Admission inquiries should be directed to the Director of Admissions or to the Director of the MDes Program.

Applicants to the Master of Design Program should possess a Bachelor of Design Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline, or the equivalent qualifications from a four year university or college program; ability as an artist, crafts person or designer; an interest in the role of design in society; the economy; design history and theory; teaching and research at a postsecondary level; and academic competency.

Applicants to the MDES Program will generally be expected to have completed the equivalent of NSCAD’s undergraduate art history and critical studies and liberal arts and science requirements and to have maintained an overall “B” average in relevant academic course work.

Applicants from other disciplines are welcome; however, they may be admitted on the condition that they successfully complete specific qualifying courses at the undergraduate level. A minimum grade of “B” must be earned in all courses.

The selection of qualifying courses is at the discretion of the MDES Admissions Committee and may include both studio and historical and critical studies courses. This study will be undertaken at the applicant’s own expense and does not guarantee admission to the MDES Program.

All Admission inquiries should be directed to the Director of Admissions or to the Director of the MFA program.

Applicants to the Master of Fine Arts (Studio) should possess either a BFA degree or the equivalent qualifications from a four-year university or college program, ability as an artist or craftsperson, an interest in teaching, and academic competency.

Applicants to the MFA Program will be expected to have completed the equivalent of NSCAD’s undergraduate art history and liberal arts and science requirements and to have maintained an overall “B” average in relevant academic course work.

Applicants to the MFA Program who have a four-year diploma (but not a degree) will be required to take a qualifying semester to supplement their liberal arts requirements. This study will be undertaken at the applicant’s own expense, and does not guarantee admission to the MFA Program. Such applicants must register for a minimum of three courses (nine semester credits). The courses required in a qualifying semester will be determined by the MFA director in consultation with the appropriate division chair (or designate) and the registrar. A minimum grade of “B” must be earned.

Students are selected for their capability as artists, craftpersons, or designers; their understanding of related critical information; and thepersonal qualities and interests that might be expected to contribute to their success as teachers and scholars.

Applicants often have in-depth training and experience in ceramics, digital media, drawing, film, installation, jewellery/metalsmithing, painting, performance, photography, printmaking, sculpture, sound, textiles/fashion or video.

Applicants to the Master of Art in Art Education should possess either a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine or Media Arts, Art Education, Design, or equivalent.

Applicants without these credentials or those granted by the NSCAD Visual Art Certificate for Teachers, in consultation with the MA Program Director, must complete a minimum of 12 credits in EDAR or studio-based undergraduate courses. This study will be undertaken at the applicant’s own expense and does not guarantee admission to the MA Program. A minimum grade of ‘B’ must be earned.