Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) in Canada at OCAD Canada




University OCAD University (OCAD Canada)
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type Public
Program Type Coursework/thesis
Program Delivary On campus
Language English
Program Duration 2 years
Students 6,072
Learn more about Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Detailed Information of Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) in Canada at OCAD University

Program Overview for Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) in Canada:

The Interdisciplinary Master of Arts, Media, and Design (IAMD) attracts experienced artists and designers worldwide, encouraging them to research and produce works that combine art, design, writing, and interdisciplinary academic research to create new images social forms of inquiry. And creative production. 

Each student's major topic and chosen focus in media art, design, or practice and theoretical research will determine whether the degree earned is MFA, MDes, or MA. Students thrive in a creative environment led by experienced teachers. Through visiting experts, internships, independent study, and an annual graduate expo, it provides unparalleled opportunities for innovative learning. 

After entering the IAMD program, students will have a strong background in art, design, media, art history, visual culture, or related topics, as well as appropriate college degrees and practical experience. They will be interested in improving their skills through a program that uses inquiry, collaboration, and practice models to rethink contemporary issues through a mixed and interdisciplinary approach.

Importantly, participants will face the challenge of working in an experimental environment in which the results of their interdisciplinary efforts are not clear from the beginning and discovering paths can take them to unexpected places. This will involve rigorous academic research and creating a lot of critical/theoretical writing and research work. The IAMD program aims to achieve these goals through learning courses that include the following: 

  • Intensive learning at the graduate level in student practice
  • Critical theory and research method seminars
  • Elective courses, by allowing each student to explore what they are learning. Personal interest, in theory, theory, or research. 

Whether it is a large research project supported by written critical analysis (obtaining an MFA or MD degree) or an academic master's degree in thesis and a creative project (obtaining a master's degree).

Students have the opportunity to:
  • The opportunity for students to undertake coursework, directed studies, lectures, and workshops with OCAD U faculty and with visiting faculty from other institutions and visiting experts in a wide range of disciplines
  • The option of an independent study, internship, elective, and/or residency during the summer term between the first and second years of the program
  • Annual First-Year Graduate Student Exhibition
  • Graduate Thesis Exhibition

The eligibility for Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

Application for admission into the Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media & Design at OCAD U is highly competitive. Applicants must hold a BA, BFA, BDes, or comparable honors degree/certification with an average of 80 percent (A-) or better during the last two years of study or demonstrate exceptional experience/expertise as a practicing artist designer or scholar.

All applicants must demonstrate creative and conceptual competence at a high level and the clear potential for acquiring a sufficient level of expertise in a secondary discipline to create an integrated interdisciplinary thesis project at the Master’s level. Other Admission Requirement:

  • Research Proposal: Applicants should clearly outline their background in at least two areas of expertise and describe their interdisciplinary research interests or theme for their graduate work in the program. One of these areas of expertise must be in studio art, media or design. The proposal must be typed and should be a maximum of 500 words (not including bibliography or other appendices). A bibliography must be included. Other appendices and examples of visual work may also be included. It is strongly suggested that applicants identify at least one graduate faculty member they would like to work with during their studies.

  • Portfolio: Applicants must submit a minimum of 5, maximum of 15 media items representing no more than five bodies of work. Quicktime movies or other time-based image files should not exceed three minutes in length. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of their primary area of concentration and are encouraged to submit any examples of interdisciplinary work. The portfolio should represent the applicant’s best work (formally, conceptually, and contextually resolved). A significant number of media items should represent work produced within the last 12 months.

  • CV: Applicants should include an updated copy of their curriculum vitae.

  • Artist/Designer Statement: The portfolio must be accompanied by an artist/designer statement of no more than 250 words. The statement should speak to recent work and explain its relevance to the research proposal. It is suggested that you discuss your practice's discursive vectors, your existing expertise, and how you would like to grow your practice during your graduate studies.

  • Transcripts

  • Three (3) reference letters.

These are the test eligibilities for the Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) to qualify.

The English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) in Canada: are:

N.B: ELP is not mandatory for all international students. You could apply without ELP if your previous degree's medium of instruction were in English. Students of Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, for example, are not required to take the ELP test.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) in Canada.

Items Costs
Application Fees CA$110.00
Tuition Fees CA$18,285.82 /year
Living Cost CA$14,400.00/year
(CA$1,200.00/month)
Student Earning CA$17,920.00/year
You will earn CA$17,920.00/year by working 20 hours *4 weeks * 8 months * 14 CAD/h + 40 hours * 4 weeks * 4 months * 14 CAD/h at minimum wage of $14.00/hour.

The domestic student tuition fees and costs for Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) in Canada.

Items Costs
Application Fees CA$110.00
Tuition Fees CA$10,188.82 /year
Living Cost CA$14,400.00/year
(CA$1,200.00/month)
Student Earning CA$17,920.00/year
This is just an estimate. You don't have any work hour limit. You will earn CA$17,920.00/year by working 20 hours *4 weeks * 8 months * 14 CAD/h + 40 hours * 4 weeks * 4 months * 14 CAD/h at minimum wage of $14.00/hour.

This program provides an advanced and flexible learning environment that allows students to integrate art, media, design and production with other disciplines through a process of integrating theory, methodology, and practice. ensures that students acquire advanced research skills in visual and academic investigations in the fields of art, media, design practice, and critical theory.

Encourage the development of people who can think, create, and practice in an interdisciplinary manner. Contributes to new knowledge in the fields of interdisciplinary art, design media and methods, discourse, and creative practice.

Promote the development of practices that promote sustainability, social responsibility, and diverse social and cultural perspectives. Each group of will be carefully selected to maximize opportunities for interaction between art, media, design, and non-studio subject areas.

Students will work with an advisory committee, which includes leading scholars/practitioners in various disciplines, who will guide students' personal learning and contribute to the development of their master's thesis work.

Funding options for international students in Canada are limited. It is important that you have a solid financial plan in place before beginning your studies. In order to obtain a study permit, you will be required to prove to Canadian immigration officials that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself.

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