Welcome to the Faculty of Fine Arts!
Welcome to the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lethbridge! I am so excited to have you join our creative community.
Our vision is to inspire imaginative, intellectual culture among students, faculty and our communities. The Faculty of Fine Arts offers students a comprehensive education with world-class instruction and positions its graduates as change-makers and future leaders in the local, national and global arts communities.
Fine Arts students pursue their passions. You will have the opportunity to participate in many experiential learning opportunities, developing your creative problem solving and interpersonal skills. Our diverse and innovative degree programs give you the chance to build your education around your interests and goals.
In today’s world of social and technological changes, our students graduate with essential abilities like collaboration, oral and visual communication and innovative thinking. You will learn how to express ideas in applied and artistic ways, develop creative solutions to urgent problems and make connections from the classroom to your career.
As you look through this book, you’ll discover what sets the Faculty of Fine Arts apart and what you can accomplish through our unique approach of active learning and skill-building.
Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts University of LethbridgeFINE ARTS FAST FACTS
$1.75+ million
ABBONDÀNZA SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FOR STUDENTS
65+ FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR
100+
departments WITHIN THE FACULTY OF FINE ARTS: ART, DRAMA, MUSIC AND NEW MEDIA
STUDENTS concerts, recitals, productions, exhibitions and events each year
Nearly 16,000 objects
IN THE ULETHBRIDGE ART GALLERY COLLECTION
SMALL CLASS SIZES
MEAN MORE TIME LEARNING AND WORKING WITH YOUR PROFESSORS
100%
OF STUDENTS CAN TAKE PART IN WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Get on our level!
• The Faculty is in the architecturally unique University Centre for the Arts (UCA) building and has a multitude of spaces and equipment for you to develop and hone your skills as a creative professional.
• There are 118 steps from top to bottom in the expansive stairwell of the UCA.
• The 17’ tall, 1,800 kg Moses sculpture by Sorel Etrog (pictured on cover) is the very first artwork in the ULethbridge collection and is displayed permanently in the middle of this stairwell.
Learn more about our spaces
We spend a lot of time talking with Fine Arts students! Academic advisors are here to guide you through your academic and personal growth.
As you grow, your goals may change. Many students change their majors and programs, taking classes across disciplines and faculties. We can help with that!
The Fine Arts Advising Office is open year-round to get you through your degree. Visit
Program Overviews
What’s the right degree for me?
Bachelors of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Music
• These programs are more fine arts-focused and require more courses in your chosen major.
• Concentrate on your field of interest and improve your artistry.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts & Science
• These degrees are broad and generalized, typically requiring fewer fine arts courses.
• Build a degree around your diverse interests and explore other areas of study in the fine arts and humanities, or other areas.
Bachelor of Arts and combined degrees
• Bachelor of Arts (Art)
• Bachelor of Arts (Art) / Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Arts (Art) / Bachelor of Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Dramatic Arts)
• Bachelor of Arts (Dramatic Arts) / Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Arts (Dramatic Arts) / Bachelor of Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Music) 1
• Bachelor of Arts (Music) / Bachelor of Education 1
• Bachelor of Arts (Music) / Bachelor of Management 1
Bachelor of Arts & Science
• Bachelor of Arts & Science (Art / chosen Science major)
• Bachelor of Arts & Science (Dramatic Arts / chosen Science major)
• Bachelor of Arts & Science (Music / chosen Science major) 1
Bachelors of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art
Art History / Museum Studies
Art Studio
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dramatic Arts
Performance Technical / Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Indigenous Art
Art History / Museum Studies
Art Studio
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Multidisciplinary
Bachelor of Music
Music 1 Digital Audio Arts
Fine Arts Combined Degrees
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dramatic Arts / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media / Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media / Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education 1
Fund Your Education
The Faculty of Fine Arts offers more than 65 scholarships and awards for students to put towards their education, travel, research and equipment, and supports applications for external awards.
Entrance Scholarships
Grade 11 Merit Award
Apply in your Grade 11 year to get this award based on your grades in five courses (English 20-1, three academic courses and one distinct course).
