Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
| Program | Components | Expected Duration |
| MFA | Coursework, creative practice, thesis | 18 to 24 months |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC provides students with opportunities to develop sophisticated production skills within a variety of media.
Students thrive in a creative environment led by experienced faculty from a variety of disciplines. Here, students gain exposure to advance concepts in contemporary art while working in a mutually supportive and critical studio-and-production environment.
The MFA program includes state-of-the-art production with 21st-century digital, printmaking, sculpture and photography studio facilities. While in residence, each student has a studio space to work in an artistic environment to explore, share and develop their own artistic community in relationship to a dynamic cohort of fellow MFA students.
Students are encouraged to engage in and investigate creative practice-based research that combines an interdisciplinary approach bridging academic research and fine-arts disciplines. We also support notions of artwork that is collaborative and community-based in nature.
There are three areas of specialization to choose from:
All three share a MFA Colloquium course that helps to develop bonds between differing areas while promoting innovative and interdisciplinary artistic opportunities.
Creative Writing and Visual Arts specializations have focused disciplinary production courses to develop advanced skills in their areas.
The Interdisciplinary Studies specialization allows students interested in Performance or Media Arts to explore other methods of production while engaging in more traditionally academic areas of study, such as Indigenous, Women’s or Gender Studies.
The MFA program also allows for students to explore non-traditional community or collaborative creative practices.
All MFA students are required to complete 30 credits as follows: 6 credits of methodology (CCS 506 and CCS 507 MFA Graduate Colloquium I and II); 9 credits of additional coursework, 6 of which must be in the student’s area of creative practice specialization; and the MFA Thesis (15 credits) which requires students to produce a significant body of original artistic work.
The specialization in Visual Arts requires an exhibition of a body of work completed during residency in the program, a written thesis, and an oral defense of both exhibition and written thesis.
Students specializing in Visual Arts must complete the following 30 credits:
The specialization in Creative Writing requires a full-length work of publishable quality (book-length poetry, fiction, or non-fiction manuscript, full-length stage play, libretto or screenplay) with a 2,500 to 5,000 word introductory support paper, and an oral defense.
Students specializing in Creative Writing must complete the following 30 credits:
The specialization in Interdisciplinary Studies is comprised of the production of a body of work and a written research paper in a secondary area of study (or occasionally a creative work in a different field from the primary area)—generally a substantial, scholarly work between 8,000 to 10,000 words in length in the student’s secondary discipline. The written research paper and the creative work should have substantial linkages in theoretical or topical context. An oral defense of both the artistic work and the written support paper is required.
Alternate thesis structure and content, such as the completion of two creative works, may be considered if planned ahead, especially in cases where a student’s work is interdisciplinary in nature.
Thesis descriptions of the primary creative disciplines for students in the specialization of Interdisciplinary Studies:
Students specializing in Interdisciplinary Studies must complete the following 30 credits:
Our research focus in the Masters of Fine Arts program include:
The success of UBC Okanagan’s MFA program depends on exceptional students.
Please touch base with a faculty supervisor before you start the application process. We look forward to hearing about your research interests and career goals.
FCCS students are significant contributors of artistic and cultural events on campus and off in Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley and beyond.
Fine Arts Students have participated in many exhibitions, readings and performances on and off campus. View fine arts student work on our art blog.
Explore the following UBCO student-led groups that promote interest and community within their respective disciplines: Visual Arts Course Union; Creative Writing Course Union; Theatre Course Union
Search all UBC Okanagan MFA student publications at cIRcle, the university’s digital repository for research and teaching materials.
Admission to UBC graduate programs is competitive. Applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants to the MFA programs are expected to have a BFA, with a B+ (76%) in third-year level and above courses or at least 12 credits in third- and fourth-year classes in their intended field of study with an A- (80%) or better average. An applicant’s background must sufficiently prepare them for advanced work in creative practice.
Applicants need to submit a portfolio of creative work (see How to Apply below)
MORE INFORMATION
Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements information; the calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.
* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Applicants to the MFA programs are expected to have a BFA, with a B+ (76%) in third-year level and above courses or at least 12 credits in third- and fourth-year classes in their intended field of study with an A- (80%) or better average. An applicant’s background must sufficiently prepare them for advanced work in creative practice.
Applicants need to submit a portfolio of creative work, see How to Apply below.
Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present English language proficiency tests. Test scores must have been taken within the last 24 months. The College of Graduate studies defines the acceptable .
MORE INFORMATION
Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements information; the calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.
* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Grades and degree credentials required by UBC vary by country. Search the Required Grades and Credential Guide — a guide to assist international students in estimating their eligibility.
An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC. Visit the International Programs and Services website to meet the team.
UBC Okanagan’s tuition and fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre.
| Program | Schedule | Domestic (per year) | International (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFA | Full-time | $4,995.78 | $8,776.74 |
Tuition amounts presented here are estimates only and all fees are subject to change. For official tuition and fee information, visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar*, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the university of British Columbia.
Tuition is paid three times a year at the beginning of each term, and on the first day of the term, as per the Academic Calendar: Winter Term 1 (September), Winter Term 2 (January), and Summer Term (May).
* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
The Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies is committed to financially supporting our graduate students to the best of our ability and providing a variety of funding options.
Currently, the Faculty can provide up to two years of support for Masters students through a combination of Graduate Entrance Scholarships (GDES), Teaching Assistantships (TAs), Research Assistantships (RAs) and University Graduate Fellowship (UGFs) funding. The specific source of the funding for an individual student will depend on a number of factors and may include a mixture of TA, RA and UGF support.
TAs pay approximately $11,500 annually and we prioritize graduate students for these positions—Masters students have two years of priority for placement. The number of available positions is contingent on Faculty budget and overall student numbers. TA positions are posted online.
RAs are employment opportunities for qualified students offered by faculty members with research grants and contracts. As a paid research assistant, graduate students assist their supervisor or other researchers in conducting high-level research, which often contributes to the student’s thesis or dissertation. RAs are not guaranteed because they follow the financial cycles of the supervisor’s external grants and contracts.
The College of Graduate Studies administers merit-based graduate awards at the Okanagan campus. The College manages a number of award competitions each year and administers payment of all internal awards and selected external awards, including:
Please contact our faculty before starting your application. Admission to the program requires the support of a faculty supervisor as well as meeting program-specific criteria for admission requirements.
A complete application package will contain:
All areas of specialization are required to prepare a cohesive portfolio package, which may be submitted along with your application or mailed directly to the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. One PDF document containing images, description of images and/or links to film, online media or performances is preferred.
All portfolios should include the following:
Creative Writing – 30 pages of published or unpublished work in two genres. The work can be photocopies of published material (providing bibliographical information about the publication) or can be in manuscript format (double-spaced, one side of the page)
Visual Arts – 15-20 images submitted as a ZIP folder, as one PDF document, or by a direct link to a site containing the images. If you are linking to a website or otherwise posted materials, include a one-page PDF document which clearly describes the work with the title and specifics, and include the links. Make sure it is a direct link to the images. The committee will not search a website for the material.
You must also include an accompanying image description document (maybe in the PDF). Do not send PowerPoint or other presentations. The PDF document should contain one image per page, listing the title, date and medium, please ensure that your images are sized down. Short Video documentation of work may also be submitted if appropriate as a link to the video site.
Video/Film – A selection of recent video work on USB stick submitted with your application, or provide links to online material in your application. If you are linking to a website, or other posted materials. include a one-page PDF document which clearly describes the work with title and specifics, and include the links. Make sure that it is a direct link to the video. The committee will not search a website for the material. The department may request additional original work for further evaluation purposes.
Performance – Students who plan to work in the area of Performance will be able to do so under the MFA with a specialization in Interdisciplinary Studies: Support material will be accepted of video documentation of performance work on DVD, 30-minute maximum or a specific link to website. If you are linking to a site or other posted materials include a one-page PDF document which clearly describes the work with title and specifics, and includes the links. Make sure that it is a direct link to the video. The committee will not search a website for the material.
Performance texts: maximum 30 pages; 15-20 images of performances; digital sound recordings. Applicants may choose to provide support material in more than one format if appropriate.
Applying takes time. We recommend you start your application two months in advance.
For full consideration students should submit all application materials by the following:
| Intake | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| MFA Visual Arts and Creative Writing (Domestic & International) | |
| September | January 15 |
| MFA Interdisciplinary Studies (Domestic & International) | |
| September | January 15 |
| May | October 1 |
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the psychology program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.
UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.
More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.
UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.
A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.
Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*
* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).
Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.
* UBC does not verify or endorse information shared on this third-party website, which is offered here as a public resource only.
Events: See what’s happening with FCCS News & Events, including readings by visiting authors and artist talks, performances, the AlterKnowledge Discussion Series, Film Series, Okanagan Short Story Contest, the popular annual Art on the Line fundraiser, and much more.
Stay Connected: and keep in touch with us, too—by following the FCCS community on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the UBCO Grad community on Twitter and keep up to date with what is happening in the English program.
Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.
Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days and week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.
Community: The Aboriginal Centre is a home away from home for all Aboriginal students by providing a sense of belonging and community, a place to catch up, wind down, make lunch, share opportunities and celebrate success.
College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation
Centre for Scholarly Communication (CSC): Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff and faculty in disseminating their research. The CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles and grant proposals.
Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training and use of technology in educational programming.
Learn more about graduate student resources and support in FCCS.
Map out your future and prepare to hit the ground running with resources and services provided by the Advising & Involvement Centre.
Tell your story with resumé and cover-letter strategies, and search Work Study jobs for experience relevant to your degree and career goals. You can also book an appointment to meet one-on-one with our career advisor.
alumni UBC is a member-driven association that offers a variety of lifetime programming and communications to enrich the lives of UBC graduates.
The ‘Your Next Step’ program offers webinars, speaker series and professional development sessions. It is designed to provide advice, tips and resources in areas of career development to graduates for life after university.
Realize the promise of a global community with shared ambition for a better world and an exceptional UBC.
