Visual Arts (BA)
Develop your expertise in two and three-dimensional art while studying alongside established artists and researchers in our visual arts program.
The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts degree program encourages individual artistic development by concentrating on hands-on studio practice. Students will study the history and theory of contemporary art practices, design elements, media and methods, and the meanings and contexts that inform the making and viewing of artwork. They will learn about design principles and processes while creating captivating visual art of their own.
If you want a more in-depth study in art history, theory, criticism, and the chance to exhibit your artwork, you can also choose the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Arts program. The BA Honours allows for greater concentration in visual arts, independent study, and close one-on-one supervision by faculty.
Our visual arts programs offer opportunities to specialize in a particular art form, study abroad, and gain practical work experience at a local art organization through the Professional Placement program.
What is Visual Arts?
Visual arts are creative forms experienced through sight, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital media. Artists use these forms to express ideas, emotions, and stories, often reflecting on their surroundings and experiences.
What are some courses that Visual Arts students take?
ART 223 – Intro to Photo-Based Art
This studio course stimulates the creation of contemporary photo-based art grounded in experimentation. Students will gain familiarity with critical and historical precedents, alongside camera, software, scanning, and printing techniques.
ART 260 – Introduction to Ceramics Studio
A studio course introducing the material of clay within the context of contemporary ceramics practices. Students will learn basic making techniques, focusing on hand-building and will also be exposed to the potter’s wheel, glazing, kiln loading and firing.
ART 270 – Printmaking
A studio course that aims to foster a broad understanding of artistic printmaking through exposure to a variety of studio techniques and assignments, complemented by demonstrations and discussions of printmaking's historical and social importance. Intaglio, Lithography, Relief, and/or hybrid Digital processes will be introduced.
ART 337 – Visual Storytelling
An introductory studio course on the techniques of visual storytelling, including graphic novels and artists' books.
ART 342 – Expressive Painting
Explore brushwork and colour as expressive elements of painting. Projects will involve the figure and other image-based subjects, as well as abstraction and non-objective painting. Group and individual critiques and discussions will be ongoing as will investigation into the work of historic and contemporary painters.
ART 290JP – The Art of Kyoto
For hundreds of years, Kyoto has been the centre of traditional arts and crafts production in Japan. On this Study Tour, we will visit sites of artistic importance and meet local artists and educators as a means to better understanding the local and global importance of this dynamic city.
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Why Study Visual Arts at the University of Regina?
The Visual Arts program is part of a community with a strong tradition of visual arts, offering students the opportunity to engage with local galleries, art centers, and artists throughout their studies.
Visual arts students benefit from small class sizes taught by experienced instructors who are also professional artists. These smaller classes foster greater interaction with faculty and peers, ensuring easy access to studio equipment, facilities, support, and resources.
Our bright, spacious, and modern facilities provide an ideal learning environment for our students.Experiential learning
The Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance offers Professional Placement courses, which let students enhance their skills through career-related work experiences at local art organizations while earning credits that count towards their degree.Expert professors and instructors
Our faculty members are accomplished artists who have achieved success in their craft. Many of our instructors specialize in the fields they teach, offering students the advantage of learning from experienced creators and researchers.Equipment and facilities
Students have access to modern visual arts studio equipment and facilities while taking visual arts courses. Some of the equipment and facilities includes:
- Complete sculpture and wood working facilities
- Gas, electric, and outdoor kilns for ceramics
- A variety of printing presses
- The Art Store, located on campus, equipped with the materials and supplies needed for various art courses
Visual Arts Frequently Asked Questions
The Bachelor of Arts Honours program requires an additional 18 credit hours of art studio and art history courses at the 300 and 400-level. Additionally, it requires an honours paper or project, a senior seminar, and a graduate exhibition.
In the final 30 credit hours of the program, students must participate in a graduate exhibition to receive approval for graduation with honors. The exhibition provides students the opportunity to showcase their artwork, which must be approved by their supervisor, in a public gallery space.
The Bachelor of Arts Honours program has higher academic requirements. To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree, students must maintain an overall average of at least 70 percent, along with an average of at least 75 percent in visual arts and other required courses.
If you are interested in the honours program, please consult your department and plan to apply before the start of your second year of study.Yes! There are several scholarships offered to students enrolled in the Department of Visual Arts. These scholarships include:
- Alice Rhea Macredie Scholarship in Visual Arts
- Anthony Kay Scholarship
- Betty L Barootes Scholarship in Visual Arts
- Faculty of Fine Arts Scholarships
- Fine Arts Entrance Scholarships in Visual Arts
- Freda Mesbur Memorial Prize in Visual Arts
- Gene B. Ciuca Memorial Scholarships
- Kiley Carlson Memorial Scholarship
- Kiyomi Annette Shoyama Bursary in Visual Arts
- Martha McConica Entrance Scholarship in Visual Arts
- May Estella Rae Husband Intermedia Award in Visual Arts
- P3A/Dr. Joseph Pettick Memorial Scholarship
- Regina Federation of Artists Scholarship in Visual Arts
- Sadie and Norman Ratner Prize in Visual Arts
- Styles Family Foundation Bursary
Use our online Student Awards Management System (SAMS) to find other awards and scholarships for which you may be eligible.
Visual arts students may participate in the Visual Arts Student Association, exhibit in the Fifth Parallel Art Gallery, and participate in regular seminars and events featuring artists and industry professionals.
Our students are also encouraged to attend art openings and community events around Regina. These events provide opportunities to meet other art professionals, our university partners, and to visit various art organizations.
You can also join clubs and activities that are open to all U of R students!What Can You Do With a Visual Arts Degree?
Upon successfully completing your Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts degree, you will be ready for the next step in your career! Graduates from our program have pursued roles in digital media, advertising, architecture, illustration, film and television, and art curation. Recent graduates have also gone on to pursue graduate studies to earn their master's in fine arts at various universities across Canada.
To explore minors that may be available in this program area, please visit the Academic Calendar or meet with your faculty advisor in the Academic Advising Office after you are admitted.
Graduates go on to jobs such as:- Professional Visual and Media Artist
- Web Designer
- Videographer or Photographer
- Art Teacher
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
- Architect
- Art Therapist
- Fashion Designer
- Illustrator
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