Studio Arts, Photography (MFA)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Offered by:
Department of Studio Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts
Why pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts, Photography?
Artistic photography moves beyond mere representation to convey an image in accordance with the artist’s vision. Photographs can manifest emotions, dispute societal narratives or provide alternative views of reality. Now more than ever, we need practicing and emerging artist-researchers to produce bodies of work that value the importance of critical inquiry and rely heavily on intellectual exchange.
The MFA in Studio Arts, Photography concentration, enables you to expand your skills in fine art photography and develop your voice as an artist. Our acclaimed faculty of researchers and photographic artists will provide critical feedback on your work and guidance on how to navigate the art world. These hands-on experiences effectively prepare all third-year graduate students to create their own professional-level exhibition within a public forum.
Benefit from cutting-edge facilities that promote both analogue and digital processes. Our resources and individualized technical support allow students to work across specialties and sizes, including large-scale photographic prints. Past students have developed expertise in colour photography, black and white photography, installation and photography, sculpture and photography, and documentary.
Since our department is comprised of seven disciplinary programs, you’ll be in the company of students working in fibres and material practices, film production, intermedia, painting and drawing, print media and sculpture. This dynamic learning environment, as well as the larger university community, will encourage you to consider interdisciplinary approaches as you develop your artwork.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
- BFA or BA with a Fine Arts or Fine Arts and Art History major, or an approved equivalent, from a recognized institution and with a minimum B average in the major area.
- Undergraduate experience and proficiency relevant to the area of specialization.
- Applicants to the Film Production concentration are expected to have a BFA or BA degree in cinema or an approved equivalent with at least a B average in the major area.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please
refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 60 credits.
Please see the Studio Arts Courses page for course descriptions.
Studio Arts MFA (60 credits)
24 | credits chosen from the Studio Concentration |
3 | credits: |
21 | credits chosen from the following courses: |
12 | credits |
Please apply online and see the how-to-guide for application procedures. Visit the department website for application and portfolio requirements.
DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
Studio Arts | MFA | Jan. 20 | n/a | n/a |
- Photography I-IV
- Directed Studio Practice
- Studio Project
- Exhibition
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Our graduate students are currently automatically granted a three-credit Teaching Assistantship in their first year of study and a six-credit Assistantship in their second year.
MFA students can apply to teach a select number of undergraduate courses in their third year of study. These positions are awarded on a competitive basis. These opportunities also provide valuable experience for our graduate students, many of whom are interested in pursuing teaching careers.
Employment opportunities also exist as Research Assistants in university and faculty research centres, Milieux Institute and Post-Image.
Other Photography funding sources include the Roloff Beny Foundation Fellowship in Photography, worth $10,000, and the Mildred Lande and Margot Lande Graduate Scholarship in Photography.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Graduate students work in studios on the 3rd and 4th floors of the EV Building and have access to a large print finishing area and two fully equipped shooting studios. A wide range of portable photographic equipment is also available, including digital, 4x5 and 6x7 cameras, electronic flash kits, soft boxes, tripods, light meters and other accessories. Students should have their own 35mm camera for basic courses.
Our digital facilities include:
- high-end computers
- a drum scanner
- two virtual drum scanners
- negative and flatbed scanners
- 44-inch inkjet printers and other smaller printers.
The facilities also include a colour darkroom equipped with the following analogue equipment:
- 20 colour enlargers
- 30 and 40-inch colour processors with print viewing area
- 18 black and white enlargers
- large print darkroom.
Our alumni find success in a wide range of professional art careers. Many operate as independent artists who exhibit and publish their work around the world. Others work in galleries as directors, assistant directors, administrators and attendants. Several graduates have opened their own galleries or businesses.
A number of our graduates also pursue careers as educators. Our alumni can be found teaching in institutions like OCAD University, George Brown College, the University of Ottawa, Champlain College, the University of British Columbia, and California State University, Long Beach.
Key resources
Join the conversation
Contact us
Studio Arts MFA Office
Maureen Kennedy, MFA Program Assistant
514-848-2424 ext. 4607
Fax: 514-848-4532
mfa.studioarts@concordia.ca