Program type
Major
Computation Arts – Computer Science (BFA)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall
Why study Computer Science – Computation Arts?
Stimulate the senses. Engage the mind. When you study Computation Arts, you become a digital artist, using algorithms and computational theory to create interactive multimedia that breaks new audio-visual ground.
The degree gives students the flexibility to combine a traditional computer science degree with a non-traditional field. Our state-of-the-art labs for 3D graphics, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence will give you experience with the equipment you’ll use in the field. Through labs, lectures and projects, you’ll also:
- Investigate programming paradigms as they relate to digital art and design
- Learn the techniques and conceptual strategies central to 3D digital production
- Use computer systems to process, synthesize, and manipulate digitized representations of sound
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Students interested in combining a design or studio practice in digital media with a deep foundation in computer science should consider this program.
Students will take half of their courses in the Computation Arts program and half in the Computer Science program offered by the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science.
The computer science courses provide a basic and broad study of theory, mathematical basics, programming methodology, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems, and software engineering.
Courses
Admission criteria
This program is available for Fall admission only.
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements for admission
- Quebec CEGEP: 27 overall, 26 math
- Calculus I & II, Linear Algebra
- Additional information for CEGEP applicants
- High school: A- overall, A- math
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
- ACT or SAT is not required
- AP exams are not required but may qualify you for advanced standing
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 33 overall, 5 HL or 6 SL math
- One math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or SL)
- Baccalauréat français: 15 overall, 15 math
- Première: Spécialité mathématiques
- Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques
- Additional information for Baccalauréat français applicants
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams AB, B in math or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Students without a math A-level may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University transfers (internal): 3.0 overall, 3.0 in math, 2.3 in courses offered by GCS
- At least two of the following (or equivalent): MATH 203, 204, 205
- University transfers (external): A- overall, A- math
- Courses in the disciplines of Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may still be considered for admission, provided they have completed the majority of the prerequisite courses. Transfer credits may be considered on a course-by-course basis.
Additional requirements for admission
Applicants must submit additional requirements for admission directly to the department.
- Portfolio required
- Letter of Intent
Students must submit a portfolio with their application.
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL TERM
March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
WINTER
Admission to this program is available for the Fall Term only.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Funding note
Quebec residents who enroll in this program and meet the eligibility criteria may apply for funding of $2,500 per term through the Quebec Perspective Bursary (Bourse Perspective Quebec).
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
After your degree
Computation Arts alumni have established careers in the advertising and entertainment industry as programmers and designers. Some graduates have been hired by:
- Ubisoft
- Moment Factory
- Sid Lee
- Electronic Arts
- Warner Brothers Interactive
Student story
Marilou Brickert
Bachelor of Fine Arts Major Design
Create and experiment with sustainable practices at the Faculty of Fine Arts, where Marilou Brickert brings artistic visions to life.
Other programs of interest
When you study computation arts, you become part of a visionary digital program that explores the intersection of design, art and technology.
Department
Department of Design and Computation Arts
Faculty
If you want to be a pioneer, exploring relationships between emerging and existing media technologies and the fine arts, then this program for you.
Department
Faculty
Stimulate the senses. Engage the mind. When you study computation arts, you become a digital artist, using algorithms and computational theory to create interactive multimedia that breaks new audio-visual ground. Computation Arts is Creative Computing – with a capital C.
Department
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Faculty
