Discover all of the units within UBC Arts, including leadership, academic, experiential learning, arts and culture, and support.
Interdisciplinary Programs
African Studies Minor
The African Studies Minor program at UBC was initiated in 2005 in response to students’ aspiration to connect UBC more closely with the African continent. It is designed to provide students with an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Afri
Arts and Culture
AHVA Gallery at the Audain Centre
The AHVA Gallery at the Audain Art Centre is a contemporary exhibition space that serves the Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory at UBC. The AHVA Gallery provides a site for artistic and curatorial collaborations for both students and fa
Arts and Culture
Arts & Culture District
The UBC Arts and Culture District fosters community and wellbeing for students by encouraging free artistic expression in the many cultural spaces on campus. They bring creativity, art, and inspiration to light at UBC and house everything from theatr
Support
Arts Academic Advising
Arts Academic Advising works with faculty, academic programs, and campus partners to guide Arts students as they create their academic pathway — with reflection, intention, and enriched learning experiences — from the Faculty’s diverse offering
Experiential Learning
Arts Co-op Program
The Arts Co-op Program offers students enriched educational experiences for personal and professional growth by working with diverse community partners and sectors to provide transformative workplace learning.
Support
Arts Communications
Arts Communications promotes Arts knowledge and achievements and fosters an engaged and inspired community through creative and strategic media, design, and storytelling. The team acts as a bridge between the Dean of Arts office and its associated u
Support
Arts Finance Group
The Faculty of Arts Finance Group was established and became operational in Fall of 2015. With funding and assistance from the University Finance Support Program, the team—which consists of eight members with extensive financial expertise and exper
Support
Arts Instructional Support & Information Technology (ISIT)
Arts Instructional Support and Information Technology (ISIT) is a learning, teaching, and technology support unit for the Faculty of Arts. The unit offers an array of resources and services to support faculty members with their instruction in and out
First Year Programs
Arts One Program
Arts One is team-taught by five instructors from a variety of disciplines. Students can read and discuss classic and contemporary texts from different historical periods and cultural contexts, and consider their influence on society.
First Year Programs
Arts Studies in Research and Writing
Arts Studies in Research and Writing (ASRW) supports undergraduate students’ participation in the research culture of UBC. Drawing on cutting edge theories of writing and teaching, ASRW aims to show how scholars think about the world, and how that
Support
Arts Undergraduate Society
The Arts Undergraduate Society is a student-elected body that provides programming, services, and events for UBC Arts students. Through diversity, inclusivity and a physical space in Buchanan, the AUS aims to promote community and enhance the undergr
Joint Programs
Arts Vancouver Summer Program
The International Summer Arts Program was launched in 2013 to provide a cross-cultural learning experience for groups of students from several partner universities. The program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about Canadia
Interdisciplinary Programs
Asian Canadian and Asian Migration Studies
Asian Canadian and Asian Migration (ACAM) Studies is a multidisciplinary program at UBC that explores the history, culture, and contemporary development of Asian communities in Canada, and global Asian migrations. As a new Asian-Canadian community in
Journals
BC Studies
BC Studies is a peer reviewed journal that focuses on British Columbia’s social, cultural, political, and economic life. First published in the spring of 1969, BC Studies has played a unique role in the intellectual life of the province.
Journals
Canadian Literature
Canadian Literature is an academic quarterly that publishes peer-reviewed scholarly articles in French or English related to the field of Canadian literature, broadly defined. They also publish book reviews of critical and creative works, poems, shor
Interdisciplinary Programs
Canadian Studies
The Canadian Studies program is a multidisciplinary community of students and scholars, who critically engage Canada’s history to understand its place in the world. With over 90 departmental disciplines working on aspects of Canada, UBC Canadian St
Research Centres
Centre for Asian Canadian Research and Engagement
The Centre for Asian Canadian Research and Engagement (ACRE) focuses on meaningful community-based research and on building a more socially just future for Asian Canadian communities and beyond.
Research Centres
Centre For Climate Justice
The Centre for Climate Justice advances the urgent social, political and economic changes necessary to address the climate crisis. By supporting collaborative, interdisciplinary and intersectional research across diverse knowledge systems, the Centre
Research Centres
Centre for Computational Social Science
The Centre for Computational Social Sciences provides an intellectual and pedagogical hub for faculty and students engaged in cutting edge computational scholarship and training, providing a network of support for faculty and students needing access
Research Centres
Centre for European Studies
The Centre for European Studies supports a broad, transnational view of Europe, embodied through the collective work of scholars across the Social Sciences and Humanities. Through its speaker series, research colloquia, and other events, the Centre p
Research Centres
Centre for Migration Studies
The Centre for Migration Studies seeks to understand the drivers and consequences of international migration through research, education, and outreach. Research covers various migration-related topics, including social inclusion and integration, immi
Support
Centre for Student Involvement and Careers
Centre for Student Involvement and Careers (CSIC) provides all UBC students with access and connections to workplace learning, mentoring, volunteering, and leadership opportunities, and offers career and employment-related services.
