At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)Degree Awarded
- 4 yearsProgram Duration
- State-of-the-art facilitiesResources
- Explore analogue and digital processesCurriculum Focus
- Experiential learning opportunitiesCareer Preparation
- GradEx exhibition showcaseFinal Project
The Photography program at OCAD University offers a comprehensive education in both artistic vision and technical proficiency. You will explore photography through historical, analogue, and digital processes, understanding its role in creative expression and cultural production. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in modern facilities, including digital labs, darkrooms, and studios, supported by expert technicians. Through courses in history, theory, and criticism, you'll develop a deep understanding of photography's evolution and contemporary relevance. You will expand your skills in lighting, composition, editing, and production through diverse projects. The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration, connecting photography with installation, video, and performance art. Graduates will possess a refined portfolio and the critical thinking skills necessary for a career in photographic arts, curation, editing, art education, or further graduate studies.
Curriculum
The program is structured over four years, beginning with a foundational first year in art and design before specializing in photography.
- First Year
- Art History
- Colour
- Drawing
- Sculpture Concepts
- Wearable Art
- Photography
- Painting
- Animation
- Body and Technology
- Printmaking
- Art and Code
- Second Year
- Colour Photography
- History of Photography
- Digital Imaging and Printing
- Black & White Darkroom
- Studio Lighting
- Third Year
- Photography Theory and Criticism
- Studio Electives
- Colour Darkroom
- Experimental Photography
- Historical Processes
- Professional Practice
- Fourth Year
- Thesis Stream or Directed Studio Stream
Careers
Graduates are prepared for a variety of creative professions. The university's career services support students in building professional networks, gaining experience, and developing skills for meaningful careers.
- Independent artist
- Freelance photographer/videographer
- Fashion, commercial, and editorial photographer
- Curator
- Gallery administrator
- Educator
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Photography program?
- Applicants generally need a minimum overall average of 70% from an Ontario High School Diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, a strong portfolio and a statement of intent are required.
- How long is the Photography program?
- The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography program has a duration of four years.
- What career paths can I pursue after graduating from this program?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as independent artist, freelance photographer/videographer, fashion, commercial, and editorial photographer, curator, gallery administrator, or educator. The program also prepares students for further graduate studies.
- How do I apply to the Photography program?
- You must complete an application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) or directly through OCAD U, prepare a portfolio, write a statement of intent, and submit official transcripts. Specific guidelines are available on the OCAD U admissions website.
- What will I study in the Photography curriculum?
- The curriculum covers historical, analogue, and digital processes, including courses like Colour Photography, Digital Imaging and Printing, Studio Lighting, and Photography Theory and Criticism. The first year provides a foundational art and design education before specialization.
Entry requirements
Ontario High School Diploma or equivalentMinimum overall average of 70%
A portfolio and a statement of intent are also required for admission. Official transcripts must be submitted.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the Admissions website for current tuition fees.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the Admissions website for current tuition fees.
LivingPlease refer to the Admissions website for estimated living costs.
Tuition fees and living cost estimates can be found on the university's admissions and finance pages.
How to apply
1. Complete the ApplicationSubmit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) for Ontario high school students, or directly through OCAD U if applying as a transfer student or from outside of Ontario. Check the admissions website for specific application portals.
2. Prepare Your PortfolioA strong portfolio is a key component of the application. Review the portfolio guidelines carefully on the OCAD U admissions website.
3. Write Your Statement of IntentCraft a compelling statement of intent to express your artistic aspirations and suitability for the program.
4. Submit TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from your previous academic institutions.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmissions decisions will be communicated based on the review of your application, portfolio, statement of intent, and academic record.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Photography program?
+
Applicants generally need a minimum overall average of 70% from an Ontario High School Diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, a strong portfolio and a statement of intent are required.
How long is the Photography program?
+
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography program has a duration of four years.
What career paths can I pursue after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as independent artist, freelance photographer/videographer, fashion, commercial, and editorial photographer, curator, gallery administrator, or educator. The program also prepares students for further graduate studies.
How do I apply to the Photography program?
+
You must complete an application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) or directly through OCAD U, prepare a portfolio, write a statement of intent, and submit official transcripts. Specific guidelines are available on the OCAD U admissions website.
What will I study in the Photography curriculum?
+
The curriculum covers historical, analogue, and digital processes, including courses like Colour Photography, Digital Imaging and Printing, Studio Lighting, and Photography Theory and Criticism. The first year provides a foundational art and design education before specialization.