Drama

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Introduction

Congratulations on being accepted into a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program. You are embarking on an educational journey that will offer you a balance of artistic attainment, expression and scholarly discipline in the fine arts.

Drama offers a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree comprised of a broad curriculum including: acting, directing, scenography, playwriting, performance creation, drama education, theatre history and dramatic literature and criticism. The program allows the student to tailor their degree to their interests and their desired career path. Drama also offers a five-year concurrent BFA/BED degree with the Werklund School of Education. Many of our courses are available to non-Drama students and can contribute to an elective requirement.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree requires the completion of 120 credits and typically four years of full-time study.

Courses required in your first year

1. Option courses from Art, Art History, Drama, Film or Music are recommended.

2. Students may take the required Junior English half course in either fall or winter term.

* Drama 223 is not being offered in winter 2025 due to room renovations but will be offered in spring 2025. This course is required for second year drama courses. An open option can be taken in its place instead if you still want five courses in winter 2025.

Tip:
Remember to register for both fall and winter semesters at the same time.

For further information, please contact:
Telephone: 403.220.3580
Email: artsads@ucalgary.ca
Website: arts.ucalgary.ca/schools/creative-performing-arts/drama

Studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree means that you are a student in the Faculty of Arts.

As a student in a Bachelor of Fine Arts, you can complete a major in either Visual Studies, Dance or Drama. In general, your major refers to the subject area you’d like your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree to focus on (i.e. Bachelor of Fine Arts, major in Drama).

In addition to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, the Faculty of Arts offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Science degree programs. From Archeology to Visual Studies, there are numerous majors and programs to choose from within the Faculty of Arts.

If you are coming to the University of Calgary with Advanced Placement credit or International Baccalaureate credit, you will follow the same registration process as any first time university student. You may be eligible to use your transfer credit in your degree program depending on the program you have entered and whether or not the courses are applicable. Look for International Baccalaureate credit information here and Advanced Placement information here.

You may view your transfer credit by logging in to your online Student Centre. Once you know the transfer credit you have received, you may contact the academic advisor in your faculty to get advice on course selection.

Generally, students must complete 18 units at the junior (200-level) before they are allowed to register in 300-level courses. However, if you received IB or AP credit for a 200-level course, you may take the 300-level course that has your 200-level course listed as a prerequisite.

Study Abroad: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe, all while earning credit towards your degree. The University of Calgary offers exchanges and study abroad programs in 61 different countries.

Community Service-Learning: Combine your classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals, and see first-hand how your academic learning relates to social issues.

Co-Curricular Record: Have your out-of-classroom experiences such as volunteer work, leadership training and club involvement documented on a Co-Curricular Record, an official document sanctioned by the University of Calgary. The Co-Curricular Record is the first of its kind in Western Canada.

Drama Undergraduate Society (DUS): Join a dedicated and energetic group of students who have a genuine passion for all aspects of theatre. The DUS organizes fund-raisers, social activities, workshops and other theatre events geared toward supporting and helping students.