Master of Fine Arts

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Feb 28, 2024 23:38PM IST

What is Master of Fine Arts (MFA)?

MFA Course is a two-year specialised postgraduate programme that focuses on Applied Arts, Painting, Fine Arts, Sculpture, Visual Communication, Visual Art, Ceramics, and other Aesthetic Arts disciplines. The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) course syllabus is generally divided into four semesters, and most colleges and universities offer the course with a specialisation. Candidates who complete the MFA course are able to learn about a number of fascinating topics, including graphic design, interior design, oil painting, sketching, drawing, and illustration, ceramics, sculpture, and woodcarving. The course covers many aesthetic art forms and provides prime Master of Fine Arts (MFA) subjects including Visual Communication, Applied Arts, Art History, Ceramics, Painting, Sculpture and Printmaking among others. 

MFA course is ideal for you if you have an artistic mind and heart and enjoy using colour and art. Commercial art, theatre, television, animation, exhibition design, and others are important Master of Fine Arts career paths. MFA admission 2024 can be based on merit or on an entrance exam. JNAFAU, CUET PG, and LPUNEST are among the most popular entrance exams. The fees for an MFA course vary between INR 20k to INR 2 LPA. Some of the best colleges for MFA courses include Bharatiya Kala Mahavidyalaya, Amity School of Fine Arts, and College of Arts. An MFA graduate's starting salary averages INR 3 LPA. Advertising agencies, film sets and theatres, and the television industry are the top employers for MFA graduates. Art teachers, curators, animators, and photographers are among the available MFA Job positions.

Also Read: Best Certificate Courses in India 

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Master of Fine Arts Latest Updates 2024

  • MFA admission 2024 is based on the following entrance exams:
Name of Entrance ExamDate of Entrance Exam
CUET PGMarch 11 to 28, 2024
LPUNEST20th January - 5th February, 2024
JNAFAU To Be Announced 
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MFA Course Highlights

The table below lists the highlights of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) course. 

Course LevelMasters
Examination TypeSemester-wise
MFA course Eligibility Bachelor's in Fine Arts from a recognized institute
MFA Admission Process
  • Entrance Based 
  • Merit Based 
MFA Entrance ExamCUET PG, LPUNEST, JNAFAU, etc.
MFA course duration 2 years
MFA course FeeINR 20K - 2 LPA
MFA course Average Salary INR 2 - 8 Lakhs
MFA Job ProfilesCurator, Graphic Designer, Animator, Art Designer, Lecturer, Art Critic, Commercial Artist, etc.
Top RecruitersTelevision industry, Art Galleries, Newspapers and Magazines, Publishing Houses, Museums, Government Institutes, Fine Art Colleges, etc.
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Benefits of Studying Master of Fine Arts

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme has numerous benefits for students. A few of these advantages are listed below. 

  • Improved Creative Capabilities: Earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) improves a person's capacity for creativity by honing their technique and level of expertise in the medium of their choice. 
  • Increased Career Opportunities: Having an MFA can lead to a variety of jobs as professional artists, curators, designers, and educators, among other roles. 
  • Networking Opportunities: MFA programmes provide students with the opportunity to engage with instructors, other artists, and professionals in the art world.
  • Creative Independence: MFA recipients acquire the self-assurance and flexibility to discover their own artistic voice.
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Why Choose Master of Fine Arts Degree?

There are more performance choices and opportunities available for MFA course. Depending on their interests and skill set, artists are free to select their own field. You can specialise in fields like graphic design, fashion design, interior design, painting, sculpture, printmaking, lithography, digital art studies, animation, and more in an MFA programme. You will have many different career options after getting an MFA. You can work for museums, art schools, marketing companies, advertising agencies, small non-profit organisations, and businesses.

After completing your MFA course, if you have the aptitude and the drive, you could even launch your own graphic design company. Additionally, you can work as a freelancer in commercial and digital art. Having an MFA degree will offer you a professional edge that will be advantageous to both you and your employer.

Furthermore, many topics are covered in the MFA course list, such as oil painting, woodcarving, sculpture, graphic design, drawing, illustration, and ceramics. There are many different fields where postgraduates with an MFA can find work, including commercial art, theatre, television, animation, and exhibition design. Following completion of this course, candidates can pursue a wide range of careers, including positions with small non-profit organisations, corporations, galleries, marketing agencies, art schools, and advertising agencies.

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Who Can Pursue Master of Fine Arts (MFA)?

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) course is open to students who have an artistic mindset and want to become social workers, teachers, or researchers. The MFA degree is regarded as the best choice for candidates who want to work in Human Rights, Commercial Arts, Theatre, Healthcare, Exhibition Design, Social Services, etc.

An MFA programme helps students develop stronger analytical and critical thinking skills, which help them learn more about their subject. Students can use their skills and interests in a variety of fine arts courses that are offered. Paintings and screenwriting for films and television shows are examples of fine arts. 

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Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Eligibility Criteria

To get MFA admission certain eligibility criteria have to be met. Some of these criteria are mentioned below:

  • The student must possess a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or any other equivalent degree from a recognized institute or university
  • The student must have obtained the minimum aggregate percentage (usually 50% - 60%) as stipulated by an institution in which a candidate is applying for admission
  • Sometimes candidates with a bachelor's degree in Humanities are also eligible to apply

Note: Eligibility criteria for MFA course might vary from university to university and also depend on the policies of the institution in which a candidate is applying.

Required Skill Set for MFA

Candidates with a creative mind and an interest in learning new techniques to refine their artistic abilities are most apt for Master of Fine Arts or MFA course. Some of the traits and skills that candidates looking to pursue MFA course should possess are:

  • Creativity
  • Realistic and constructive drawing
  • Composition skills
  • