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Founded in 1925, the Emily Carr University of Art and Design is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Vancouver (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), British Columbia.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of British Columbia, Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECU) is a very small-sized coeducational Canadian higher education institution. Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
This 99-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this Canadian higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
ECU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit Emily Carr University of Art and Design? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
These figures give a quick read on Emily Carr University of Art and Design's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Student Enrollment: 1
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA)
Academic Structures
Emily Carr University of Art and Design delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
Unit4 items
Faculty of Culture and Community
Faculty of Design and Dynamic Media
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Faculty of Visual Art and Material Practice
Programs Offered
Every programme Emily Carr University of Art and Design offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
Bachelor's Degree
11 programmes
Emily Carr University of Art and Design runs 11 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.
Film + Screen Arts: Bachelor of Media Degree (BMA)Arts4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Media Degree in Film + Screen Arts is practical, studio-based learning. You'll also take a robust and diverse selection of critical and cultural studies courses. Through both your hands-on and theoretical courses, you'll gain the skills and insights to produce film, video, media installation, sound, and other works at a professional level. As you progress through your studies, you'll learn core technical and organizational competencies, and produce your own film and media projects both individually and collaboratively. You'll also have the opportunity to take an internship course, either at ECU through positions with faculty, or with companies and organizations in Vancouver's thriving film industry.
Critical and Cultural Practices: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)Arts4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Critical and Cultural Practices focuses on art history, design history, English, humanities, media history, social sciences, and writing. While academic courses make up between 30 to 50 percent of other programs at ECU, they comprise a majority of credits for Critical + Cultural Practices. These courses are designed with your practice in mind, in order to bring modern and contemporary approaches to your creative process. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to chart your own path while fostering connections between theory and practice.
Communication Design: Bachelor of Design Degree (BDes)Others4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Design in Communication Design combines theory and practice, exploring cultural, historical, technical, and ecological issues related to the field of visual design. This knowledge, combined with your hands-on studio courses, will equip you to develop an engaging communication design practice. The communication design program encourages you to work collaboratively and engage with the ethical dimensions of design practice, in social, cultural, political and ecological contexts. You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your studies by taking courses from complementary areas, including Interaction Design, 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Illustration, and Photography.
3D Computer Animation: Bachelor of Media Arts Degree (BMA)Technology (IT)4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Media Arts Degree in 3D Computer Animation will give you all the skills you need to succeed in this competitive industry. You'll spend time in the classroom and the studio, covering everything from the history of design to the latest visual effects techniques. Students master computer animation techniques, such as 3D modelling, texturing, grading, lighting and rendering, character animation, filmmaking, storytelling, and production methodology. This intensive program will prepare you to step into the industry as an animator, commercial artist, or independent filmmaker. Upon graduation, you’ll have created a short animated film that showcases your skills and celebrates your unique vision.
Photography: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)Arts4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography provides both knowledge and hands-on skills in a range of analogue and digital processes. Through art history, research, and critical courses, you'll study the work of historical and contemporary photographers and artists. In both the classroom and your studio courses, you'll also have the opportunity to investigate how photography relates to other mediums, including installation, video, performance, printmaking, and directorial work. You'll take a variety of approaches to the photograph as an object, and work in diverse environments, from studio shoots to street photography. You'll learn from renowned, professional photographers, hone your photography skills, and establish your own relationship to the art form. Both your conceptual and hands-on learning will be strengthened through classes, seminars, self-directed projects, exhibitions, and professional development. Upon graduating, you'll have produced a substantial body of work and gained advanced knowledge of its place within contemporary photography practices
Illustration: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)Arts4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration focuses on all forms of illustration, from editorial to narrative, as opportunities for cultural inquiry. Through hands-on studio work, theory courses, and special topics, you'll have the chance to explore diverse techniques, while learning how to critique, question, and imagine new ways of using illustration to engage with audiences. You'll be given opportunities to cultivate your own approach to narration, interpretation, conceptualization, and visualization, and to understand how your practice relates to contemporary art culture. Throughout the program, you'll be encouraged to collaborate with your peers, innovate new possibilities in the professional field, and use illustration in community-mindful ways to solve challenges and communicate values. Upon graduating, you'll have produced a substantial body of work and developed a sophisticated understanding of its place within contemporary illustration practices.
