BA Art History and Visual Culture

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon June 2027

Course Overview

The BA Art History and Visual Culture at the University of British Columbia offers you a dynamic exploration into the world of visual expression and its profound impact on society. This undergraduate degree is designed for curious minds eager to understand how images, objects, and media shape our perceptions and historical narratives. You will delve into diverse visual traditions, from global art movements to contemporary popular culture, critically examining the theories and ideologies that underpin visual representation. If you are passionate about analysing the social and cultural significance of art and visual phenomena, this programme provides a robust foundation.

This full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Arts degree is structured over four years, guiding you through a comprehensive curriculum that builds expertise year by year. You will engage with subjects such as popular music and visual cultures, global contemporary art, and African art and visual culture, developing your analytical and critical viewing skills. The programme culminates in advanced seminars and independent research, allowing you to explore specific interests in depth. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in galleries, museums, cultural heritage, media, and further academic study, equipped with a sophisticated understanding of visual literacy and cultural contexts.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of art history and visual culture across various global contexts and historical periods. Students will engage with diverse artistic traditions, from world art and popular music to film, contemporary global art, and specific regional studies such as Islamic, Canadian, and African art. The curriculum progresses through foundational knowledge in the first year to more specialized and advanced topics in subsequent years, culminating in in-depth studies of areas like global surrealism, performance, and gender in art.

1 Year 1

Art and visual cultures of the world I
Art and visual cultures of the world II
Popular music and visual cultures
Art and visual culture through film

2 Year 2

Global contemporary art
The critical viewer

3 Year 3

Art and literature of the Islamic world
Art in Canada 1970 to the present
African art and visual culture
Seventeenth-century European art in a global context

4 Year 4

Global surrealism
Performance in Africa
Gender, art, and space in the Islamic world

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 37,645.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 37,645.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 37,645.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 37,645.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 150,583.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 5,634.00 - USD 6,068.00
Transport USD 867.00 - USD 1,041.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,734.00 - USD 2,167.00
Estimated Total USD 8,235.00 - USD 9,276.00

Living cost estimates are based on Okanagan Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

76%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesAnimation & Visual EffectsClinical & Medical ServicesCorporate & Commercial LawCriminal LawGaming & Interactive MediaHealthcare ConsultingHome Health & Long‑Term CareNursing & Allied HealthPublic Health & Epidemiology

Top Employers Hiring for this course

BC Public Service

Global Affairs Canada

Simon Fraser University

The University of British Columbia

Vancouver Opera

Why Study BA Art History and Visual Culture at University of British Columbia

What makes this program stand out

June 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in June 2027

Life at University of British Columbia in Canada

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Art History and Visual Culture at University of British Columbia

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during the school term and unlimited hours during breaks. On-campus employment has no hour restrictions and requires no separate work permit.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Art Curator, Museum Educator, Gallery Manager, Art Historian, Visual Culture Researcher.

What will I actually study in this course?

The course covers the study of visual artifacts, including fine arts and popular media like film. Students will explore the social impact of art and the critical discourses surrounding visual representation.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Art History and Visual Culture program has intakes in June and September each year. Make sure to apply before the deadlines for your preferred intake month.
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