Arts and Culture
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Since 1997, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has earned an international reputation for its striking design, stellar acoustics, and exceptional programming. From classical, jazz, theatre, and opera to world music, the Chan Centre is a vital pa
Interdisciplinary Programs
Children's Literature (MA program)
The Master of Arts in Children’s Literature (MACL) program is jointly offered by the Departments of English and Language and Literacy Education, the Creative Writing program, and the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. As the only
Interdisciplinary Programs
Cognitive Systems
The UBC Cognitive Systems Program (COGS) is a multidisciplinary, undergraduate program involving four departments: Computer Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology. The program is designed to introduce students to the issues and approaches
Leadership
Committees
UBC Arts brings together diverse members of the faculty in committees to advance a wide variety of initiatives, including the Curriculum Committee and the Dean's Advisory Committee on Promotion and Tenure.
First Year Programs
Coordinated Arts Program
Coordinated Arts Program (CAP) provides students the opportunity to explore a range of courses within the humanities, social sciences, and creative and performing arts within a supportive cohort setting. Students can select one of five streams th
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies
From the pyramids to the Colosseum, from Mount Olympus to Jerusalem, the Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (AMNE) links past, present, and future by exploring the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean and the Near East
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology advances the study and constructive understanding of human diversity and commonality, across the globe and throughout the long span of human existence. Through research, teaching, and community collaboration, the Depart
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Art History, Visual Art & Theory
The Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory (AHVA) comprises three streams of research-based learning and practice: Art History, Critical and Curatorial Studies, and Visual Art. The main goals of AHVA are to foster critical and reflexive thi
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Asian Studies
Founded in 1961, the Department of Asian Studies aims to increase the linguistic, intercultural, and analytical competencies of students on a variety of Asian cultures, languages and histories. The Department offers programs in Asian area studies and
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Central, Eastern & Northern European Studies
The Department of Central, Eastern and Northern European Studies offers unique interdisciplinary programs that blend history, culture and language for major European societies. The Department offers courses that compare communities across Europe with
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of English Language & Literatures
The Department of English Language and Literatures is offers two tiers of programming in English Literature, and English Language and Linguistics. The Department offers a range of interdisciplinary courses and topics including language, linguistics,
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of French, Hispanic & Italian Studies
The Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies is a centre for the study of Romance languages, literatures and cultures. The Department offers courses that strive to connect language studies to literature and culture, through a variety of int
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Geography
The Department of Geography offers undergraduate and graduate courses that focus on three main fields of geography: physical, human, and technical. Students in the program will study the natural and social processes that form our environments and int
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of History
The Department of History offers a wide range of courses on Asian, Canadian, European, Latin American, and American history, and examine themes such as culture, environment, politics, society, world history, and the history of science.
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Linguistics
The Department of Linguistics is an active centre for research and teaching on the scientific study of human language. Established in 1969, the Department has produced notable work on First Nations languages, African languages, experimental linguisti
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy aims to develop each students’ communication, analytical, critical-reasoning and problem-solving skills. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, philosophy students are able to merge classroom theory with applied practice
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science offers programs that focus on key subfields of political science, international relations, comparative politics, political theory as well as Canadian and U.S. politics. Students will understand, interpret, explain
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Psychology
UBC’s Department of Psychology is a leader in research and scholarship — ranked among the strongest departments in the world. Faculty conduct research across the spectrum of psychology and its subdisciplines: Behavioural Neuroscience, Clinical, C
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Sociology
The Department of Sociology at UBC is internationally renowned as a leading centre for sociological research and training. Students in the undergraduate and graduate programs will examine the processes of social and cultural life in human societies p
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Department of Theatre & Film
The Department of Theatre and Film offers a variety of programs that are designed to blend analytical-thinking with artistic practice. Students have the option to focus on a particular area of theatre and film including: acting, directing, design and
Support
Development and Alumni Engagement
The Faculty of Arts blends the creative and performing arts, social sciences, and humanities. The synergies from fifteen departments, six outstanding performing arts venues, five professional schools, a world-renowned museum and a leading art gallery
Arts and Culture
Dorothy Somerset Studio
The newly renovated Dorothy Somerset Studio Theatre is used to stage small productions and class projects for the Department of Theatre and Film. Equipped with a lighting board and a fixed grid, this attractive black box theatre can seat up to 120, w
Interdisciplinary Programs
Environment and Society
The minor in Environment and Society allows students to consider and explore both the consequences of humankind’s actions on the environment and the accumulating impact of these actions. Through Arts disciplines that focus on the human experience,
Interdisciplinary Programs
First Nations and Endangered Languages Program
The First Nations and Endangered Languages Program (FNEL) marks UBC’s commitment to community-based collaboration with the First Nations people, in recognition of the profound importance of First Nations languages and the rich cultural traditions t