Industrial Design: Bachelor of Design Degree (BDes)Others4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Design Degree in Industrial Design focuses on the areas of design that inspire you the most — and define your own practice along the way. In hands-on and theoretical studies, you will explore cultural, historical, technical, and ecological issues related to the evolving field of industrial design. Throughout your studies, you'll have the chance to specialize in areas that excite you. These include household or recreational products, textiles, electronics, medical and health design, hardware, textile products, ceramics, exhibition design, furniture, or material production. You'll graduate with an impressive body of original work and a blend of practice-based and theoretical skills that will prepare you to enter the industrial design field as a creative, strategic, and critical designer.
New Media + Sound Arts: Bachelor of Media Arts Degree (BMA)Arts4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Media Arts in New Media + Sound Art explores the intersections of technology and storytelling. You'll gain both conceptual and practical skills for producing creative, innovative, and experimental research and projects. This may include working with electronic wearables, sonic objects and environments, creative computing, and performing with media. You'll have the freedom to create albums, installations, interactive artwork, textiles, performance pieces, or other products based on your specific interests and talents. You'll graduate with an impressive portfolio of work that will help launch your career or future studies.
Visual Arts: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)Arts4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Arts allow you to create your own academic path as you discover your strengths and interests as a visual artist. You'll have the chance to develop your artistic practice across five core areas: ceramics, drawing, painting, print media, and sculpture.Your faculty members, practicing artists who define the Canadian creative landscape, will guide you as you refine your techniques and follow your curiosity. After graduating, you'll have a mature and exceptional body of work to launch your career in visual arts.
Interaction Design: Bachelor of Design Degree (BDes)Others4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Design in Interaction Design places you at the centre of new creative practices such as strategic design, information architecture, game design, creative coding, visual + sound design, and behavioural insights. This program, led by current practitioners, focuses on critical and practical inquiry, research methods, technological skills, and design process. You'll take a blend of practice-based and theoretical courses that will prepare you to enter the User Experience (UX) design field with substantial skills and adaptability in an evolving new discipline. Upon graduating, you'll have developed your own design portfolio, and be prepared to launch into graduate studies or a career in this dynamic field.
2D & Experimental Animation: Bachelor of Media Arts Degree (BMA)Arts4 yearsOn-campusEnglish
The Bachelor of Media Arts Degree in 2D + Experimental Animation is designed to give you a thorough understanding of animation creativity and production. You'll study all aspects of animation—from fundamental design principles and character development to storytelling, filmmaking, and advanced production techniques. You'll learn critical thinking skills, media theory and aesthetics, and the history of animation. You’ll also master the latest digital drawing techniques and animation software, and direct your own short films. You'll be mentored by seasoned animation practitioners with contemporary skills and insights gained from the diverse cultural and entertainment sectors.
Explore 2 programmes of postgraduate study at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Fine Arts: Master's Degree (MFA)ArtsOn-campusEnglish
For information visit the institution's website: [Fine Arts: Master's Degree (MFA)]( https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/graduate-degrees/mfa)
Emily Carr University of Art and Design lists 27 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
The User Interface (UI) Visual Design Micro-certificate is designed for emerging and practicing designers who want to elevate their digital work through more content-driven, visually dynamic work. Through exploration of visual systems, interaction design, and motion, you will learn how to craft engaging digital experiences that communicate meaning and strengthen brand identity.
With multiple entry points, our flexible course options can lead to different pathways into Animation, Game Development and VFX. You will earn a Skills Badge for each course you complete that can be displayed on LinkedIn and resumés to make your new training stand out.
UX/UI Design Visioning + Team Leadership Micro-certificateOthersOn-campusEnglish
The UX/UI Design Visioning + Team Leadership Micro-certificate equipes experienced UX/UI professionals with strategic, interpersonal, and visionary tools to lead high-performing design teams and influence the direction of their organizations. Through collaborative projects, leadership frameworks, and reflective practice, you'll learn how to guide teams, shape design culture, and define your personal leadership philosophy. This program is well suited for those looking to mentor others, influence design and organizational strategy, and transition into management roles with confidence and clarity.
