Yes, you can take Fine Arts at Waterloo. (We’re a best-kept secret.)
Want to make art, change minds, connect communities, and expand horizons? At Waterloo, you’ll choose from two paths: Studio Practice to create art, and Visual Culture for history and theory.
As an artist, you’ll express yourself using ceramics, painting, print media, photography, and cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, digital imagery, and DSLR filmmaking. Visual Culture combines courses from Architecture, Anthropology, English, and 20 other disciplines.
Whichever path you choose, you’ll have access to SOFA, the Society of Fine Arts where you’ll meet likeminded artists and make new friends.
There are also art galleries on campus to develop your curatorial skills and display your art – including digital media projections. Or see your own pieces hung on a wall on campus!
Beyond campus, see art “in the real” and take advantage of options ranging from course trips to Europe to short three- or four-day jaunts to New York, Chicago, or Montreal. There are plenty of day trips to Toronto, Hamilton, and other regional locations too.
Or spend an entire term abroad on international exchange with one of 75+ partner universities around the world! From England to Tobago, opportunity awaits.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Culture or Studio Practice
Focus your studies
At the end of first year, you'll choose one of two majors.
Visual Culture
Got a bent for critique? Focus on the role that visuals play into culture and our society. This major is excellent preparation for a career as an art historian, educator, librarian, or gallery/museum administrator.
You can even gain practical experience with a 36-hour internship at a local arts institution, or by choosing co-op with your degree.
Studio Practice
Immerse yourself in hands-on creation. Choose from classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, media arts, and digital imaging.
You can also choose a digital art specialization or one that will prepare you for a career in teaching.
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Pick from 80+ courses. With more than 80 Fine Arts courses available, you can explore the visual arts and tailor your degree to your interests and passions.
Make lasting connections. Many studio classes are capped at 25 students, creating an environment where you can connect with your classmates and instructors.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Graphic designer
- Web content management specialist
- Marketing coordinator
- Digital media project assistant
- Events & motivational programs student
- App design guru
- Communications coordinator
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
The study/co-op sequence is the same whether you study Fine Arts through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Studio Practice or Visual Culture as your major at the end of first year.
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
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