Board of Governors’ Admission Scholarship
You are automatically considered for this award with an early application and if your admission is average is 80% or higher.
High School Awards
Earn up to $6,000 based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership and volunteer experience, artistic ability, reference letters and essays.
Abbondànza Undergraduate Entrance Award
Be recognized and awarded for your artistic excellence and earn up to $2,000!
Learn more about our awards
Play Right Prize inspires future playwrights
Dramatic Arts student Leo Hyink is the winner of the 2023 Play Right Prize, receiving $1,500 for his play, North Star, Adrianne.
Generously supported by ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), the Play Right Prize supports professional development in student playwriting and offers winners dramaturgical support to take their script to the stage.
Fine Arts Applied Awards
Have a cool project that needs some cash? Want to attend a workshop or conference? Looking for a summer internship?
Get paid to enhance your degree with Fine Arts applied awards.
Here are just a few of the many awards we offer students!
• Intermezzo Classical Voice Award ($2,000 value)
• Play Right Prize (up to $1,500 value)
• Spirit Prize ($2,500 value)
• Roloff Beny Foundation Photographic Award in Fine Arts ($5,000 value)
• Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies Museum Studies Internship ($2,000 value)
Did you know?
The Faculty of Fine Arts has three degrees with an integrated internship component:
• Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art
(Art History / Museum Studies)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts - Indigenous Art (Art History / Museum Studies)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media
Experiential and Work-Integrated LearninG
Arts student, you have access to a variety of unique internships, applied study and experiential learning opportunities to enhance your degree and build skills that give you an edge in your future career!
• Apply for an experiential learning award
• Complete an applied study in your area of interest
• Participate in education abroad opportunities
• Enrol in the co-op program and earn an extra designation on your degree
and Work-Integrated
MyExperience Transcript (MET)
ULethbridge offers an innovative platform, MyExperience, that gives students and alumni valuable personal and professional experience and features opportunities from around the world.
The MET allows you to record volunteer hours, internships, workshops, research work and more to provide a comprehensive picture of your knowledge, strengths and experience to future employers.
As a Fine
Experience fine arts
Your education is top of mind for our renowned professors and instructors. With ULethbridge’s small class sizes, you get more hands-on learning and more opportunities to experiment and take risks in the classroom.
New Media professor Leanne Elias (BFA - Art ’95, MEd ’03) is an inspiring educator who finds new ways to challenge students while complementing their knowledge.
In 2022, she received the Board of Governors Teaching Chair, recognizing her exceptional teaching skills.
“In the Faculty of Fine Arts, we offer learning environments that go above and beyond to build your artistic practice. Our small classes mean you receive a personalized approach to your education, complemented with many extra-curricular activities designed to enhance your learning experience. Our sincere interest in your education is what makes the Faculty of Fine Arts an exceptional place to create and grow.”
Leanne Elias BFA - Art ’95, MEd ’03 New Media ProfessorDepartment of Art
Be inspired by art and visual culture and make an impact on the world. Work with active artists and scholars as you pursue your professional and creative goals in a collaborative environment.
ULethbridge offers two unique arts-based degrees focusing on art with distinct majors in art studio and art history and museum studies.
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art
- Art History / Museum Studies
- Art Studio
Bachelor of Fine ArtsIndigenous Art
- Art History / Museum Studies
- Art Studio
Pursue additional interests with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts & Science:
Bachelor of Arts (Art)
Bachelor of Arts & Science (Art / chosen Science major)
Explore all that ULethbridge has to offer with a combined degree!
Bachelor of Fine ArtsArt / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Arts (Art) / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Arts (Art) / Bachelor of Management
Key skills gained
• Creative thinking & writing
• Innovative problem solving
• Seeing, drawing & understanding form
Find work in some of these fields
• Arts & cultural institutions
• Digital & graphic design
• Media & photography
Art History / Museum Studies
Be part of an innovative program that combines critical studies in art history and theory with hands-on museum and gallery experience.
The Art History / Museum Studies internship program offers students an in-depth sense of the career possibilities in the museum field, and the opportunity to develop experience beyond the classroom.
