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Extended Studies

PRE-UNIVERSITY STUDIES

Interested in preparing for NSCAD before you apply? We offer summer pre-university programs where you can attend classes with NSCAD students, or you can take an online Portfolio Review course to improve the portfolio of work you have to submit in your application package.

University preparation.

High school students who are entering their final year in the following fall are eligible to apply to take one Foundation-level summer course. You will work in a NSCAD studio, study under the guidance of a qualified instructor, and interact with regular degree students who are also registered in the course. The online Portfolio Review course is designed for students interested in applying to post-secondary education and would like support in consolidating their work into a portfolio format.

Topics covered include how to document and select work shown in a portfolio, the importance of a sketch book, and how to prepare a letter of intent.

 

We’re here to help set you up for success.

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Students will be immersed in the classroom experience with renowned artists and instructors in personal, productive ways to create an outstanding experience with real art, craft and design production and curation as core outcomes using theoretical and practical content.

Summer pre-university programs.

High school students who are entering their final year in the following fall are eligible to apply to take one Foundation-level summer course. You will work in a NSCAD studio, study under the guidance of a qualified instructor, and interact with regular degree students who are also registered in the course.

 

This Pre-University Credit Study Program is for high school students who are interested in completing a challenging university-level visual arts studio course, prior to high school graduation. Students with an interest in the visual arts and who are entering Grade 12 the following fall are eligible to apply to the program.

 

Admitted students may register in one foundation-level summer studio course. They will work in a NSCAD studio, study under the guidance of a qualified instructor, and have opportunities to interact with NSCAD students who are also registered in the course. Through this experience, students gain an understanding of what it is like to study in a visual arts environment while earning university credit.

 

Students will be immersed in the classroom experience with renowned artists and instructors in very personal, productive ways to create an outstanding experience with real art, craft, and design production and curation as core outcomes using theoretical and practical content.

 

Program admission is limited. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to visual arts study through an application process and be in excellent academic standing in their schools (3.0 GPA or greater). In order to be considered, the completed application must be received by the April 30 deadline.

 

For individuals admitted to the program and who have no formal art training, a noncredit introductory drawing course is strongly recommended prior to enrolling in FNDN 1100 or Foundation Drawing 1.

 

Book an appointment to speak with an admissions advisor now about this option.

 

Portfolio review.

The online Portfolio Review course is designed for students interested in applying to post-secondary education and would like support in consolidating their work into a portfolio format. Participants will be guided by NSCAD University faculty, Anna Sprague and Louis-Charles Dionne. Topics covered include how to document and select work shown in a portfolio, the importance of a sketch book and how to prepare a letter of intent. Each module includes instructor presentations or demonstrations as well as resources for additional reading. To help you build a strong portfolio, instructors will facilitate group Q/A sessions as well as provide individualized critique and feedback.

 

Articulation and pathway agreements.

NSCAD University has agreements with colleges, high schools, and other partners across Canada to increase student mobility and ensure a smooth academic transition to a university degree program at NSCAD. Learn more about transferring to NSCAD.