Computation Arts (BFA)

While the digital realm continues to grow exponentially, become someone who wields the tools of technology creatively — and shape what comes next. Explore the intersection of design, art, and technology in a comprehensive, yet flexible program of studies, with the latitude to zero in on and pursue your own interests.

Develop your artistic vision while sharpening your computer programming skills and discover how to approach technology as a means of influencing digital culture. Montreal has achieved international recognition as a place where important, innovative work happens in interactive technologies, meaning you’ll find inspiration all around you. Montreal is home to the Société des arts technologiques (SAT), the Phi Centre, Moment Factory, and the digital arts festivals ELEKTRA and MUTEK. The city also has a vibrant game studio landscape that includes Ubisoft, Warner Brothers, Electronic Arts and an ecosystem of smaller independent studios.

As a trained creative and conceptual thinker, you’ll be well-placed to work for companies operating in the digital world, or to become an artist-practitioner, or even to start your own studio.

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.

Program options

• Specialization in Computation Arts (60 credits)
  Students interested in either a design or studio practice in digital media with a solid technical foundation should consider the Specialization. Students in the specialization program take all their courses within the Faculty of Fine Arts.

• Joint Major in Computation Arts and Computer Science (45 credits)
  Students interested in combining a design or studio practice in digital media with a deep foundation in computer science should consider the Joint Major. 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.

• Minor in Computation Arts (24 credits)*
  *Please note that admissions to this Minor is currently suspended. Only available to students in their second year and later.
  Students in the Minor program will explore the use of computers as a new medium for creative expression. Using digital media, the program provides students with a rich foundation for innovative work that crosses the areas of design, art and technology.

• Minor in Game Design (24 credits)*
  *Please note admission to this Minor is only available to students in their second year and later.
  Students in the Game Design minor will have access to the whole game design and development course sequence of the Computation Arts program. This curriculum covers the theoretical as well as technical and artistic underpinnings of designing playful applications.

For a list of required courses, please download the Program Guide according to year of entry.

Advanced level students have the opportunity to pursue independent study courses and internships.

International study opportunities
Concordia University offers students the opportunity to take part in an International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) that will count for credit towards their Concordia degree, while paying the same tuition fees they do at home and possibly receiving funding. International study opportunities bring cultural diversity and enrichment through immersion in the programs of study at Concordia’s partner institutions.

Professional internships
Internships provide students with the opportunity to pursue work in design-related industries and cultural institutions. Students have found placements in both large companies, as well as independent studios in a wide range of disciplinary areas. Consult the Undergraduate Calendar for details about program specific requirements and prerequisites. 

Independent studies
Students may explore specific areas of design through intensive research in an independent study. This opportunity allows students to work directly with a member of the faculty to develop a semester-long project. Consult the Undergraduate Calendar for details about program specific requirements and prerequisites.

Undergraduate students in eligible programs can schedule one full-time, relevant, paid internship to complement academic and para-academic activities.

Internships must be:

• Paid
• Minimum 35 hours per week, full-time
• 12 to 17 weeks 
• Start in September, January or May
• Relevant to student’s program of study.

Many alumni find meaningful work in the videogame, advertising and entertainment industries. Graduates have gone on to start their own studios focused on work like web design, electronic installations, and “physical computing” for museum exhibits (developing computer systems that interact with the physical world).