OCAD University campus

Arts & Humanities

MFA Criticism and Curatorial Practice at OCAD University

OCAD University, Canada

Programme overview

Program focused on advanced research skills in curation, art history and critical art writing, with a criticism stream (thesis paper) and an exhibition stream (curated exhibition with curatorial essay and support paper).

Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  |  Duration: 2 years  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Courses in curation and critical art writing, electives with experiential learning, and a final exhibition or criticism thesis.

Career pathways

Alumni have careers across the arts and culture sector including as executive directors and curators; internships are available with galleries, museums and arts publications.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree (BA, BFA, BDes or comparable honours) with 75% (B+) or better in the last two years, or exceptional experience as an artist, designer, critic or curator. Research proposal (max 500 words), 1-3 samples of work and CV required. Two recommendation letters and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are required; applicants whose first language is not English need TOEFL, IELTS 7.0 overall with no part below 7.0, or Duolingo 120, unless a prior degree was taught in English.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Classes begin in early September 2027 (Fall 2027 intake).

Fall 2027: applications open 15 October 2026 through the Graduate Application Portal; application and funding deadline 15 January 2027; second-round deadline 15 March 2027. The application fee is $110 CAD per program applied to, payable by credit card, non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://gradadmissions.ocadu.ca/apply

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