Fine Arts Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Overview

The Fine Arts programme at Emily Carr University of Art + Design offers a transformative environment for practitioners to deepen their creative research and material processes. This two-year graduate experience is designed to challenge artistic boundaries through a rigorous combination of studio-based production and critical inquiry.

Students engage in a curriculum that balances independent making with collaborative critique. The programme supports diverse practices, including media arts and contemporary art production, while fostering a professional community of creators. Regular feedback from expert faculty and visiting professionals ensures that every participant refines their conceptual framework.

The curriculum is delivered through various formats to suit different professional needs.

Why Fine Arts at Emily Carr University of Art + Design?

Emily Carr University of Art + Design is recognised as a leading institution for creative excellence, holding the distinction of being the top-ranked art and design university in Canada. The institution provides a unique Vancouver advantage, connecting students to a vibrant local and international industry network.

Graduate students benefit from dedicated studio spaces located at the Centre for Digital Media. These facilities include individual and communal workspaces, as well as reservable hot-desk studios exclusive to master's level researchers. This environment encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across various artistic and digital media disciplines.

The university also hosts specialised research labs and centres, including the Jake Kerr Faculty of Graduate Studies. Students are supported by the Writing Centre and the Teaching and Learning Centre, ensuring a holistic approach to academic and creative development throughout their residency.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 28026 per year
• National fee: CAD 20467 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to guide students from initial material exploration to the completion of a significant body of work. Modules may include:

• Studio Practice
• Creative Research
• Material Processes
• Contemporary Art Production
• Theoretical Frameworks
• Critical Inquiry
• Research Methods
• Professional Development
• Thesis Project

The final phase of the programme focuses on the development of a master’s thesis. This project integrates extensive writing with studio production and culminates in public exhibitions. Students receive one-on-one mentorship from faculty supervisors to shape their research questions and refine their final practical outputs.

Careers with Fine Arts

Graduates of the programme are prepared to take on leadership roles within the global creative sector. The rigorous focus on research and professional growth empowers artists to establish sustainable practices and contribute to contemporary cultural discourse. Many alumni find success as independent artists, gallery educators, and creative researchers.

The programme's emphasis on interdisciplinary skills also opens pathways into media industries and environmental advocacy, particularly for those in the ecological practices stream. By engaging with industry connections and public exhibitions, students build the necessary networks to transition into professional artistic careers upon graduation.