Undergraduate programs at AUArts

Degrees built around your practice.

At AUArts, deciding between Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Design (BDes) means choosing how you want to engage with the world.

Pick the program that matches your artistic ambition and future goals.

BFA & BDes at a glance

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Undergraduate program

In this degree, you’ll major in Studio Art and focus on one or two concentrations, including: 

Animation, Ceramics, Drawing, Fibre, Glass, Jewellery & Metals, Media Arts, Object Design & Fabrication, Painting, Photography, Print Media and Sculpture.

Focus on artistic experimentation, studio practice and personal expression.

Explore BFA

Bachelor of Design

Undergraduate program

When you enter the BDes program, you’ll major in Visual Communication Design (VCD) and follow one of two streams:

Graphic Design & Advertising or Illustration.

Engage in creative problem-solving, real-world impact through purposeful design and industry standard practices.

Explore BDes

What to expect

Students gathered in a contemporary gallery space, attentively listening during an art critique or presentation. The diverse group, dressed in casual and expressive styles, reflects a creative and collaborative learning environment at Alberta University of the Arts.
  • Build the foundation in your first year, then dive deep into your chosen area(s) of study.
  • Mix and match required and elective courses from studio, non-studio and hybrid options for a true multidisciplinary experience.
  • Develop your creative voice through course work, projects, exhibitions, critiques and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  • Engage in studio practices, critical thinking and creative exploration placed in social and cultural contexts.
  • Graduate with a portfolio of work and experience to launch your career.
Tuition & fees Academic calendar

Our faculty

KarlGeistHeadshot.png

Karl Geist

Karl is an illustrator, finding inspiration in disseminating images from a scientific and naturalistic source.

Karl Geist
Tak Pham

Tak Pham

Tak Pham (he/him) is a Vietnamese contemporary art curator and writer.

Tak Pham
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Laurel Johannesson

Laurel Johannesson studied at the University of Calgary, the University of Saskatchewan, and the Royal College of Art in London.

Laurel Johannesson

Why choose AUArts?

Students gather in AUArts’ main hall during orientation, chatting under a large Alberta University of the Arts banner.

Join a passionate, collaborative community of artists, craftspeople and designers. Learn from practicing faculty who are active in Calgary’s arts scene. Work in world-class studios with access to amazing facilities. Share your work through on-campus exhibitions and events.

Overlapping film exposures of orange, red, and white flowers creating a layered, dreamlike floral image.

Apply to AUArts today!

Start your application View all programs Connect with our team