NSCAD offers the following graduate degrees:
The Master of Design is a 42 credit, 12-16 month program culminating in a thesis exhibition. The program is aimed at graduates of Bachelor of Design programs or professional designers who wish to broaden their practice through further critical study and research. Students can elect to complete the program by project work or by thesis). Students prepare a comprehensive Thesis Exhibition as the final requirement of their program, along with a short written paper. Over the course of the three residency semesters, students engage in design research and graduate courses.
The Master of Fine Arts degree is awarded after the successful completion of 42 credits of course work and other program requirements (including the Final Exhibition and Thesis) taken over a 20 to 24 month period, beginning in the Fall semester. The university’s MFA Program, in existence since 1973, provides students with the opportunity to develop their work in a context of intense critical discussion. Academic studies in art history or other relevant subjects form an integral part of the program.
Students are selected for their capability as artists, craftpersons, or designers; their understanding of related critical information; and the personal qualities and interests that might be expected to contribute to their success as teachers and scholars.
The university’s MFA Program addresses the main areas of study offered at the university: Craft, and Fine and Media Arts.
The Master of Fine Arts in Craft program is discipline-based in ceramics, jewellery design and metalsmithing or textiles.
The Master of Fine Arts in Fine and Media Arts is cross-disciplinary in nature, though students may concentrate in audio and video, digital media, drawing, film, installation, painting, performance art, photography, printmaking, or sculpture