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Indigenous Art
The Indigenous Art (Art History / Museum Studies) program prepares you for success in the complex and evolving fields of Indigenous art history and contemporary art practices.
Did you know?
The University of Lethbridge Art Gallery cares for one of the most significant art collections in Canada, numbering nearly 16,000 objects.
• This important collection creates unique opportunities for students through internships, research, experiential learning and collaboration, and features two dedicated gallery spaces, the Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess Gallery and the Helen Christou Gallery.
What can I do with an Art History / Museum Studies degree?
Art Studio
This conceptually-oriented program means you can draw from many areas of study to create art.
• Develop your own artistic direction through an intensive studio experience exploring technical, aesthetic and theoretical studies.
• Build your practice in your own on-campus studio space, where you have the freedom to experiment.
• Our professors work with you one-on-one to support your creative development.
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Indigenous Art
The Indigenous Art (Art Studio) program provides students space to engage creatively with Indigeneity, relationship to land, and postcolonial theory and politics in contemporary art.
Did you know?
Each year, the Art Department hosts an open studio event that showcases and celebrates the work of Art Studio students.
The annual Art Awards are presented during this event, rewarding exemplary students for their achievements in art practice, community engagement and scholarship.
What can I do with an Art Studio degree?
Meet Shining Student Jason Ranaghan
Jason Ranaghan has spent his time at ULethbridge exploring all the Faculty of Fine Arts has to offer. When he first started his degree, Jason chose to study new media. He then switched to art studio, but fell in love with art history.
Jason recently completed not one, but two internships at the Galt Museum & Archives, where he worked with the prestigious Donald Buchanan art collection and researched and curated his own exhibition at the museum. These experiences allow him to add value to his degree and develop professional connections before he starts his career.
“I did not realize how fantastic this program was. Being able to get your foot in the door, say that I’m leaving university having curated two exhibitions, done two internships, worked as a research assistant and helped plan a conference, is amazing. I’ve had incredible instruction, and it makes me feel a lot more confident that when I graduate, I’m going to be able to step out into the world and get a job.”
Jason Ranaghan Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art (Art History / Museum Studies)Read Jason’s story
Department of drama
Through our rigorous program of hands-on theatre experience, you develop lifelong skills in creativity, confidence and discipline. Courses in theatre history and theory provide a comprehensive understanding of drama’s essential role in society.
Choose from two practical majors and explore your interests in performance or technical / design!
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dramatic Arts
- Performance
- Technical / Design
Customize your education with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts & Science:
Bachelor of Arts (Dramatic Arts)
Bachelor of Arts & Science (Dramatic Arts / chosen Science major)
Explore all that ULethbridge has to offer with a combined degree!
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dramatic Arts / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Arts (Dramatic Arts) / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Arts (Dramatic Arts) / Bachelor of Management
Key skills gained
• Active listening & questioning
• Confidence & communication
• Interpersonal relationship building
Find work in some of these fields
• Arts & entertainment
• Instruction & education
• Media & production
Performance
This innovative program focuses on the connections between acting, directing and devised theatre.
Explore courses in acting, voice and movement, and discover a range of performance techniques, including theatre for young audiences, improvisation and physical theatre.
Technical / Design
Our program focuses on design and technical production, appreciating historic traditions and anticipating future trends.
Explore courses in theatrical design and technical theatre, gaining a range of skills in many areas including scenery, costumes and lighting as well as offerings in stage management, mask and puppetry, stage makeup, sound and projections.
All Dramatic Arts students can take part in a dynamic season of theatre activities, including Mainstage productions supervised by professors, the student-run TheatreXtra series and an array of practical workshops, play readings, public forums and special events.
What can I do with a Drama degree?
Drama Productions and Spaces
University and David Spinks Theatres
Gain experience both on and behind the stage through regular productions in the University Theatre and the David Spinks Theatre.
• The David Spinks Theatre is a multi-use configurable black-box theatre equipped with an impressive inventory of lighting and sound materials.
• The David Spinks Theatre also functions as a studio classroom and rehearsal space.
• The University Theatre is a fully-equipped performance space, boasting a five-story fly tower, generous wing space and modern lighting and sound equipment.
