BFA - New Media
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media
Major: New Media
Cultivate. Critique. Create for a complex future.
Develop the skills to master emerging technologies as a content creator in a variety of professional settings.
The rapid advancement and integration of digital and interactive technologies has radically changed the way we communicate and interact with each other. By combining traditional art, music, drama practices, theory, and criticism with digital and interactive media, this program provides you with the skills, knowledge and experience essential for the field of new media communication.
As a graduate of this program you'll be ready to take on complex professional duties requiring high levels of maturity, intellect and technical proficiency.
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media
Major: New Media
Degree Length: 4 years
Explore the intersection of art, design and technology in a hands-on program that prepares you for creative careers and leadership in a rapidly evolving digital world. From day one, you’ll dive into collaborative and self-directed creative projects while building a strong foundation in interactive, narrative, spatial and networked media.
Our innovative program blends studio practice with professional development and research-creation, helping you build impactful digital work while exploring the cultural, ethical and environmental issues shaping the world today.
Build skills in areas that excite you — digital storytelling, modelling, video, sound, coding, game design, UX, AR/VR and more
Learn through studio-based courses that blend experimentation, collaboration and critical inquiry with access to cutting-edge equipment and labs
Participate in a New Media internship where you work for a company or organization in an area that is of interest to you
Key skills gained
- Audio-visual storytelling
- Research-creation & critical media literacy
- Socially engaged & ethical digital practices
Explore careers in
- Creative & digital production
- Media technologies
- Cultural work & entrepreneurship
What you need to know as a current student in this program
For the BFA - New Media (New Media) program there are some must-take courses that provide a great foundation for your major, but you'll also have flexibility on choosing a number of courses for the path of specialization and creative study you wish to take. Refer to your Program Planning Guide in your calendar year for the courses you'll need to take and choose from within the New Media lists and as Electives.
- at least 40 courses (120.0 credit hours) with cumulative and graduation grade point averages of at least 2.00;
- a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all courses from the Department of New Media;
- at least 13 courses (39.0 credit hours) at the 3000/4000 level in FineArts (New Media, Cinema, Art, Art History, Drama, Fine Arts, Museum Studies or Music);
- A maximum of five Disciplinary Credit Applied Studies (15.0 credit hours)for students completing Advanced Studio (New Media 4690), or a maximum of two Disciplinary Credit Applied Studies (6.0 credit hours) for students completing the New Media Internship (New Media 4651 and New Media 4661).
- 8 courses for Liberal Education Requirements.
Remember that program requirements vary depending on the calendar year, which is usually the year of admission (or readmission) to ULethbridge. Therefore, requirements may differ from year to year even within the same major.
Not sure what calendar year you should be using for your program? Want to change your calendar year?
What is a Program Planning Guide?
A Program Planning Guide (PPG) outlines the courses required to complete your program, along with a sequencing plan. You should keep your Program Planning Guide up to date and refer to it for course registration and general program planning. You can find and download Program Planning Guides below.
The Advanced Studio course provides you with the opportunity to conceive, research, develop, and complete a large-scale new media project. You are given the freedom to work independently while, at the same time, drawing upon the expertise and guidance of your professor as well as the creative and critical input of other senior students. Learn more about Advanced Studio
If you choose the New Media Internship placement option you'll work for a company or organization in your final semester in an area of new media that is of interest to you. The internship allows you to apply the knowledge learned during your university studies in a variety of fields. Students have benefited a great deal from their internship semester, and if you are considering an internship, contact the Internship Program Coordinator by the start of your third year. Students and employers often credit the internship as being an invaluable component for integrating students into the new media workforce. In the past, students have taken internships at web and graphic design houses, television production studios, video game studios, educational and religious institutions, animation and special effects studios, and 3D modeling/architecture studios. Students have interned across Canada including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and around the world (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Italy, California, Hawaii, Texas, and Utah). Details about the New Media Internship
If you are interested in research, independent studio work, graduate studies, or simply want an academic challenge, you may add an Honours Thesis (New Media 4995 course) to your studies. The designation will appear on your official transcript and degree parchment.
Did you know? A minor is a great way to complement your major and have your interests in another subject area recognized on your official transcript. It is an optional component of your degree program that requires a smaller number of courses to complete.
See an Advisor for more information about this.
- Visit Fine Arts Advising to request a program check and confirm you are on track to complete your requirements.
- Review the Convocation page and Graduation Checklist.
- Apply for graduation on the Bridge by the applicable deadline.
Fine Arts Advisors are here to help you along the way!
We understand that your goals may change during your academic journey. The Fine Arts Student Program Services team is here to assist you in selecting courses, exploring your academic options, doing program checks and making sure you have everything you need to graduate from this program.
Additional Resources
See what we're about in Fine Arts!
Interested in this program but have a few more questions? Speak to a human about this program today!
Contact Dr. Nick Sullivan, our Fine Arts Recruitment & Retention Specialist. Nick can answer Fine Arts admissions-related questions, and gives awesome tours of the University Centre for the Arts.