Everything you should know about Nova Scotia College of Art and Design

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design | An introduction

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) is a world-renowned art and design institution located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Established in 1887, NSCAD has a rich history of progressive art-making, dating back to the mid-1960s, when its campus became a sanctuary for the conceptual art movement in North America. 

Today, NSCAD is a hub of internationally recognized artists, designers, researchers, and scholars. NSCAD is not your average art school; students are trained to experiment with new methods and materials across disciplines, encouraging them to be risk-takers, rule-breakers, and explorers. 

NSCAD graduates are known for their boundless energy and intense curiosity, with many of them making significant contributions to the art world, entrepreneurship, teaching, administration, academics, and other creative industries. 

Regardless of their paths, all NSCAD alumni share one thing in common: NSCAD changed their lives. Halifax, a coastal city with a highly diverse art scene, serves as the perfect backdrop for NSCAD’s vibrant and dynamic community.

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design | Why should you study here?

Here’s why you should study at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design-

History of Progressive Art-Making

NSCAD has a rich history of progressive art-making, dating back to the mid-1960s when its campus became a sanctuary for the conceptual art movement in North America.

Creative Community

NSCAD is a hub of internationally recognized artists, designers, researchers, and scholars, making it an excellent place to connect with like-minded creatives.

Experimentation

NSCAD encourages students to experiment with new methods and materials across disciplines, providing a space for students to take risks, break rules, and explore.

Career Opportunities

NSCAD graduates have gone on to have successful careers both locally and internationally as entrepreneurs, teachers, administrators, academics, and creative professionals in a variety of fields.

Location

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a coastal city with a highly diverse art scene, students have access to a vibrant and dynamic community that is perfect for nurturing creativity.

Life-Changing Experience

NSCAD has a reputation for changing the lives of its students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the art world and beyond.

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design | All about rankings!

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) doesn’t appear in typical national or international university rankings due to its specialized focus on art and design education. However, NSCAD has a strong reputation in the art and design community, with many of its faculty and alumni being internationally recognized and respected artists, designers, and scholars. 

NSCAD’s focus on experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative approaches to art and design education have made it a respected institution within the art world. The value of an NSCAD education is also evidenced by the successful careers of its alumni in various creative industries.

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design | Programs offered at the college

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of disciplines within the art and design field. The undergraduate programs include Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Ceramics, Intermedia, Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture. NSCAD also offers a BFA in Art History and a Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Interdisciplinary Design.

At the graduate level, NSCAD offers Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in Craft, Interdisciplinary, and Media Arts. NSCAD also offers a Master of Design (MDes) in Interdisciplinary Design. The college also has a post-baccalaureate program for students with a degree in a field outside of art and design.

NSCAD also offers a variety of certificate programs, including a Foundation Visual Arts Program, a Ceramics Certificate Program, and a Jewellery Certificate Program. These programs offer students the opportunity to develop their skills in a specific area of interest within the art and design field.

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design | Campus life

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design’s dynamic and vibrant campus life is built around creativity and exploration. As a small and tight-knit community, NSCAD fosters a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages students to experiment and take risks in their creative pursuits.

The campus is located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, a bustling and culturally diverse city that offers a rich array of arts and cultural events, music festivals, and outdoor activities. NSCAD’s central location also provides easy access to a wide range of resources, including museums, galleries, artist-run centers, and studios.

NSCAD offers a range of student services and resources, including a library, digital fabrication facilities, a media center, and a student gallery. Students also have access to academic advising, career services, and health and wellness resources.

In addition to academic and career-focused activities, NSCAD offers a variety of student-led clubs and organizations, such as the Feminist Collective, the Queer Collective, and the International Student Society. These groups provide opportunities for students to connect with their peers, explore their interests, and engage with the broader community.

Overall, NSCAD’s campus offers a strong sense of community, creativity, and exploration, providing students with a supportive and enriching environment in which to pursue their artistic and academic goals.

Key takeaways

• NSCAD is a renowned institution that offers a rich history of progressive art-making, a dynamic and supportive campus life, and a range of innovative undergraduate and graduate programs in the art and design field.
• With its focus on experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative approaches to art and design education, NSCAD provides students with the tools they need to succeed in the art world and beyond.
• For students who are passionate about exploring their creativity and pursuing a career in the art and design field, NSCAD offers a unique and enriching educational experience that can change their lives and set them on the path to success.

Did you find this blog helpful? Do share your perspectives about the blog in the comments below. Please get in touch with us by clicking here for more information on Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

Liked this blog? Read next: Top reasons to study at the Justice Institute of British Columbia

FAQs

1. What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at NSCAD?

Answer – NSCAD offers a variety of financial aid options and scholarships to help students fund their education. These include need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and work-study programs. 

2. What is the admissions process for NSCAD?

Answer – The admissions process for NSCAD varies depending on the program of study, but typically involves an online application, portfolio submission, and supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. 

3. What kind of career opportunities are available for NSCAD graduates?

Answer – NSCAD graduates have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of fields, including fine arts, design, education, entrepreneurship, and more.