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Fine Arts

Fine Arts Co-op is optional for students studying:

  • Art History and Visual Studies
  • Cultural Resource Management
  • Music
  • Professional Writing
  • Theatre
  • Visual Arts
  • Writing

How co-op works

Co-op gives you hands-on paid work experience related to what you're studying. It's the perfect way to develop your skills and find a career you love.

Learn more about what co-op ishow it works with your degree, and what to expect as a co-op student

How to join

The application period for Spring 2024 intake opens on December 19, 2023 and closes on January 19, 2024.

Apply by logging into the co-op portal using your netlink ID. Select "Co-op" from the menu, then follow the prompts to complete your application.

You'll be unable to apply if:

  • you've previously been enrolled or are currently enrolled in another co-op at UVic
  • you're not in the Faculty of Fine Arts
  • you're trying to apply outside of the admission period.

For assistance with applying, please contact us.

Application requirements

You'll join co-op beginning in your second year. You must:

  • have a minimum B average (GPA 5.0)
  • be a full-time student (minimum 6.0 course units per term)
  • be registered in at least one of the following:
    • degree program (BA, BMus) in the Faculty of Fine Arts

After you apply

We'll contact you about your acceptance after January 19. Once you're admitted, you'll be enrolled in the Introduction to Professional Practice program. This free Brightspace course includes self-directed reading and assignments as well as four workshops. You must complete this course before you can find a co-op work term.

Spring 2024 workshop dates (tentative)

  • January 26 and February 2, 9 and 16 (Fridays from 2:30 - 3:50 p.m.)

If you have a class conflict, please let us know.

Program formats

The following program formats are available:

  • co-op (traditional format)
  • work experience program
  • parallel co-op (part-time)
  • post-study internship
  • entrepreneurial co-op

Learn more about these types of co-op.

Fees

Co-op students pay a co-op tuition fee for each work term. It's free to join co-op and attend the preparation course—you'll pay your tuition fee after you secure a co-op work term.

You'll pay your fees according to the same tuition fee deadlines as regular course fees.

Fees per work term for undergraduate students:

  • domestic students: $776.20
  • international students: $1,510.16

Fees per work term for graduate students:

  • domestic students: $776.20
  • international students: $976.27

Note that the graduate co-op tuition fee is different than the graduate installment fee. If you are a grad student and register for a co-op work term, during that term, you'll pay:

  • the grad co-op program fee  
  • the grad ancillary fees

If you register for a course (e.g. thesis 596 or 598) and a co-op work term in the same term, during that term, you'll pay:

  • the grad co-op program tuition fee
  • the course tuition fee
  • the grad ancillary fees

Questions about co-op tuition fees? Email us or call 250-721-7032 for assistance.

Average salaries

You'll receive a salary from your employer during each co-op work term. Co-op salaries vary according to many factors, including your previous work experience, the industry you're working in and the responsibilities of your co-op job.

Here is an average monthly salary for a Fine Arts work term: 

  • undergraduate: $3,068.32
  • graduate: $3,934.88

View salary estimates for all programs.

Work terms

Co-op work terms begin in January, May and September and are typically 4 months long. 

  • undergraduate co-op: 3 work terms (4 or 5 optional)
  • work experience program: 1 or 2 work terms
  • master's students: 2 work terms
  • PhD students: 3 work terms
  • continuing studies diploma: 1 work term

Learn more about:

Sample employers & jobs

During your co-op terms, you could work for: 

  • government (municipal, provincial or federal)
  • theatres
  • galleries
  • libraries
  • arts groups
  • non-profit organizations
  • newspapers and publishers
  • private companies (all sizes)

Job examples:

  • 3D animation and digital media intern—Western Digital
  • box office coordinator—Victoria Jazz Society
  • curatorial assistant—Legacy Art Gallery
  • junior analyst—Government of Canada
  • marketing and development assistant—Open Space Gallery
  • multimedia coordinator—Pacific Peoples’ Partnership
  • production and editorial assistant—Harbour Publishing
  • programming assistant—Maritime Museum of BC
  • technical writer—SAP

Office & contacts

Our regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Office: Clearihue D128

Co-op coordinator:
Joy Andrews
hufaco@uvic.ca
250-721-7629

Co-op assistant:
Annette Bailey-Smith
hufacoop@uvic.ca
250-721-8841

Get support

We're here to support you with every step in your co-op journey, from applying to co-op to making sure you're supported at work. Contact your co-op coordinator or office for assistance.

If you identify as having a disability or a mental health condition, if you belong to an equity group, or if you identify as Indigenous, we have additional supports for your co-op experience.