The Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta stands out as a premier hub for humanities education in Canada. Its curriculum masterfully blends academic rigour with hands-on experience, opening up a world of creative possibilities for students. Each year, this institution draws in top talent from across the globe, all eager to learn in a modern, open, and inspiring environment. In this article for edmontonski, we’ll dive into the exciting opportunities that await you at the Faculty of Arts, right here at Edmonton’s leading university.
About the Faculty and Its Values

The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts cultivates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, allowing its diverse student body to truly flourish. The programs offered here unlock career paths in countless fields, with graduates becoming leading experts worldwide.
Whether your passion lies in fine arts, humanities, or social sciences, there’s a program tailored for you. The faculty boasts friendly advisors and instructors who are excited to meet you and offer support with any questions you might have.
Departments Within the Faculty
The Faculty of Arts is home to over 20 departments, along with numerous interdisciplinary programs and institutes. Approximately 6,000 students are enrolled here, making up about one-fifth of the university’s total student population.
Several of the faculty’s departments rank among the best in Canada. For instance, the Department of Drama is renowned as the top theatre school in the country. The Department of English holds an impressive 22nd place globally, while both Philosophy and Sociology departments are within the world’s top 100. Linguistics, Psychology, and Cultural Studies also enjoy international recognition.
The Department of Art and Design holds a special place, offering an exciting and engaging learning experience. Let’s delve deeper into what it has to offer.
University of Alberta’s Department of Art and Design

The Department of Art and Design integrates three core practices: design studies, fine arts, and the history of visual culture. This broad spectrum of teaching and research allows students to hone their critical thinking skills and bring their projects to life.
Within the department, you can explore industrial design, visual communication design, drawing, media art, intermedia, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and the history of art and visual culture. The department actively supports emerging student artists through numerous exhibitions and events, helping them kickstart their careers.
How Else the Faculty Supports Students
The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts goes above and beyond to help students achieve their dreams. For instance, it houses the Timms Art Centre, a dedicated studio theatre where the university’s theatre studio season takes place. The Timms Art Centre boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory where students and faculty collaborate to create unique and contemporary productions. The Timms Art Centre always welcomes audiences, ensuring student performances have a lively crowd.
The university also hosts numerous concerts featuring student performances in the university’s Convocation Hall. Throughout the season, you can catch a variety of captivating shows. Keep an eye on the official faculty website for upcoming events.
Exhibitions by artists and designers from the Department of Art and Design are showcased at the Fine Arts Building Gallery (FAB). This gallery serves as a crucial educational resource, offering students their first opportunities to exhibit their work. Such experience is invaluable for students, providing a significant boost to their resumes.
In summary, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts is more than just an educational space; it’s a vibrant creative community. Here, students have the chance to learn and develop entire art projects. With a wide array of programs and robust support from instructors, everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential.