Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an MFA and an MAA?

The MAA is intended to link studio practice in Visual Arts, Media Arts, or Design to professional practice. While the focus of the MFA degree may be directly related to developing a substantial body of work in preparation for an exhibiting career and, in some institutions, to developing teaching skills, the MAA has a broader intent.

The purpose of an applied degree is to prepare students for employment upon graduation and to provide a way to respond to evolving industry-driven career preparation needs as the demand for advanced knowledge and technical skills grows. For example, an MAA student in the visual arts stream may be interested in investigating an aspect of his/her studio practice as it relates to a specific community context or even to industry.

Nevertheless as in many MFA programs students do develop their own practice-based research in a critical context through rigorous studio and critical studies courses.

The 12-credit internship requirement is a specific feature of the MAA to ensure that each student engages in a relevant work/research experience of interest.

Students are required to submit a final thesis project that comprises a visual project and a thesis essay plus take part in a final exhibition.

Do I have to be a practicing artist or designer in order to apply?

The Admissions Committee does not expect that every successful applicant  have an extensive professional practice, as demonstrated through exhibition, publication or commissions in the private or public sector. However we uphold a strong commitment to those who wish to continue further studies in order to be challenged and to become an active participant of a dynamic group.

I have a degree in an unrelated field, can I still apply?

Admission to our Master program requires that applicants to hold a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field of study (e.g. BFA, BDes, BA in Art History). Applicants holding a degree in an unrelated field may apply. However, it will be expected that the applicant is able to demonstrate substantial relevant experience in media, design, or visual arts studio practice through their application portfolio.

What type of work do you expect students to produce?

At the Master level, the thesis project (thesis essay and a visual project)  is based on substantial, self-initiated research in the field. The student is expected to develop their ability to critically locate the work within a contemporary context.

How much writing will be required in the program? Are there many academic requirements other than the thesis?

The internship will require submission of a 1500 word paper; the thesis project proposal require 2500 words and the final thesis project will require submission of an 8,000 to 12,000 word paper. In addition extensive reading and writing are required for most courses thus strong reading and writing skills are essential throughout the Master program.

What technological resources are available to students?

Each graduate student has access to collective work spaces located either on campus or in close proximity to the main campus. Other resources on campus include: the Charles H. Scott Gallery, the Concourse Gallery, the Library, and the Intersections Digital Studio (IDS), a research facility that includes state of the art technology such as a motion capture studio, prototyping facilities, spatial scanners, CNC machine, a Bailey Kiln, and Xserve server system for high speed rendering with super computer capabilities. Emily Carr University cannot guarantee that all technical resources and facilities will be accessible to students at all times.

Who are the faculty members?

Emily Carr has over 150 full and part-time professors specialized in Visual Arts, Design, and Media Arts. These include national and international award winners, as well as some of Canada's most distinguished practitioners and scholars. Faculty are assigned to the MAA program on a rotating basis. For more information on our faculty, visit faculty biographies.

Can I apply for a student loan?

Canadian students in the Resident program are eligible for student loans, but each student's actual eligibility will be determined based upon their individual financial circumstances. Students from other provinces will be subject to the maximums of their home province which will vary from the B.C. maximum. As this funding will not cover both tuition and living expenses, students are encouraged to seek out alternate forms of funding like grants and scholarships by searching the Internet. Various scholarship search tools are available on the internet such as www.studentawards.com, www.scholarshipscanada.com and www.fastweb.com.

American students may apply for US student loan funding.

Do you offer entrance scholarships? How can I apply?

Emily Carr offers a limited number of entrance scholarships. Application for these scholarships is not required; the University will select students based on their academic achievements and through the portfolio assessment.

Can I attend on a part-time basis?

For the Resident program we require that students are registered and attend on a full-time basis. The Low Residency program offers a flexible form of delivery through a combination of online and onsite instruction. While the Low Residency program is not part-time, because of the online delivery, it does allow for more flexibility of time. Many of our current Low-residency students are working professionals and are pursuing their MAA concurrent with working. For more information see Low Residency program.

Can I take longer than two years to complete my degree?

Candidates in the Resident program are required to complete the degree in 21 months; and candidates in the Low Residency program are required to complete the degree in 28 months. Rare exceptions are made for medical reasons or other extraordinary circumstances.

Whom should I ask for a reference?

At least two references should be from people who have known you in a professional capacity and are familiar with your art or design practice and research goals (professors, curators, etc). One reference can be a more general character reference (i.e. an employer or colleague).

What are the TOEFL requirements?

Please visit English Proficiency for detailed information.

How are the internships provided? Are students responsible for finding suitable internships or does Emily Carr have a list of interested businesses?

Internships will take place during the four-month summer period between the first and second year of the program. The university's research and industry liaison office will work with students to identify and secure opportunities within the cultural/creative sectors and beyond. In the past MAA students have used their internship periods to complete a residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts, work in a design studio, gallery or public art consultancy to name a few.

Is it possible to do a self-directed internship, such as a residency in lieu of the regular internship?

Yes, pending approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students interested in fulfilling their internship requirement through a self-directed residency must submit a proposal to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

What types of programs are offered at Emily Carr?

Emily Carr offers study in the following areas:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Ceramics
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Photography
• Digital Visual Arts
• Film
• Video
• Animation
• Communication Design
• Industrial Design