The Degree of MA in the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (Art and Design) [Graduate]

Entrance Requirements

An applicant must normally hold a degree in the History of Art (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree other than History of Art will be considered for admission provided that an adequate background in the History of Art can be demonstrated. Applicants are advised to have reading ability and course credits in a language other than English at a level satisfactory to the department. Applicants will be required to submit current samples of writing and documentation of previous education and work experience to the department by January 15 for admission in September of the year of application.

Program Requirements

Students who are accepted into the thesis-based MA program will normally require two academic years of full-time enrollment to complete their program of studies. Exceptions to this regulation will require the consent of the Department and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Students in the course-based MA will normally require either one academic year in full-time enrollment or two to four years in part-time enrollment.

Students must declare whether they intend to follow the thesis-based or course-based program at the beginning of their graduate studies.  Anyone wishing to change their program must obtain the approval of the HADVC Graduate Advisor.

Thesis-based MA:

In addition to satisfying the general requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, students in the thesis-based MA program must complete the following

1. ★18 approved
2. of these ★18 approved, ★12 must be taken from History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture offerings at the 500- and 600-levels
3. up to ★6 of the ★18 required to be taken may, subject to the approval of the thesis or graduate advisor, be taken outside the Department.
4. Students will be required to pass a translation test in a language other than English, or a language reading course or approved equivalent with a minimum grade of C+ before proceeding to thesis.

The second year consists of the preparation, presentation and oral defense of a master’s thesis on a topic approved by the department.

Course-based MA:

In addition to satisfying the general requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, students in the course-based MA program must complete the following:

1. ★24 approved by the graduate advisor
2. HADVC 900 (★3), as part of the ★24, in which students will write a research paper on a topic of their choosing
3. of these ★24 approved, ★18 must be taken from History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture offerings at the 500- and 600-levels
4. up to ★6 of the ★24 required to be taken may, subject to the approval of the HADVC graduate advisor, be taken outside HADVC.

Length of Program

The time required to complete the MA will vary; however, a minimum of 12 months is normally required. Candidates who, in the view of the Department, need to make up prerequisite courses will normally spend a longer period of time to complete their graduate program.