Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Northern British Columbia

The Joint Degree in Fine Arts and Creative Writing is offered through a partnership between the University of Northern British Columbia and Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

The degree is an interdisciplinary four-year joint-degree program between the two universities that connects creative writing and studio practice. Courses within the program offer students the opportunity to develop applied, conceptual, and theoretical skills.

The program begins in September of each year and the application deadline is February 1.  Anyone seeking information about the application process should contact the UNBC Office of the Registrar.  Students who want help regarding course selection are encouraged to contact the UNBC Student Advisor.

The UNBC/ECU joint degree in Fine Arts and Creative Writing is an interdisciplinary project-based degree that links creative writing and studio practice within a critical context.  Studio courses within the degree ensure that students establish foundational skills during their first year, and that they build expertise within several different disciplines in their second and third years.  The fourth year of study focuses on work in an independent studio environment.  Concurrently, academic courses in theory and creative writing provide a theoretical basis of understanding that enhances and informs studio experience.

Although intended to support students in central northern BC, the unique character of this program may prove to be attractive for students from elsewhere in Canada and around the world.  Such exposure will not only allow students to develop and combine a significant range of artistic abilities, it will also cultivate highly transferable skills.  While many graduates may elect to pursue careers as practicing artists, others may choose to apply for graduate degrees in English or Fine Arts; to apply for professional degrees, such as law or education, requiring highly developed critical thinking skills; to seek employment in areas such as graphic design, web/computer design, and information-based industries.

Students must take 120 credit hours, whether directly or by transfer, split equally between the University  of Northern British Columbia and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.  Students may elect to complete a portion of the required courses at the ECU's main campus during the summer months.  All costs associated with student travel and stay at ECU are the responsibility of the student.