Past Mainstage productions
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, adapted for the stage by Nicola Elson (2023), pictured right
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen (2021)
• Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare (2019), pictured left
Meet Shining Alumna Kacie Hall (BFA - Dramatic Arts
Kacie Hall found her passion for the stage while at ULethbridge.
From being the first student to direct a Mainstage production, to building skills as an intimacy director, Kacie is preparing herself to become her own producer through experiential learning and a can-do attitude.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have made meaningful connections with so many of my professors. It’s clear that so many of the professors in the Drama Department have a genuine desire to see their students succeed and find opportunities to support them in doing so.”
Kacie HallBachelor of Fine Arts - Dramatic Arts (Performance)
Read Kacie’s story
Department of New Media
Explore the relationships between technology, art, industry and culture.
Build skills in graphic design, web design and development, 3D modelling, animation, screenwriting, video game design and development and more.
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media
Explore all that ULethbridge has to offer with a combined degree!
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media / Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media / Bachelor of Management
Key skills gained
• Creative direction & project management
• Prototyping & idea generation
• Visual & digital communication
Find work in some of these fields
• Design (print, UI, UX)
• Digital video production, coding or design
• Entertainment & media
Choose between an industry internship or an advanced studio course as part of your final year.
• An internship places you in a professional setting locally, nationally or abroad, exploring career possibilities.
• Through the internship, you gain crucial work experience and make valuable contacts in the new media industry, helping you transition from university to the workplace.
• The advanced studio course focuses on creative applications, where you’ll complete a self-directed project.
• This enables you to do your own research work to devote more time to a project or larger body of creative work.
Did you know?
New Media is home to several modern spaces, labs and equipment for students to use. This technology is unparalleled for teaching and production, as the near unlimited opportunities allow creative minds to find exciting ways to utilize it.
This includes a digital cinema suite, a game research lab, a green screen room and more!
What can I do with a New Media degree?
Shining Alumna Victoria Steffensen (BFA - New Media ’20)
New Media graduate Victoria Steffensen always had a goal of starting her own business and working for herself. Since graduating from ULethbridge and settling down in rural Alberta, she has accomplished this dream and more.
Victoria is the owner of Brindle Dixie Designs, where she focuses on designing apparel, photography and graphics with logos and vinyl work.
“During my time at ULethbridge, I developed a lot of basic skills in many different areas. It’s really helped me to be versatile. It’s been really nice to be able to do a multitude of things. I really enjoy having those different mediums and projects to reach out to.”
Victoria Steffensen Bachelor of Fine Arts - New MediaRead Victoria’s story
Shining Alumna Hana Hubley (BMus ’23)
Hana Hubley is a Bachelor of Music graduate whose artistic success has reached the national stage.
While maintaining the highest standard of academic excellence, she has worked tirelessly as an exemplar and an advocate for her program and has become a recognizable face in the larger Lethbridge music community.
Hana received the 2023 Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal, which distinguishes them as the most accomplished graduate of their class.
“I am just one person out of hundreds of students in the Faculty who wake up every day to strive to be a better creative. This recognition reminded me of how far I have come and how much I have grown, from a shy and not-so-sure-of-herself tuba player, to a capable musician and active member of a larger global music community. I’d like to think that my 19-year-old self would be proud of who I am today, and I have certainly surpassed my own expectations of who I would be at the end of my degree.”
Hana Hubley Bachelor of Music (Music)Read more about Hana
Department of music
Whether you’re interested in performance, composition, digital audio arts or music education, our music programs are designed to meet your specific needs.
Choose from two unique majors and explore your interests in music or digital audio arts:
Bachelor of Music
- Digital Audio Arts
- Music 1
Customize your education with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts & Science:
• Bachelor of Arts (Music) 1
• Bachelor of Arts & Science (Music / chosen Science major) 1
Explore all that ULethbridge has to offer with a combined degree!
