Application deadline: January 15, 2025
The MFA at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (NSCAD University) is a full-time intensive 20-23 month 60-credit studio-based program that recognizes and accommodates a range of diverse and innovative studio-based practices and provides students with the opportunity to develop their work from within a context of intense critical discussion across craft, fine arts, film, and media arts disciplines. Academic research in art and craft history, design, theory and criticism, and other relevant subjects forms an integral part of this studio-driven and research-creation based program.
The structure of the program allows for both maximum focus and flexibility. Students work one-on-one with chosen faculty members to develop an individualized program of studio-based research that comprises at least half of their credits. You may pursue cross-disciplinary research interests or further examine and develop a highly focused practice.
Core academic courses focus on pedagogical strategy, studio arts-based research, and thesis preparation.
The MFA Forum is dedicated to developing critical conversations and cooperation among MFAs. Programming typically involves planning for the annual group show; NSCAD faculty and visiting artist and scholar lectures; introductions to artist-run centres, residency, and curation opportunities; as well as workshops on a variety of topics ranging from budget-writing and grant applications to thesis-writing strategies.
What you can expect in the MFA program at NSCAD University
–All MFA students select a program advisor from among the full-time NSCAD faculty who will support and advise them throughout the program.
–Each semester, students select and work closely with a faculty studio advisor. Technicians are also available to help support your work.
–Each student is allocated studio space for their work.
–Each student admitted is allocated a salary for four semesters of Teaching and/or Research Assistantships. Additional scholarships and awards opportunities are available at admission and during the time of the degree program.
–Each year MFA students organize a group exhibition and discussions of their work at the Anna Gallery. Students may volunteer to serve in curatorial or communications capacities on the Exhibitions Committee, which works closely with Gallery staff.
The NSCAD MFA degree may be discipline-based or interdisciplinary, depending on individual student’s research interests and needs. Students are selected for admission to the program based on their capabilities as artists and craftspersons, their critical abilities, and the personal qualities and interests that might contribute to their success in the program.
MFA applicants typically have core training and a background in at least one of the following: ceramics, jewellery/metalsmithing, textiles/fashion, drawing, sound, video, digital media, film, installation, painting, performance, photography, printmaking, or sculpture.
Applicants are admitted to the program through an application review and interview process by specific area faculty and students. This means that you should plan to apply by emphasizing your strongest area of practice and experience.
Program starts: Late August 2025. Connect with us: Read our graduate admission requirements email graduate admissions, or talk to MFA Progam Directors Karen Cope or Craig Leonard. Find out what our students are doing on their Instagram account.
