ADVISORY: All of Halifax Peninsula, including NSCAD’s three campuses, are currently under a boil water advisory until further notice. All water must be boiled for at least one minute if it will be used for drinking or any other activity requiring human consumption.
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Extended Studies

Study at NSCAD

At NSCAD University, not only will you receive a rigorous, interdisciplinary educational experience, but you will belong to a vibrant creative community recognized globally for its impact on art, craft and design. Connecting you with award-winning faculty, you will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the creative industries, where you will become leaders, entrepreneurs and experts in your fields.

Why NSCAD

why nscad

Students at NSCAD University have been shaping art, design and craft in Canada since 1887. With an approach to education that includes the strategic integration of arts, culture and community engagement, students thrive in a learning and research environment that is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and academic excellence.


Undergraduate

NSCAD’s  four-year undergraduate programs provide a diverse foundation of skills and knowledge in a specific art, design or craft field. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Design or a Bachelor of Fine Arts.


Graduate

A national  leader in art education at the graduate level, NSCAD currently offers three graduate programs: a Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts in Art Education and a Master of Design.

Post-baccalaureate
Certificates

NSCAD offers post-baccalaureate certificates for those who wish to expand their skills and expertise. Learning is ongoing, and NSCAD offers options to help you excel in the creative economy.

ART HISTORY AND CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

Become a skilled writer and astute observer of contemporary culture. With a strong emphasis on theory, the Art History and Contemporary Culture Division includes: – Majors in art history, art history (non-studio) – Minors in art history, Indigenous studies – Master of Arts in Art Education – Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers, Art Specialist and Non-Art Specialist

FINE ARTS

The Fine Arts Division has a rich history and connection with the Canadian contemporary art scene. As a fine arts student, you will have the unique opportunity to select a specialization while continuing to explore other art forms. The Fine Arts Division holds the: -Major in fine arts -Specializations in drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture and interdisciplinary arts -Masters of Fine Arts

CRAFT

The Craft Division is a place of theory and exploration. Through a combination of rigorous liberal arts scholarship and studio practice, you will develop traditional craft techniques while also learning how your chosen discipline connects to other fields. The Craft Division includes: – Majors in ceramics, jewellery and metalsmithing, and textiles and fashion.

MEDIA ARTS

Known for producing many of the region’s most renowned photographers, filmmakers, media artists, and technicians, the Media Arts Division is a tight-knit student community who collaborate on projects, both inside and outside of the classroom. The Media Arts Division holds the: -Majors in film, photography, expanded media and interdisciplinary arts -Minor in animation

DESIGN

Students in the Design Division study all aspects of design – from graphic to interactive to product. Sharpen your conceptual skills while learning to communicate and solve problems in a range of media and contexts. The Design Division holds the: – Major in interdisciplinary design – Masters in Design

FOUNDATION

The Foundation year provides exploratory courses in a variety of disciplines that equip students with the critical skills required to thrive in an art and design university environment. In this first year you’ll learn: the vocabulary of visual arts, how to give and receive critical feedback, observational drawing, colour theory, composition, 2D and 3D design, academic writing and analytical skills, visual culture studies, and more.

Extended studies

You don’t have to be enrolled at NSCAD to take advantage of our world-class programming! If you want to explore your creative side in your free time, why not take a class through Extended Studies? There are many formats and learning options, including short and long-term courses, workshops, open studios, certificate programs and online courses.

Experiential learning

Take the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and use them to gain real world experience. NSCAD has great experiential learning options, which will allow you to build on your educational foundation, network and make connections, and build your portfolio and CV.

E-Learning

NSCAD University offers a roster of engaging and innovative online learning opportunities for the NSCAD community. Understanding that traditional methods of learning are not always possible and that many students are looking for flexible learning options, eLearning allows for different educational models to be accessed by our diverse student population.

To learn more about the faculty and technicians at NSCAD, including their current research and art practices, division and contact information, visit the faculty directory.