SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY · CANADA
Art, Performance & Cinema Studies (APCS)
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Only BA program at SFU dedicated to contemporary arts from an integrated perspective.Unique Program Focus
- Specializations available in Art & Performance or Cinema Studies.Specialization Options
- Internship opportunities with local arts organizations.Practical Experience
- Optional Field Schools in Berlin and London.International Opportunities
- Develops strong critical thinking, research, and communication skills.Transferable Skills
- Prepares for careers in arts administration, criticism, curation, and graduate study.Career Preparation
The Art, Performance & Cinema Studies (APCS) program is a Bachelor of Arts degree focused on the historical, theoretical, and critical study of contemporary arts, with a specialization in visual art, performance, and cinema. It uniquely integrates these fields within a vibrant art school environment, offering opportunities to engage with studio-based courses alongside your critical studies. The program exposes you to current developments in the arts and encourages an interdisciplinary approach, viewing artmaking and analysis as interconnected. In the first two years, you will build a foundation in the histories and theories of visual art, performance, and cinema. In your third and fourth years, you can specialize in either art and performance studies or cinema studies. The curriculum includes a wide array of courses covering visual culture, cinema, sound studies, critical theory, research methods, arts writing, and curating, often drawing on the specific expertise of faculty members. APCS offers excellent opportunities for professional development, including an internship course providing hands-on experience with local arts organizations and optional Field Schools in major European art capitals like Berlin and London. The program prepares you for diverse careers in the arts sector or for graduate studies in related fields, while also developing essential transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, and effective communication.
Curriculum
The APCS program provides a comprehensive grounding in art, performance, and cinema studies. The first two years focus on foundational knowledge across disciplines, with later years allowing for specialization. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, and opportunities for studio engagement and critical writing. Elective and special topics courses offer flexibility and exposure to faculty research interests.
- Years 1 & 2
- Foundations in visual art, performance, and cinema histories and theories
- Years 3 & 4
- Specialization stream in Art & Performance or Cinema Studies
- Courses in visual culture, cinema, sound studies, critical theory
- Interdisciplinary research methods and critical writing in the arts
- Curating
- Internship Course
- Special Topics courses (variable)
Careers
The APCS degree equips graduates with a strong foundation for a variety of careers within the arts and cultural sectors, as well as transferable skills applicable to numerous fields. It also provides excellent preparation for postgraduate studies.
- Arts writers/critics
- Arts administrators
- Curators
- Festival programmers
- Gallery staff
- Artist-run centre professionals
- Arts advocacy and policy roles
- Arts educators
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Art, Performance & Cinema Studies (APCS) program?
- Applicants must successfully complete secondary school education with the required academic standing. Specific admission requirements and course prerequisites are detailed in the SFU Academic Calendar.
- What career paths can I pursue with an APCS degree?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as arts writers, administrators, curators, festival programmers, gallery staff, and arts educators. The program also provides excellent preparation for postgraduate studies.
- Does the APCS program offer practical experience opportunities?
- Yes, the program includes an internship course with local arts organizations and offers optional Field Schools in international art capitals like Berlin and London.
- How do international students apply to the APCS program?
- International applicants should follow the general application procedures for Simon Fraser University, which include submitting academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency. Specific deadlines should be confirmed on the SFU School for the Contemporary Arts website.
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or equivalentSuccessful completion of secondary school education with required academic standing.
Specific admission requirements and course prerequisites can be found in the SFU Academic Calendar.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to SFU's tuition fee schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to SFU's tuition fee schedule for the most up-to-date information.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified on the program page.
Tuition fees are subject to change. For detailed fee structures, please visit the official SFU website.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsReview the general admission requirements for undergraduate students at SFU and any specific requirements for the APCS program.
2. Prepare Required DocumentsGather academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and any other required supporting documents.
3. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit an application through the SFU online admissions portal by the specified deadline.
4. Submit Transcripts and DocumentsArrange for official transcripts and other required documents to be sent directly to SFU Admissions.
5. Await Admission DecisionSFU will review your application and notify you of the admission decision.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Art, Performance & Cinema Studies (APCS) program?
+
Applicants must successfully complete secondary school education with the required academic standing. Specific admission requirements and course prerequisites are detailed in the SFU Academic Calendar.
What career paths can I pursue with an APCS degree?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as arts writers, administrators, curators, festival programmers, gallery staff, and arts educators. The program also provides excellent preparation for postgraduate studies.
Does the APCS program offer practical experience opportunities?
+
Yes, the program includes an internship course with local arts organizations and offers optional Field Schools in international art capitals like Berlin and London.
How do international students apply to the APCS program?
+
International applicants should follow the general application procedures for Simon Fraser University, which include submitting academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency. Specific deadlines should be confirmed on the SFU School for the Contemporary Arts website.