Program Overview
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is a bilingual, two-year program that allows students to work within a variety of artistic practices, including photography, media arts, sculpture, painting, drawing, video, and installation art. Students take an in-depth look at theories informing contemporary art and image culture and choose between an interdisciplinary studio approach or specializing in a single medium.
Program Structure
- The program has limited enrollment, with only six candidates admitted per year and twelve candidates in the program at any given time.
- The program is designed for students wishing to study full-time only.
- Generous bursaries and teaching assistantships are provided for students with appropriate academic and professional achievements.
Studio Practice and Theoretical Investigation
Studio Practice
At the core of the MFA program is the student's engagement in intensive studio practice, supported by the technical and conceptual expertise and critical feedback of faculty members, who are practicing professional artists in both traditional disciplines and in art practices that have developed in response to new imaging technologies. Each studio production course is taught by a different professor of the Department, giving students access to the varied backgrounds and experience of our faculty.
Theoretical Investigation
Theory courses provide exposure to contemporary artistic and cultural discourse, and the basis for students' contextualization of their personal studio work within current art practice and theoretical investigation. Students enroll in two theory courses per academic year; the Professional Internship course, in which students have the opportunity to work at one of the many art institutions in the region, or with a professional artist, is a distinctive feature of our program.
Location and Partnerships
The University's Department of Visual Arts is located in Ottawa's downtown core, home to many of Canada's most influential and dynamic art institutions. The Department is within walking distance of the National Gallery of Canada, the Canada Council Art Bank Gallery, the Ottawa Art Gallery, SAW Video, and the Karsh-Masson Gallery, as well as the Canadian Museum of Nature. Located close by are the Canadian Museum of History and Library and Archives Canada, and across the river in Gatineau, Qu嶵ec, AxeN廩7 Gallery and Da鮛獼 media arts center.
Partnership with the Ottawa Art Gallery
The Department of Visual Arts at the University of Ottawa has an ongoing partnership with the Ottawa Art Gallery. Each year, the MFA candidates who successfully complete the requirements of their program work on a collaborative exhibition with OAG's curators and staff, where curators and artists work together to build an experience that best reflects not only the rigor of each artist's distinct practice but also the warm relationship they share.
Application Process
To apply for the MFA program, students must:
- Submit an admission application to the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) and pay the application fees.
- Upload supporting documents, including a CV, letter of intent, and transcripts, to the university's portal.
- Sign up for an account in SlideRoom and upload a digital portfolio, artistic resume, letter of intent, and artist statement.
- Provide contact information for two references.
Admission Requirements
- A digital portfolio (20 images)
- Artistic resume (showing evidence of professional, peer-adjudicated exhibition history)
- Letter of intent (500-750 words, outlining why you want to pursue graduate studies at the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Ottawa)
- Artist Statement (500-750 words, describing your artistic practice)
- Contact information for two references
Program Details
- Level: Master
- Duration: 2 years
- Language: English and French
- Application Deadline: See the Admission program requirements page for more information on the application deadline for your program.