Interdisciplinary Programs
First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program
First Nations and Indigenous Studies provides students with an understanding of the histories, contemporary realities, and political concerns of Indigenous peoples in Canada and beyond. Founded in 2001, students are provided extensive experience with
Arts and Culture
Frederic Wood Theatre
The Frederic Wood Theatre, also known as the “Freddie Wood Theatre” on campus, is the home of theatre productions and the heart of the Theatre and Film Department. The Frederic Wood Theatre is a multi-purpose building housing classrooms, offices
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Graduate School of Journalism
The UBC Graduate School of Journalism is one of only four masters-only journalism programs in North America, and the only graduate journalism program in western Canada. The program is designed to provide graduates with professional experience and aca
Leadership
Heads, Directors & Chairs
Heads, Directors, and Chairs provide oversight for departments, schools, institutes, programs, and cultural venues within UBC Arts.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Health and Society Minor
The Health and Society Minor (HESO) offers a multidisciplinary exploration of issues pertaining to health, illness, and society from perspectives inherent to the social sciences and humanities. HESO enables students to learn about such key issues in
Community Programs
Humanities 101
Humanities 101, or Hum, is a 19-year-old community programme that offers university-level courses and public programmes to individuals situated in the Downtown Eastside and Downtown South. Individuals in the program participate in study groups and wo
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies
The Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies (CIS) is an interdisciplinary research unit for Indigenous critical theory and politics, arts research, and applied social practice within the humanities and social sciences at UBC. It hosts two major pro
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality, & Social Justice
The Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (GRSJ) provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of global and local social justice issues. Areas of study include: critical race theory, ethnic studies, indigenous studies,
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Institute of Asian Research
The Institute of Asian Research (IAR) is the focal point on Asia policy and current affairs at UBC as well as an interdisciplinary scholarship on modern and pre-modern Asia. The IAR serves as the premier, Asia-focused research institute and think tan
Interdisciplinary Programs
Interdisciplinary Studies (BA Program)
The Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) BA Program offers a multidisciplinary alternative to the traditional, department-based major. Students admitted to the program design their own cross-disciplinary course of study to progress their individual acade
First Year Programs
International Program at UBC Vantage College
UBC’s Vantage College offers a pathway program that is custom designed for international students, to support the transition from high school to university studies. This 11 month program combines undergraduate study with additional English language
Interdisciplinary Programs
International Relations
The International Relations (IR) program examines the global interactions between states, non-state actors, as well as economic and social structures and the processes that connect them. At UBC, the IR program enables students to develop an in-depth
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Language Sciences Institute
This UBC Language Sciences Global Research Excellence Institute aims to connect scholars, teachers, and researchers working in all areas of the language sciences, to create collaborations that produce and support innovative research. From investigati
Research Centres
Language Sciences Institute
Language touches every area of our lives. Language sciences explores how. The UBC Language Sciences Institute aims to shape the future of this field by connecting scholars, researchers, and teachers to create collaborations that result in ground-bre
Interdisciplinary Programs
Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to give students a general knowledge of and strong approach to the language, culture, society, geography, political systems, and history of Latin America. The Latin American Studies prog
Interdisciplinary Programs
Law and Society Minor
The Law and Society Minor at UBC introduces students to ideas, concepts, and frameworks about the nature of law and legal processes in a local, global, and historical context. This program examines the connections and relationships of law and society
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Liu Institute for Global Issues
The Liu Institute for Global Issues is an interdisciplinary research hub that aspires to influence academic and public debates about global issues, inform policy decisions, and become an important source of ideas, education, information and perspecti
Interdisciplinary Programs
Media Studies (BMS Program)
The Bachelor of Media Studies (BMS) program at UBC is a multidisciplinary, direct-entry program in the Faculty of Arts. Combining artistic, technical, and analytical skills, the program is designed to help students understand the impact of technologi
Interdisciplinary Programs
Medieval Studies
The Medieval Studies program at UBC offers students an interdisciplinary approach to Medieval history, older than the modern system of organizing knowledge by “disciplines.” Through a study of the Medieval period, students can come to an understa
Interdisciplinary Programs
Modern European Studies
Modern European Studies is an interdepartmental undergraduate program of the Faculty of Arts. It offers students the opportunity to combine European languages, history, art, music, literature, philosophy, geography, sociology, anthropology, politics,
Arts and Culture
Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery promotes understanding and discussion of contemporary art and ideas through its curated exhibitions, programs, publications, special projects and loans from its collection and archive. Since its inception in 19
Arts and Culture
Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA), is a place of world arts and cultures with special emphasis on the First Nations peoples and other cultural communities of British Columbia, Canada. The MOA is built on the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of
Support
Office of Regional and International Community Engagement
Fostering meaningful engagement between students, faculty, and communities, ORICE allows students to bring their discipline to life through mutually beneficial connections with community partners. ORICE provides several opportunities for engagement t
Leadership
Office of the Dean
The Office of the Dean provides strategic leadership while supporting departments, schools, and other units in achieving the faculty's academic mission.
