Program description
School of Art offers undergraduate programs that culminate in degrees in studio art and art history within three or four years of full time study, as well as a newly established two-year graduate program. Emphasis is on traditional grounding in skills-based visualization and art historical knowledge connected to contemporary research in creative practices in art, design and art history. Students may focus on art history, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, print media, sculpture and video.
Program options
Degree options
B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts (General) - 3 years
B.F.A. (Hons.) Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio and Graphic Design - 4 years
B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts Art History - 3 years
B.F.A. Art History (Hons.) Bachelor of Fine Arts Art History - 4 years
Diploma in Art - 4 years
M.F.A. Master of Fine Art - 2 years
Program options
- Art History
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Graphic Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Print Media
- Sculpture
- Video
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting courses
- Abstract Painting
- Art of North American Aboriginal Peoples
- Curatorial Studies
- Design Theory and Criticism
- Digital Photography
- Digital Design Technology
- Materials Studio
- Mathematics in Art
- Survey of Asian Art
- Women and Art
Professional opportunities
- Art Teacher
- Art Historian
- Art Curator
- Art Writer
- Animator
- Cartoonist
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Photographer
- Potter
- Professional Artist
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option*
School of Art (Studio Degree Program)
- Candidates must meet the same admission standards as University 1 applicants.
- A portfolio is required.
- Grade 12 Art is recommended
School of Art (Diploma Program)
- Completion of Grade 12 and Manitoba high school graduation are recommended.
- A portfolio is required.
- Grade 12 Art is recommended
This entry option is open to high school students or high school graduates who have completed less than 24 credit hours of study at an accredited university or college. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
* Direct entry is not an option for Art History. Please see the advanced entry option section for more information.
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or an approved bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Art 40S is recommended
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Fine Arts apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
Established in 1913, the School of Art is Western Canada's oldest art institution. Originally known as the Winnipeg School of Art, it has occupied a key role in the development of Canadian artists during the 20th century. More recently, the quality of artists emerging from the School of Art, has put the Winnipeg art community on the international cultural map. In 2011 the School was represented in a high profile exhibition in Paris that explored the cultural milieu of Winnipeg.
The opening of ART Lab in 2011 provides the School with new state of the art facilities to support studio programs, including a sound stage for video production, a large digital area with work stations for various digital applications. Students may have access to the School's art collection in a new exhibition space and controlled environment study space. Across the various studios in the School, small class sizes encourage hands-on learning and easy communication between instructors and students.
During the course of their studies, students take field trips to major art centres in North America, to visit art galleries and museums as well as other cultural destinations.
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