Mandatory participation in graduate colloquium series.

Graduate Art History Programs

Master of Arts in History of Art, Design and Visual Culture (MA)

Two-year 36-credit program with thesis and course-based options.

Thesis Stream: Original research project (80-100 pages) with oral examination
Course-Based Stream: Additional seminars + major research paper (40 pages)
Core Seminars: HADVC 501 (Historiography), HADVC 503 (Theories of Visual Culture)
Specialization Tracks: Curatorial studies, material culture, indigenous methodologies, architectural history

Doctor of Philosophy in History of Art, Design and Visual Culture (PhD)

Four-to-five year research-intensive degree requiring:

Comprehensive examinations in three specialized fields
Graduate teaching requirement (two terms)
Dissertation proposal defense
Original book-length dissertation with oral examination
Mandatory research methodology courses

PhD candidates present research at international conferences and receive dedicated travel funding.

Additional Academic Options

Minor in Art and Design

18-credit complement to primary degree including:

Foundation courses in drawing/design
Two intermediate studio courses
Two art history courses

Minor in History of Art, Design and Visual Culture

18-credit program requiring:

HADVC 101 + HADVC 102 (Survey courses)
Four upper-level HADVC courses

Certificate in Visual Communication Design

30-credit stand-alone credential for non-design majors featuring:

DES 135 (Design Fundamentals)
DES 234 (Typography)
DES 334 (Information Design)
Two elective studios
Portfolio review exit requirement

Contact the Department of Art & Design at the University of Alberta:

Address:

Department of Art + Design
3-98 Fine Arts Building
University of Alberta Campus
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2C9

Phone: 780-492-3261
Fax: 780-492-7870

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Art-Design-UAlberta-935191783157917/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yOS7xn50SLYOeT0i0-yLw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uofaartdesign/

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Features & Benefits

On-Campus Galleries/Exhibitions

Entrepreneurship/Incubator Programs

Artist-in-Residence Programs

Industry Partnerships and Internships

Collaborative Cross-Disciplinary Projects

Community Gallery Space and Arts Rentals

Small Class Sizes

Art Therapy and Wellness Offerings

Collaborative Projects with Local Organizations

Hands-On Studio/Lab Facilities

Community Outreach and Engagement

Business and Entrepreneurship Support

Visiting Artist Lectures/Workshops

Green/Sustainable Campus Initiatives

Arts-Integrated City/Regional Planning

Study Abroad/Exchange Programs

Accessible Facilities and Services

Job-Ready Graduates with Relevant Skills

Flexible/Evening/Weekend Classes

Accredited and Recognized Programs

Opportunities for Internships and Hires

Online/Hybrid Learning Options

Experienced and Credentialed Faculty

Advisory Board Participation

Student Clubs and Organizations

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment

Customized Training and Upskilling Programs

Campus Art Supplies Store

Robust Industry Partnerships and Placements

Access to Diverse Talent Pool

On-Site Cafeteria/Dining

Diverse Student Body and Campus Community

Continuing Education for Employees

Accredited Programs

Dedicated Academic Advising

Streamlined Administrative Processes

Professional Development

Financial Aid Available

Alumni Network and Mentorship

Commitment to Sustainability and Impact

Professional Resources and Publications

Scholarships Offered

Maker Spaces and Fabrication Labs

Public Art Exhibitions and Installations

Certification and Accreditation

Career Placement Assistance

Guest Artist Residency Programs

Continuing Education and Workshops

Scholarships and Grants

Student Housing Options

Portfolio Development Workshops

Youth and K-12 Outreach Programs

Services

Print Study Centre

The Print Study Centre is an interactive facility for teaching, research, and community outreach related to our print collection. The print collection includes Historical and contemporary Japanese, contemporary Canadian, and contemporary eastern European prints. A selection of print portfolios by single and grouped artists; and The body of works by University of Alberta printmaking students and instructors.

LASERAlberta

From its beginnings, Leonardo/ISAST has served as THE virtual community for purposes of networking, resource-sharing, best practices, research and events in Art/Science/Technology.

ARTiculations

A forum for graduate students in the Fine Arts to present research and creative projects.

Incubator for Northern Design + Innovation

The Incubator for Northern Design and Innovation (INDI) encourages and promotes provocative ideas and multilateral exchanges to foster the growth of projects and resources through social-cultural collaborations by, for, and with northern peoples.

Digital Fabrication Lab

Industrial-grade laser cutters, CNC mills, and 3D printers for prototyping complex sculpture, wearable tech, and interactive installations.

Historic Costume Collection

15,000+ garment archive spanning 1720–present with climate-controlled storage for research in material culture and curation.

Lithography Research Centre

Specialized facility housing 19th-century limestone presses and photopolymer plate systems for traditional/experimental printmaking.

Northern Arts Resource Centre

Dedicated space for Indigenous methodologies featuring hide tanning facilities, beadwork studios, and digital repatriation labs.

Augmented Reality Sandbox

Interactive topography modeling system merging physical sand sculpting with real-time projected GIS data visualization.

Design for Social Innovation Lab

Collaboratory where students develop accessibility-focused projects with municipal partners and disability communities.

BioArt Wet Lab

Biosafety Level 1 certified workspace for artistic experimentation with microscopy, tissue cultures, and ecological materials.

Sound Art Diffusion System

Multi-channel speaker array suspended in double-height space for immersive audio compositions and acoustic research.

Material Resource Library

Physical archive of 500+ substrate samples including sustainable composites, smart textiles, and traditional mediums.

FAB Gallery

The Fine Arts Building Gallery has presented art and design exhibitions that feature work by students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, by faculty and staff, as well as by contemporary and historical artists with national and international reputations.