Sculpture and Ceramics (MFA)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Why pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Ceramics?
The MFA in Studio Arts is a terminal degree. The MFA Program appeals to practicing artists who wish to refine personal content and forms through critical inquiry. Alumni are recognized as multidisciplinary artist-researchers working at the vanguard of their respective practices.
This integrated and challenging program acknowledges individual, traditional, discipline-based work and histories while recognizing the potential for interdisciplinary production that includes:
- Autonomous objects
- Ready-mades
- Digital media
- Kinetics
- Performance
- Collaboration
The explosion of three dimensional works and situations in current art practices presents a staggering list of possible materials, methods and means, which activate unlimited contexts for presentation.
Normally completed in three years, Sculpture and Ceramics concentration champions an intensive, studio-based approach to learning and research. The concentration supports multiple venues for student research. These include installation, performance, autonomous objects, new media and kinetics. Students also experiment with three-dimensional works and spatial references that offer seemingly limitless possibilities in terms of materials, methods and means of production and presentation.
The MFA Program values the importance of critical inquiry and relies heavily on intellectual exchange. Traditional and innovative approaches are discussed through lively debate surrounding art and culture. Theory and studio seminars provide an important forum for students to investigate other issues and concerns.
At the end of each term, students formally present their studio work to a review committee composed of faculty, studio arts graduates and invited artist-critics. Committee members provide a focused response to this work and prepare students for their concluding exhibition and defense.
Read more: why do your master's at Concordia.
Program details
24 credits – Studio Concentration
3 credits – Directed Studio Practice
DISP 615 - Directed Studio Practice (3 credits)
21 credits – Chosen from
ASEM 620 - Art: Ideas and Practices (3 credits)
ASEM 641 - Seminar in Contemporary Art (6 credits)
ASEM 642 - Seminar in Contemporary Art (3 credits)
ASEM 643 - Special Topics in Art and Ideology (6 credits)
ASEM 644 - Special Topics In Art and Ideology (3 credits)
ASEM 645 - Special Topics in Art and Culture (6 credits)
ASEM 646 - Special Topics in Art and Culture (3 credits)
ASEM 651 - Special Topics in Media Arts (6 credits)
ASEM 652 - Special Topics in Media Arts (3 credits)
ASEM 653 - Aspects of Contemporary Cinema (6 credits)
ASEM 654 - Aspects of Contemporary Cinema (3 credits)
INTP 660 - Professional Internship (6 credits)
INTP 661 - Professional Internship I (3 credits)
INTP 662 - Professional Internship II (3 credits)
INDS 670 - Independent Study (6 credits)
INDS 671 - Independent Study I (3 credits)
INDS 672 - Independent Study II (3 credits)
12 credits – Project and Exhibition
PROJ 691 - Studio Project (9 credits)
PROJ 692 - Exhibition or Film Project (3 credits)
- 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 Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Note: Students with a BFA from Concordia University must wait two (2) years before being considered for admission into the MFA program.
Application process
For application instructions, including directions for your letter of intent and what to include in your portfolio, please visit our how to apply section.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Studio Arts | MFA | Jan. 20 | n/a | n/a |
The MFA in Studio Arts is composed of discipline-specific studio classes and academic seminars in art criticism, history and theory, which are augmented by workshops, visiting artist lectures and special projects.
Core studio projects form the backbone of the program, offering an opportunity for rigorous disciplinary investigation and a forum to debate issues relevant to the student’s personal practice. Core classes meet weekly during the first two years of the program under the supervision of faculty who are engaged in a diverse range of studio art practices and research activities. At the end of each term students present their work to a review committee composed of faculty, invited artists, curators and critics.
Practice-led inquiry is contextualized by critical seminars that provide an interdisciplinary conceptual framework for the development of ideas in relation to creative practice. Seminar topics vary regularly to reflect the shifting nature of contemporary art and culture.
- Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
- See the MFA program breakdown
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 the faculty’s research centres.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Sculpture students have access to technical areas in two separate buildings. Along with access to the Core Technical Centres in the EV Building, there is a smaller wood shop, metals area/foundry, and mould-making facilities in the VA building. Experienced and skilled technical staff are available by appointment to support students in realizing their artistic projects.
Graduate students work in well-ventilated, individual studio spaces located on the 4th floor of the VA building.
Find more information about the VA workshops.
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
