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School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

AMPD Frequently Asked Questions

Portfolio requirements vary by program.
    • Admission to the Art History (BA Honours) program is based solely on academic performance.
    • Admission to Visual Arts (BFA Honours) program is based both on academic performance and artistic merit. Both programs require the completion of a portfolio.
Portfolio Reviews are conducted through an online submission process. Once you have applied to the program, you will receive an email that will include your reference ID and directions for accessing and completing the portfoliosubmission. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.
  • Visual Arts (BFA)
    • The applicant portfolio should comprise 8 artworks that illustrate the student’s technical and creative abilities. At least two different media should be presented from the following: drawing, photography, sculpture, digital art, printmaking, computer-generated imagery, painting, audio-video, experimental work. All digital images should be high quality in either jpeg or PDF format.  Your portfolio may include work completed for class assignments (high school, university or college) as well as independent projects. A current sketchbook is required and will count as one of your 8 artworks.

Independent Studies In Visual Arts & Art History designed so that students may pursue an intensive independent project under the supervision of a Visual Art & Art History faculty member on topics that are not generally available in the standard department curriculum. No more than one Independent Studies course may be taken in any given semester. Applicable supplementary fees are charged for Independent Studies courses in studio areas where such fees are required.

Prerequisites/Restrictions:

  1. Independent Studies applicants must be in their final year of study
  2. Independent Studies applicants must have successfully completed a 4000-level course in the requested area of study e.g., painting, sculpture, 20th century art, Renaissance, etc.
  3. Students can only take 6.0 credits in Independent Studies in a single academic session.

To apply for an Independent Study there is a form available at the Department of Visual Arts & Art History reception area which you will need to fill out and have the professor sign.

Typically, the applicant selects the art pieces to include in their portfolio from school-assigned projects, independently developed art projects, extra curricular art classes or professional work where appropriate. Any original artwork developed by the applicant can be included in the portfolio.