The UX/UI Design Leader Essentails Micro-certificate builds the core capabilities needed to lead projects, manage relationships, and navigate emerging trends in digital design. You will learn how to structure and oversee design work, communicate value to clients and stakeholders, and apply forward-looking tools and concepts such as generative AI and spatial design to your practice. This micro-certificate is designed for working professional across industries, offering a future-focused toolkit for product designers, freelancers, and emerging team leads preparing to take on more strategic, leadership aligned roles.
The User Inferface (UI) Design Foundations Micro-certificate offers a clear, practical introduction to the field of user interface design for individuals with little to no prior expereince. Through hands-on courses, you will explore the core visual design principles, the psychology behind user behaviour, and the tools used to prototype engaging, intuitive experiences.
User Experience Design CertificateOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and to apply visit the institution's website: [User Experience Design Certificate]( https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/certificate-programs/full-time/ux-design-certificate)
Individual Courses in DrawingOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Drawing](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/drawing)
Individual Courses in PaintingOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Painting](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/painting)
Individual Courses in Creative CodingOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Creative Coding](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/creative-coding)
Individual Courses in AnimationOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Animation](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/animation)
Individual Courses in IllustrationOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Illustration](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/illustration)
Individual Courses in Film and VideoOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Film and Video](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/film-video)
Individual Courses in PhotographyOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Photography](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/photography)
Individual Courses in Professional PracticesOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Professional Practices](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/professional-practices)
Individual Courses in Visual Communication DesignOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Visual Communication Design](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/communication)
Individual Courses in Visual EffectsOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Visual Effects](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/visual-effects)
Individual Courses in Print MediaOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Print Media](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/print-media)
Individual Courses in Design Core SkillsOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Design Core Skills](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/design-core-skills)
Individual Courses in UX/UI DesignOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in UX/UI Design](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/ux-ui)
Individual Courses in History and TheoryArtsOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in History and Theory](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/history-theory)
Individual Courses in Industrial DesignOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Industrial Design](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/industrial)
Individual Courses in Web and App DesignOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Web and App Design](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/microcred-web-app)
Individual Courses in Story and CharacterOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Story and Character](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/story-character)
Individual Courses in Software EssentialsTechnology (IT)On-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Software Essentials](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/microcred-software)
Individual Courses in EducationEducation & TeachingOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Education](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/education)
Individual Courses in Visual Arts Core SkillsArtsOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Visual Arts Core Skills](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/visual-art)
Individual Courses in Game DevelopmentOthersOn-campusEnglish
For information and how to apply visit the institution's site: [Individual Courses in Game Development](https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/continuing-studies/topic/game-dev)
How to apply to Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Emily Carr University of Art and Design, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Emily Carr University of Art and Design's 40 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Emily Carr University of Art and Design typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
4
Apply through the official channel
Emily Carr University of Art and Design processes applications through www.ecuad.ca. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (604) 844 3800. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Emily Carr University of Art and Design as a study destination.
In what year was Emily Carr University of Art and Design established?
Emily Carr University of Art and Design was founded in 1925 (approximately 101 years ago).
In which city is Emily Carr University of Art and Design?
Emily Carr University of Art and Design is based in Vancouver, Canada.
Is Emily Carr University of Art and Design a public or private institution?
Emily Carr University of Art and Design is a public institution.
How many students study at Emily Carr University of Art and Design?
Emily Carr University of Art and Design has approximately 1,000-1,999 students.
What is Emily Carr University of Art and Design's academic structure?
Emily Carr University of Art and Design has 4 academic units.
Is Emily Carr University of Art and Design officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of British Columbia.
How do I find Emily Carr University of Art and Design online?
You can find Emily Carr University of Art and Design online at www.ecuad.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Graduate-school placement rates among Canada's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. Emily Carr University of Art and Design's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.
Membership in Universities Canada (UC) signals a shared commitment to academic quality and cross-institutional exchange. These other members of the same network sit alongside Emily Carr University of Art and Design in that ecosystem, and may offer mobility benefits or programme partnerships.
Beyond Emily Carr University of Art and Design, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.
Programme delivery mode varies across the Others programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.
Universities Often Compared with Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Emily Carr University of Art and Design in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
