The Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria (UVic) is a dynamic and internationally recognized institution offering comprehensive programs in visual arts, theatre, music, writing, art history, and interdisciplinary performance, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and hands-on artistic practice in a vibrant academic environment.

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Faculty of Fine Arts – University of Victoria

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About the Faculty of Fine Arts

Nestled within the scenic campus of the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, the Faculty of Fine Arts is a cornerstone of artistic excellence, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to explore, create, and refine their craft. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, research, and collaboration, the faculty supports emerging artists, performers, writers, and scholars in developing their unique voices while engaging with global artistic movements.

Departments & Programs

The faculty is structured into several specialized departments, each offering rigorous and innovative programs:

• Department of Visual Arts – Focuses on studio practice (painting, sculpture, digital media, photography) alongside critical theory and art history.
• Department of Theatre – Covers acting, directing, design, production, and theatre studies, with state-of-the-art performance facilities.
• School of Music – Offers classical, jazz, composition, musicology, and technology programs, featuring renowned faculty and performance ensembles.
• Department of Writing – A leading creative writing program with specializations in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting.
• Art History & Visual Studies – Explores global art traditions, contemporary visual culture, and critical theory.
• Interdisciplinary Programs – Includes digital and interactive media, performance studies, and collaborative arts initiatives.

Facilities & Resources

The Faculty of Fine Arts boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to support artistic innovation:

• Visual Arts Studios – Spacious workshops for ceramics, printmaking, woodworking, and digital fabrication.
• Phoenix Theatre – A professional-grade theatre hosting student productions and public performances.
• Music Practice & Performance Spaces – Recital halls, rehearsal rooms, and advanced recording studios.
• Audain Gallery – A contemporary exhibition space showcasing student and professional artists.
• Digital Media Labs – Equipped with industry-standard software for film, animation, and interactive design.

Research & Creative Opportunities

The faculty emphasizes research-driven artistic practice, with initiatives such as:

• Artist-in-Residence Programs – Bringing globally recognized creatives to mentor students.
• Fine Arts Research Fund – Supporting student-led projects, exhibitions, and performances.
• Collaborations with Local & International Arts Organizations – Partnerships with galleries, festivals, and theatres.
• Annual Exhibitions & Performances – Public showcases like the BFA/MFA Graduation Exhibitions and Phoenix Season.

Student Experience & Community

Students benefit from a close-knit, supportive environment with small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and access to:

• Workshops & Masterclasses – Led by visiting artists and scholars.
• Student Clubs & Associations – Such as the Visual Arts Student Association (VASA) and Music Students’ Association.
• Career Development – Internships, co-op placements, and professional practice courses.

Admissions & Financial Support

Prospective students can apply to undergraduate (BFA, BA, BMUS) and graduate (MFA, MA, PhD) programs, with admission portfolios or auditions required for studio-based disciplines. Financial aid includes:

• Entrance Scholarships – For high-achieving applicants.
• Travel Grants – Supporting research and conference attendance.
• Work-Study Positions – In galleries, theatres, and arts administration.

The Faculty of Fine Arts at UVic stands as a beacon of artistic innovation, blending tradition with contemporary practice to prepare graduates for successful careers in the ever-evolving arts landscape.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Arts

A studio-based program emphasizing hands-on artistic practice across disciplines like painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and printmaking. Students develop technical skills while engaging with contemporary art theory and criticism.

• Duration: 4 years (full-time).
• Structure: Foundation courses in first year, followed by advanced studio work, art history, and elective options.
• Outcomes: Prepares graduates for careers as professional artists, curators, or educators, or for further study in MFA programs.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History and Visual Studies

Explores global art traditions, visual culture, and critical theory, with opportunities to study Indigenous art, modernism, and digital aesthetics.

• Duration: 4 years (full-time).
• Structure: Combines lecture-based courses with seminars, research projects, and museum/gallery internships.
• Outcomes: Careers in museums, galleries, arts administration, or academia; pathway to MA or PhD programs.