• Bachelor of Music (Music) 1 / Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Arts (Music) 1 / Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Arts (Music) 1 / Bachelor of Management
Key skills gained
• Collaboration & teamwork
• Development of musical style
• Self-motivation & discipline
Find work in some of these fields
• Composition & performance
• Instruction & education
• Sound production & audio engineering
1 Audition may be required (see page 29)
Bachelor of Music
(Digital Audio Arts)
In our Digital Audio Arts program, explore the future of sound with a comprehensive audio technology experience that connects your interests in musical and technical creativity.
Digital Audio Arts is a generalist program that centres around theory and practice, with training in real-world professional settings.
You’ll get access to world-class facilities and have more opportunities to:
• Learn how to record and mix in the studio for stereo, binaural and surround sound.
• Develop professional connections and increase your potential to work in a competitive field.
• Participate in public performances of creative work.
Did you know?
The Bachelor of Music in Digital Audio Arts is the only degree program of its kind in Western Canada!
What can I do with a Digital Audio Arts degree?
Bachelor of Music (Music)
Explore a performance-intensive learning environment as a singer or instrumentalist in our Music program, with 24-hour access to individual practice studios and composition labs.
Build skills in areas of music that interest you the most – performance, history, theory, sound design or composition.
Musical training is enhanced by taking part in performing ensembles and by completing courses in music theory, ear training, history and literature.
There are several unique ensembles that you can be a part of at ULethbridge:
• Wind Orchestra
• U of L Singers
• Jazz Ensemble
• Global Drums/Percussion Ensemble
• Collaborative Ensemble
• Integra Contemporary Electroacoustic Ensemble
• U of L Guitar Ensemble
If you’re interested in composition, you can work with professional composers and have the opportunity to write for University ensembles through our composer-in-residence program.
What can I do with a Music degree?
The Audition Process
An audition is required for admission for all Bachelor of Music (Music) students, including the combined degree with Education.
For the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts & Science in Music, audition is not required for admission, but is required to take music studio courses.
You can choose between an in-person audition or an online audition. Reach out to our Studio Coordinator at music@uleth.ca for more information.
Did you know?
The ULethbridge Music Conservatory, located in downtown Lethbridge, features a team of highly-trained musicians and educators from the Department of Music and distinguished community musicians.
The Conservatory offers music programming and lessons for all ages, including high school students.
Advanced Music students may be hired by the Conservatory as student instructors to teach courses and lessons to young musicians.
Multidisciplinary
Have the flexibility and independence to develop your own degree program from all areas of Fine Arts!
Choose a first concentration from one area of Fine Arts (Art, Drama, Music or New Media), then choose a second and third concentration from the other three.
Customize your education around technical, practical and academic focuses.
Participate in a full range of experiences in the fine arts, from performances and exhibitions, to concerts and internships!
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Multidisciplinary
Key skills gained
• Organization of ideas & materials
• Project & time management
• Understanding different artistic mediums
Find work in some of these fields
• Advertising, marketing & public relations
• Cultural & governmental organizations
• Multimedia companies
Meet Shining Student Kort Woycheshin
Kort Woycheshin has made the most of his education at ULethbridge, exploring his interests in music, photography, writing and videography with a BFA - Multidisciplinary degree.
His hard work in these areas led him to win several significant awards and scholarships, enhancing his educational experience. By building a critical set of skills through work-integrated learning and his education, Kort is setting himself up for success.
“I received the Roloff Beny Foundation Photographic Award, the David Lanier Memorial Award, and the Abbondànza Fine Arts Undergraduate Award. All these awards have enabled to me to pursue photography at the highest level without worrying about material or equipment costs.”
Kort Woycheshin
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Multidisciplinary
Read more about Kort
Apply now!
General University application requirements
• Canadian high school applicants need a combined average of 65% in five Grade 12 courses, including English.
• Transfer applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Post-diploma applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Fall deadline*
• Apply by June 30
*For the Bachelor of Music (Music), application deadline is June 15.
4401 University Drive W.
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1K 3M4
Get in touch with Fine Arts
403-380-1864
finearts.admissions@uleth.ca
Experience more with the Faculty of Fine Arts
• Awards, scholarships & student supports
• Productions, exhibitions, concerts & more
• Applied studies, internships & a range of work experience
• Enhanced education opportunities locally, nationally and abroad