Program Structure
This is a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Illustration offered through the Audain Faculty of Art. Your conceptual and hands-on learning will be enhanced through classes, seminars, self-directed projects, exhibitions and professional development.
Students may earn credits through our Work Experience Program in years three and four.
First Year
All undergraduate programs begin with a Foundation Year, where you will explore art, design and media while developing essential creative, critical thinking and writing skills.
Through hands-on projects, reading, dialogue and reflection, you’ll develop your voice, form connections and gain the confidence to choose your path forward.
Second Year
Dive into your second year with studios and seminars covering illustration methods, art + culture, methods + materials, ideation, cultural theory and more. Broaden your knowledge and skills with a wide variety of art and design electives.
Sample required courses:
ILUS 201 Illustration Methods + Materials ILUS 206 Illustration Ideation + Sequence AHIS 200 Art + Culture 1900-1950Sample electives:
PRNT 201 Print media: Lithography CRAM 201 Ceramics VAST 205 B.C. North Interior First Nations StudioThird Year
Sharpen your skills and knowledge through required courses and a wide set of electives, including animation, drawing and painting, communication design, photography, writing and sound art.
Sample required courses:
PRAX 300 Dialogues with Illustration MHIS 201 Histories + Theories of Illustration PROF 311 Professional PracticesSample electives:
DESN 301 Exhibit Design CSPN-210 Contemporary Painting AHIS 303 Canadian ArtFourth Year
In your final year, continue to learn and crystallize your creative approach while building a strong portfolio through advanced courses in professional applications and practices, as well as senior studio practice. You’ll have access to interesting electives, including courses rooted in Indigenous perspectives, as well as options in writing, design and more.
Sample required courses:
ILUS 400 Illustration Senior Studio ILUS 401 Illustration: Professional ApplicationsSample electives:
PROF 311 Professional Practice SOCS 307 Design + Contemporary TheoryMinors
Students may declare a minor after completing their second year. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. To declare, download, complete, and submit the Declaration of Minor Form.
Available Minors
Elective Explorations
Students can choose electives that expand their skills and perspectives while supporting interdisciplinary learning.
Studio electives include animation, photography, illustration, ceramics, design, writing and more. Critical Studies electives cover art and design history, media, humanities, social science and science, helping students strengthen analytical and communication skills. Courses in Indigenous art, culture and ways of knowing are also offered.
Sample Electives
- Topics in Feminism, Gender,
Cultural Studies: Feminism
Without Borders - Special Topics in Animation:
Organic Modelling - Reciprocity and Land-Based Art