If you are applying from high school or another college or university but haven’t completed a full year of a visual arts program, you will apply to our foundation program, the base year for all of our degree programs.
A number of projects are required for your foundation portfolio, a key element of the application process. It's a good idea to complete these projects well before the application deadline, to give them maximum attention and effort. The Admissions Committee – faculty from all areas of the university – looks closely for signs of a prospective student's potential, and such indicators as inquisitive explorations, critical thinking, technical and conceptual skills, and high academic standing. Early application is encouraged.
NSCAD requires that all degree students complete two semesters of Foundation studies which are designed to introduce the practices, principles, approaches, and issues of art, craft, and design. The Foundation year consists of two semesters of course work totaling 30 credits. This includes 15 credits of required courses (9 credits of studio courses and 6 credits of LAS courses), and 15 credits of selected studio courses (6 credits of fundamentals and 9 credits of studio practice).
15 credits of required courses must include:
9 credits of Studio Courses
- Introduction to Studio Practice FNDN 1010 (3 credits)
- Foundation Drawing 1 FNDN 1100 (3 credits)
- Foundation Drawing 2 FNDN 1600 (3 credits)
6 credits of LAS Courses
- Introduction to Visual Culture FNDN 1200 (3 credits)
- Writing for the Arts FNDN 1800 (3 credits)
The LAS courses may be taken in either order. Students who expect to have Writing for the Arts waived through transfer of the English Requirement will be expected to complete Intro to Visual Culture during their first semester in the Foundation Program, so that they can proceed on to an art history course or other liberal arts course during their second semester.
15 credits of selected Studio courses are chosen from the following categories:
Three courses (9 credits) of Studio Practice selected from the following:
- Studio Practice: Film FNDN 1410 (3credits)
- Studio Practice: Intermedia FNDN 1420 (3 credits)
- Studio Practice: Modelled Forms FNDN 1430 (3credits)
- Studio Practice: Constructed Forms FNDN 1440 (3 credits)
- Studio Practice: Design FNDN 1450 (3 credits)
- Studio Practice: Paint/Print FNDN 1460 (3 credits)
Two courses (6 credits) of fundamentals are selected from the following five courses:
- Foundation Photography FNDN 1310 (3 credits)
- Foundation Video FNDN 1330 (3 credits)
- Foundation Wood/Metal FNDN 1340 (3 credits)
- Foundation Computer FNDN 1350 (3 credits)
- Foundation Movement Art FNDN 1360 (3 credits)
NOTE: Students intending to declare a Major Program should note that the following Foundation courses are required for entry to those programs, and should be taken during Foundation Year.
BDes (Bachelor of Design, Major in Interdisciplinary Design)
FNDN 1450 Studio Practice Design
FNDN 1350 Foundation Computer
BFA (Film)
FNDN 1330 Foundation Video
BFA (Intermedia): 2 of
FNDN 1310 Foundation Photography
FNDN 1330 Foundation Video
FNFN 1350 Foundation Computer
BFA (Photography):
FNDN 1310 Foundation Photography
FNDN 1350 Foundation Computer
For a summary and sample semester structure, please visit the undergraduate program guide.