Summer Programs
Established in 1908 as one of the University of Alberta’s founding bodies, the Faculty of Arts now boasts one of the most diverse faculties in Canada. To learn more about the Faculty of Arts, visit our About page.
We offer high-quality 4-week and 2-week summer programs. See below for details.
Interactive Media + Virtual Production
The summer program is collaboratively delivered by one of the top drama programs in Canada, the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta, and Northern Gateway Films — an industry leader and innovator in virtual production.
Dates
July 13 - August 7, 2026 (4 weeks)
Fee
$5000 CAD + 3.5% processing fee per person (including accommodation). Credit card payment required.
Location
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Program course modules
Week 1: Character and scene design
Conceptualizing character and character visualization, scene design, lighting in media
Week 2: Virtual production and unreal character creation
Building scenes using environments, lighting and cameras, virtual character creation, unreal engine, storyboarding
Week 3: Motion capture
Body motion and facial motion capture, capture data clean up, import motion capture data into UES animations
Week 4: Scene assembly + showcase
Motion capture data integration into scenes, camera placement and lighting in virtual scenes, scene polish and final edits
Program highlights
- Hands-on training in motion capture and virtual production: Operate motion capture suits, cameras and animation software in state-of-the-art film studios.
- Creative application of emerging technologies: Learn how to use motion capture and virtual production tools to develop innovative digital media.
- Collaboration between academia and industry: The program is offered by the University of Alberta’s Drama Department and Northern Gateway Films, a leader in virtual production.
- Global and inclusive learning environment: Connect with peers from around the world in a collaborative classroom setting.
Transferable skills
- Motion capture, virtual production, VR, animation and AI technology
- Project management from concept to delivery
- Teamwork and leadership in creative environments
- Skills applicable to film, theatre, marketing, sports, theme parks and other high-performance sectors
Potential participants
Creative and technical students in:
- Arts and culture
- New media
- Visual design and communication
- Events and marketing
For Canadian citizens or domestic students, a program fee of $2,500 CAD + 3.5% processing fee will be charged. The fee ONLY includes course materials (no residence, no meals).
Canadian students must verify their residency by sending a copy of their ID/first page of passport to artsintl@ualberta.ca. Stud
2027 Summer Program Registration – Details Coming Soon
Understanding Digital Media
Providing students with in-depth knowledge and unparalleled hands-on experience in digital media.
Dates
July 13 - 24, 2026 (2 weeks)
Fee
$2700 CAD + 3.5% processing fee per person (including accommodation). Credit card payment required.
Location
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Program course modules
Module 1 (Week 1): Character and media design
Conceptualizing character and character visualization, scene design, lighting in media
Module 2 (Week 2): Virtual production and unreal character creation
Building scenes using environments, lighting and cameras, virtual character creation, unreal engine, storyboarding
Program highlights
- Providing students with in-depth knowledge and unparalleled hands-on experience in digital media: Students will gain unique hands-on experience operating motion capture suits, equipment, and virtual production and animation software programs in state-of-the-art film studios.
- Enhancing students’ creative intelligence: Students will learn about the most advanced media and virtual production process and technology, and how to use them to create digital and mixed media.
- Joint academic and industry excellence: The summer program is collaboratively delivered by one of the top drama programs in Canada—the Drama Department at the University of Alberta, and Northern Gateway Films—an industry leader and innovator in virtual production.
For Canadian citizens or domestic students, a program fee of $1,400 CAD + 3.5% processing fee will be charged. The fee ONLY includes course materials (no residence, no meals).
Canadian students must verify their residency by sending a copy of their ID/first page of passport to artsintl@ualberta.ca. Stud
2027 Summer Program Registration – Details Coming Soon
An invitation to international students
Whether you're joining us from nearby or across the globe, this summer program offers a welcoming, world-class creative experience. International students have long found a sense of belonging, inspiration and opportunity in the Faculty of Arts — and you can too.
The International Student Experience in the Faculty of Arts
What does it really mean to study in Canada?
From Nigeria and Pakistan to Mexico and China, international students choose the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts to pursue world-class education — and discover a sense of belonging far from home.
In this video, students share how they follow their academic passions, build cross-cultural connections and grow as scholars, leaders and friends.
Learn more about our international student admissions »