Overview

The Art History and Visual Culture programme at the University of British Columbia offers a comprehensive exploration of human creativity and the social impact of visual representation. Students engage with a diverse range of global perspectives, examining everything from traditional fine arts to contemporary digital media and popular culture. This degree provides the analytical tools necessary to interpret complex visual artefacts within their specific historical and ideological frameworks.

Why Art History and Visual Culture at the University of British Columbia?

Students benefit from working alongside world-class faculty researchers on pioneering projects that bridge the gap between traditional art and modern technology. Opportunities for innovation include 3D modelling, mobile application design, and collaborations with local heritage institutions. The curriculum is designed to provide a truly global outlook, featuring specialised coursework on the arts of South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 49548 per year
National fee: CAD 6079 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Art and Visual Cultures of the World
Popular Music and Visual Cultures
Art and Visual Culture through Film
Global Contemporary Art
The Critical Viewer
Art and Literature of the Islamic World
Art in Canada
African Art and Visual Culture
Global Surrealism

Careers with Art History and Visual Culture

Graduates are equipped with sophisticated skills in form analysis, iconography, and historical interpretation, making them highly competitive in the cultural sector. Many alumni secure professional roles within museums, commercial galleries, and historical societies. The programme also prepares students for successful careers in provincial and federal arts organisations, archival services, and public programming coordination.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Art and Visual Cultures of the World

Popular Music and Visual Cultures

Art and Visual Culture through Film

Global Contemporary Art

The Critical Viewer

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vancouver, Canada
Kelowna, Canada
Kelowna, Canada

Disciplines

Film Studies Art History View 84 other Bachelors in Film Studies in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be admitted to UBC, you must successfully meet the general admission requirements that apply to all applicants, as well as the degree-specific requirements that depend on which country you’re applying from and what degree(s) you’re applying to.

English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are nine different ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.

Graduation from a university-preparatory program at a senior secondary school

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of British Columbia and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

49548 CAD / year

≈ 49548 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

6079 CAD / year

≈ 6079 CAD / year

Living costs

Vancouver

Canada

1590 - 2686 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Art History and Visual Culture.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Vancouver

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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