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Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

These days, students understand the significance of creativity and the importance of pursuing their dreams in the area of arts. As a result, in 2022, many students will continue to enrol in fine arts undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs abroad. The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is one such degree that can unlock exciting job opportunities for you.

What is a Master of Fine Arts?

The Master of Fine Arts, often abbreviated as MFA, is a postgraduate degree in the field of creative arts. This degree is ideal for students aspiring to deepen their artistic skills and knowledge in various areas such as art history, sculpting, painting, drawing, and designing. The MFA program offers a blend of practical and theoretical learning, preparing students for a range of artistic careers.

MFA Course Details and Syllabus

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program combines theoretical studies with practical experiences, including seminars, workshops, and project work. Students may also create art portfolios. The curriculum covers core and specialized subjects, tailored to each student's focus area. Offered mainly as full-time degrees, some MFAs are available as diploma or certificate courses. This program includes both mandatory and elective subjects, allowing for a personalized educational journey.

Course

Specialisation

Core Subjects

History of Indian Art

History of Indian Architecture

History of European Art

Aesthetics & Principles of Art Appreciation

Sociology

Principles and Sources of Art

Mechanism of Artistic Perception

Specialisation Subjects

Creative Writing

Acting

Computer Animation

Photography

Illustration

Top Colleges for Master of Fine Arts

Following are some of the best institutes providing an MFA degree.
As per the QS World Rankings for 2022, 4 of these universities are among the top 300 in the world.
Please take a look below.

University Name

Country

Massey University

New Zealand

The University of Canterbury

New Zealand

The Academy of Art University

The USA

The University of Glasgow

The UK

RMIT University

Australia

Master of Fine Arts: Subjects

Here's an overview of the various topics you will study in an MFA degree program. Please note that the subject names and subjects may vary from university to university. However, more or less, you will learn these concepts only.

  • History of European Art.
  • Advertising Principles and Practices.
  • Occidental Aesthetics.
  • Visualization/Illustration/Photography.
  • Creative Painting/Mural Design/Portrait/Landscape.
  • Oriental Aesthetics.

Master of Fine Arts: Courses

There are many specialisations and courses available for the MFA degree worldwide. From fashion to interior and graphic designing, students can choose from the various options available per their interests. 

We have mentioned a few of the most well-known MFA qualifications in this list.

  • Master of Fine Arts.
  • MFA in Illustration.
  • Master of Fine Arts Painting.
  • Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art Film Production.
  • Master of Fine Arts Full Residency.
  • MA Fine Art.
  • MFA in Fine Art.
  • MA Fine Arts Sculpture.
  • MA Fine Art Computational Arts.
  • MFA Research.
  • MFA Visual Art.
  • MA Fine Art Print Making.
  • Master of Fine Arts in Book Arts.
  • MA Fine Art Drawing.
  • Master of Fine Arts in Intermediate.
  • Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Dramatic Media.
  • Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics.
  • Master of Fine Arts in Fibers.

Cost of Studying Master of Fine Arts

The cost of studying Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at one of the top universities worldwide is expensive, and so are the rewards for high-paying jobs. Thus investing in an MFA degree is excellent for your future. Usually, you should have a budget of around 30,00,000 to cover tuition fees, living expenses, etc., yearly.

S.NO 

University Name

Course

Duration 

Tuition Fees in INR

1

Massey University

Master of Fine Arts – MFA 

2 years

15,82,933

2

The University of Canterbury 

Master of Fine Arts 

1 year

16,80,188

3

The Academy of Art University

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree

6 semesters

23,35,534

4

The University of Glasgow

Master of Fine Art

2 years

NA

5

RMIT University 

Master of Fine Art

2 years

20,28,384

 

Eligibility criteria for Master of Fine Arts

Master of Fine Arts, a postgraduate degree, has specific eligibility criteria for international students to apply. These include minimum qualifications, entrance exams such as GRE or GMAT, English requirements, etc.

  • To qualify for an MFA degree, you need at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in fine arts or equivalent.
  • Some universities also require work experience for postgraduate degrees.
  • You need to prove your competency in English with standardised exam scores such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.
  • Some universities may also require subject-specific prerequisites for master's degrees.
  • GRE is mandatory for universities in the USA and Canada. However, this varies from university to university. 

MFA Specialisations

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree offers a diverse range of specializations, catering to various artistic interests. These specializations enable students to tailor their education to their desired industry, whether it be writing, painting, photography, animation, or another creative field. The MFA course is meticulously structured to assist candidates in honing their artistic abilities, guiding them to become proficient artists in their chosen specialization. Graduates holding an MFA degree find a wealth of career opportunities across various sectors. These include advertising, fashion, printmaking, magazine publishing, dance studios, digital media, and publishing houses, among others. Below are some of the notable specializations available in

  • Creative Writing
  • Ceramics
  • Photography
  • Painting
  • Drawing and Illustration
  • Sculpture
  • Graphic Design
  • Applied Arts
  • Computer Animation
  • Acting

Job Opportunities After Master of Fine Arts

In the current scenario, many young people follow their creative passion and pursue an MFA to get into the creative industry. The job opportunities and diverse positions here are almost endless. Graduates can work with many firms such as museums, art galleries, dance academies, music studios, gaming industries, TV Channels, etc. 

Read below the exciting jobs and high pay that awaits you after completing your qualification.

Job Profile 

Salary in INR

Artist

350,000

Graphic Designer

300,000

Art Teacher

310,000

Art Historian 

480,000

Curator

420,000

Animator

370,000

Creative Director

13,20,000

Photographer 

3,60,000

Art Restorer

3,90,000

Art Critic

4,50,000

How To Study For A Master of Fine Arts?

When studying for a Master of Fine Arts or MFA, you must remember two things. First, it's a postgraduate qualification. Secondly, it's a professional course that will decide your future career outcome, so you must work hard with dedication during your program. 

However, if you are finding it difficult, here are some tips.

Step 1: Practice is the secret to success in an MFA degree, regardless of specialisation. Practice everything to perfection. In the start, you will make mistakes, but the more you practice, the better you get.
Step 2: Any Fine Arts or Arts degree, especially postgraduate ones, will require you to have creative potential for each assignment. Therefore, you need to unlock your creativity. The best way to do that is to meditate daily and write poetry as much as possible because poetry requires the maximum level of creativity.
Step 3: Having skills in one particular field of interest is necessary. You need to hone your skills for the best career possibilities, so pick a favourite subject and focus as much as possible on it.
Step 4: Other than skills, understanding theory is also required from an exam point of view. To gain knowledge, books and the internet are the best sources in the present.
Step 5: Done

FAQS

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