Visual Arts (MFA)
In our two-year MFA program, you’ll expand your studio practice and sharpen your creative edge. You’ll be able to push the edges of your creativity in your own private studio, engage in critical seminar discussions and receive feedback from our faculty. This program focuses on drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and digital multimedia.
Our program prepares you to be a professional artist, with a focus on both traditional and experimental expression. In the tradition of contemporary practice, we recognize and encourage work that doesn't fit into singular categories. You'll receive regular feedback from your supervisor and have the opportunity to teach an undergraduate course during one of your program terms. Your final project will be a solo exhibition.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Yes | No |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Students in this program will:
- demonstrate an understanding of artistic methodology and research
- gain practical experience in the teaching of contemporary art
- demonstrate self-efficacy within an artistic practice
- acquire language and a collection of strategies to participate in contemporary art discourse
- craft critical thinking, research and oratory skills for the analysis and interpretation of culture as it pertains to their practice
- stage high quality exhibitions of their work and fully articulate both the intentions of the exhibitions and the wider context within which the work sits
Find a supervisor
Visual Arts MFA applicants do not need to choose a supervisor before admission. We'll work with you to determine your supervisor and committee members early on in the program.
Show me program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Your program details
Application deadlines
September – apply by January 15
Submit your portfolio by January 15.
September – apply by December 15
Submit your portfolio by January 15.
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a portfolio
- a statement of intent that describes your approach to art-making and explains why you are applying to the MFA program
- a curriculum vitae
- two reference names and their email addresses
Due to limited program capacity, if you have a BFA from UVic, we encourage you to pursue your master’s degree at another university.
Portfolio
Your portfolio is the most important piece of your application. Include a range of what you consider to be your best work. You may choose a specific medium to demonstrate your versatility.
Please upload your portfolio media in the form of either:
- 20 digital images (jpg only)
OR
- 10 digital images and 5 links to video files (Vimeo or YouTube)
Please provide us with your images in chronological order (most recent to least recent work).
Example of image labelling (image number, last name, title, date):
- 01lastname_title_yyyy.jpg
- 02lastname_title_yyyy.jpg
- 03lastname_title_yyyy.jpg
You should have your media files ready before starting the online application process.
Image format:
- submit jpeg image files only
- image resolution must be 72 dpi
- maximum pixel dimensions of each image must be 1920 x 1080 pixels
- submit RGB colour mode files only
- use only alphanumeric characters for file names
Video format:
- post a link to a video you’ve published online
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a portfolio
- a statement of intent that describes your approach to art-making and explains why you are applying to the MFA program
- a curriculum vitae
- two reference names and their email addresses
Due to limited program capacity, if you have a BFA from UVic, we encourage you to pursue your master’s degree at another university.
Portfolio
Your portfolio is the most important piece of your application. Include a range of what you consider to be your best work. You may choose a specific medium to demonstrate your versatility.
Please upload your portfolio media in the form of either:
- 20 digital images (jpg only)
OR
- 10 digital images and 5 links to video files (Vimeo or YouTube)
Please provide us with your images in chronological order (most recent to least recent work).
Example of image labelling (image number, last name, title, date):
- 01lastname_title_yyyy.jpg
- 02lastname_title_yyyy.jpg
- 03lastname_title_yyyy.jpg
You should have your media files ready before starting the online application process.
Image format:
- submit jpeg image files only
- image resolution must be 72 dpi
- maximum pixel dimensions of each image must be 1920 x 1080 pixels
- submit RGB colour mode files only
- use only alphanumeric characters for file names
Video format:
- post a link to a video you’ve published online
Completion requirements
Funding & aid
We offer all our graduate students a one-term paid teaching position in their second year.
We offer all our graduate students a one-term paid teaching position in their second year.
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Need help?
Contact Janine O’Neill at visualarts@uvic.ca or 250-721-8011.