Bachelor of Music (BMus)

Offers specializations in performance, composition, musicology, jazz studies, and music technology, with training from renowned faculty and ensemble participation.

• Duration: 4 years (full-time).
• Structure: Private lessons, ensemble work, theory/history courses, and recitals. Jazz and technology streams include industry-focused projects.
• Outcomes: Professional musicians, composers, educators, or arts administrators; prepares for MMus or DMA programs.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre

Covers acting, directing, design, production, and theatre history, with hands-on training at the Phoenix Theatre.

• Duration: 4 years (full-time).
• Structure: Mix of practical workshops, performance projects, and academic coursework in dramaturgy and criticism.
• Outcomes: Careers in theatre, film, television, or arts management; foundation for MFA or PhD studies.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Writing

A competitive program in creative writing, with workshops in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting led by published authors.

• Duration: 4 years (full-time).
• Structure: Small-group workshops, literature courses, and a capstone manuscript project.
• Outcomes: Published writers, editors, or content creators; preparation for MFA programs.

Graduate Programs

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Arts

A two-year studio-based program for advanced artistic development, culminating in a thesis exhibition and written component.

• Duration: 2 years (full-time).
• Structure: Independent studio work, critiques, seminars, and professional practice training.
• Outcomes: Professional artists, gallery representation, or teaching at post-secondary level.

Master of Arts (MA) in Art History and Visual Studies

Focuses on research in art history, visual culture, or curatorial studies, with thesis and internship options.

• Duration: 2 years (full-time).
• Structure: Coursework, comprehensive exams, and a thesis or major research project.
• Outcomes: Curators, academics, or arts policymakers; pathway to PhD programs.

Master of Music (MMus)

Advanced training in performance, composition, conducting, or music technology, with recitals or portfolio requirements.

• Duration: 2 years (full-time).
• Structure: Private lessons, ensemble participation, research, and a final recital/thesis.
• Outcomes: Solo performers, composers, conductors, or university instructors.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing

A rigorous two-year program for writers refining a book-length manuscript in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.

• Duration: 2 years (full-time).
• Structure: Workshops, mentorship, and a thesis manuscript submitted for publication consideration.
• Outcomes: Published authors, editors, or creative writing instructors.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Art History and Visual Studies

A research-intensive program for scholars pursuing original contributions to art history, theory, or visual culture.

• Duration: 4–5 years (full-time).
• Structure: Coursework, candidacy exams, dissertation, and teaching assistantships.
• Outcomes: University professors, museum researchers, or senior curators.

Diploma & Certificate Programs

Diploma in Music Performance

A one-year intensive for advanced musicians focusing on performance skills and audition preparation.

• Duration: 1 year (full-time).
• Structure: Private lessons, masterclasses, and ensemble participation.
• Outcomes: Professional performers or further study in MMus programs.

Certificate in Digital Media and Design

Interdisciplinary training in digital arts, including animation, web design, and interactive media.

• Duration: 8 months (full-time).
• Structure: Project-based courses in collaboration with Computer Science and Visual Arts.
• Outcomes: Careers in UX/UI design, game development, or digital marketing.

Interdisciplinary & Collaborative Programs

Interdisciplinary Performance

Combines theatre, dance, music, and digital media for experimental and cross-disciplinary artistic practice.

• Duration: Varies (undergraduate or graduate level).
• Structure: Collaborative projects, workshops, and public performances.
• Outcomes: Independent artists, directors, or creators in hybrid art forms.

Fine Arts Co-op Program

Integrates paid work terms into degree programs, offering real-world experience in arts organizations.

• Duration: Adds 12–16 months to degree.
• Structure: Alternates academic terms with co-op placements in galleries, theatres, or studios.
• Outcomes: Enhanced employability with industry connections and résumé experience.

Contact UVic Fine Arts:

Faculty of Fine Arts
University of Victoria
Fine Arts Building 110
Victoria BC Canada
fineasst@uvic.ca
1-250-721-7755