Areas of Study

Opening reception in the FAB Gallery for Design Latitudes featuring over 50 works of art and design that map cultural innovations and influences in the north.

The Department of Art & Design brings together three practices often separated - Design Studies, Fine Arts, and the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture. The breadth and depth of teaching, research, and creative endeavour supports collaborations in design thinking, hands-on studio practice, and critical visual and historical analysis.


Design Studies

Our interdisciplinary and competitive Design Studies program offers areas of study in Industrial Design and Visual Communication Design.

Fine Arts

Our Fine Arts program provides a dynamic and collaborative environment offering studies in Drawing, Media Arts / Intermedia, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture

Our History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture program equips you to think creatively, read critically, and understand visual cultures and their histories.



International Travel Opportunities

The Thames taken from Tower Bridge during a short-term trip to London (photo provided by Louise Asselstine)

As a student in our department, you have several international travel and exchange opportunities, in addition to the freedom to plan your own study abroad experience. We have several options such as:

  • Design Student Exchange in Münster, Germany
  • e3 program in Berlin
  • Study of art and cultural history in Cortona, Italy
  • Printmaking student exchanges in Concordia University, Montreal
  • Faculty-organized and student-organized short-term non-credit trips
  • U of A Go Abroad Program


Undergraduate Studies

Visit our Undergraduate Programs to learn about our degree options.


Graduate Studies

To learn about the degrees we offer, visit our Graduate Programs.