Why study this program?
The Department of Art & Design offers graduate programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in the History of Art, Design and Visual Culture and Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design degrees in a wide range of studio disciplines. The Department also offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts degree in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture.
Programs leading to the MDes degree provide advanced studies in Visual Communication Design or Industrial Design. Programs leading to the MFA degree are designed to provide advanced studies in Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, or Drawing/Intermedia.
Programs leading to the MA and PhD degrees in the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture provide for advanced study and research. The MA can be either course-based or thesis-based.
Graduate students in studio are provided with adequate independent working spaces and with access to all the equipment necessary to develop their studies and explorations. A well-endowed University library and a departmental visual resources centre featuring access to digital images and over 300,000 slides provide reference material. Eighteen full-time members in the academic staff are available for supervision and discussion.
Inquiries should be addressed to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, Department of Art & Design.
Entrance Requirements
An applicant must normally hold a bachelor’s degree in design (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution. Students who, in the view of the Department, need to make up prerequisite courses will normally spend one additional year in preparation.
Applicants will be required to submit visual records or a portfolio of work and documentation of their previous experience.
In the first year of the program, students are required to take 18 units of coursework in fall and winter terms including:
- DES 600 - Concepts, Analysis and Criticism in Design I
- DES 601 - Concepts, Analysis and Criticism in Design II
- DES 630 - Seminar in Related Disciplines
- DES 680 - Theory and Research in Design Studies I
- DES 681 - Theory and Research in Design Studies II
- DES 683 - Seminar on Contemporary Design Issues
Additional Information
Course work must be completed before commencement of the thesis. First term studio courses may not be repeated; however, second term studio courses may be repeated with consent of the Department.
After all other program requirements have been satisfactorily met, candidates must make a major presentation of their creative work. Such a presentation will be considered the equivalent of a master’s thesis. The Department of Art & Design reserves the right to select and retain up to two works from the final thesis presentation.
There is no language requirement for the degrees.
The minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $35 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students. Opportunities vary by faculty.
Please note: there are limited funding opportunities available to students pursuing part-time graduate studies or those completing a certificate program.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email artdesgs@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1