Arts and Culture
Old Auditorium
At over 80 years old, the Old Auditorium is one UBC’s oldest buildings, and is located at the heart of University’s art precinct. It is the only concert hall in Vancouver with a 60-seat orchestra pit, collegial gothic architecture, and a shoebox
Journals
Pacific Affairs
Pacific Affairs is a peer-reviewed, independent, and interdisciplinary scholarly journal focusing on important current political, economic, and social issues throughout Asia and the Pacific. The journal is committed to providing high quality research
Research Centres
Public Humanities Hub
The Public Humanities Hub is an interdisciplinary academic hub for faculty, graduate students, and staff that highlights and develops public-racing research in the humanities. It fosters incubation, cultivates collaboration, and promotes advocacy of
Interdisciplinary Programs
Religion, Literature, and the Arts
The Religion, Literature and the Arts program provides a solid education in a range of disciplines using an interdisciplinary model that includes knowledge of religious, literary, historical, cultural, anthropological, psychological, and sociological
Arts and Culture
Roy Barnett Recital Hall
From classical to contemporary genres, the Roy Barnett Recital Hall supports students to develop their stage presence, sound, and technique, for advanced studies and performance careers. The Roy Barnett Recital Hall is a place of inspiration, equippe
Departments, Schools and Institutes
School of Creative Writing
The School of Creative Writing program at UBC combines the best of traditional workshop and leading-edge pedagogy. Taught by published and award-winning writers, this literary cross-training offers opportunities in a broad range of genres including f
Departments, Schools and Institutes
School of Information (iSchool)
UBC iSchool is an internationally ranked, multi-disciplinary school, offering one-of-a-kind graduate programs. It is one of the few schools in North America offering a stand-alone archival program, and is highly ranked for graduate education in libra
Departments, Schools and Institutes
School of Music
As one of the oldest and largest music schools in the country, the UBC School of Music offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree training in composition, performance, and scholarship. The School connects students with leading mus
Departments, Schools and Institutes
School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) integrates world-class scholarship, teaching, research, and policy engagement to contribute towards positive change. Our approach equips policy leaders with the diverse perspectives, skills,
Departments, Schools and Institutes
School of Social Work
Founded in 1929, the UBC School of Social Work is the oldest social work education program in British Columbia and the third oldest in Canada. Building upon a foundation of social justice and an ethic of care, the School is a community of learners a
Interdisciplinary Programs
Science and Technology Studies
The transdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) emerged in the 1970s out of a growing concern for the social and political effects of scientific and technological developments. Engaging with the human dimensions of science and tec
Joint Programs
Sciences Po Dual Degree (BA)
The University of British Columbia has partnered with renowned French university Sciences Po (l’Institut d’études politiques de Paris) to launch its first international undergraduate dual-degree program. Students can now pursue a four-year dual
Joint Programs
Tec de Monterrey-UBC Joint Academic Program
The Tec-UBC Joint Academic Program recruits students from Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey to study at UBC. This program allows students to combine education, travel, cultural exchange, and life learning in a supportive environment. Most regular credit co
Interdisciplinary Programs
United States Studies
The U.S. Studies Program offers an exciting interdisciplinary program through the collaboration of the Departments of Political Science, Economics, and History. Undergraduates will combine coursework on the U.S. across departments and gain an in-dept
Interdisciplinary Programs
Urban Studies
The Urban Studies minor allows students to explore how social, economic, and cultural processes shape cities – and how urbanization itself reshapes these sociocultural processes. The minor program is designed to emphasize the links between local an
Departments, Schools and Institutes
Vancouver School of Economics
The Vancouver School of Economics consistently ranks as a top economic in school in Canada. The school’s faculty are ranked first in Canada for research productivity and have influenced public policies on a variety of issues including taxes and min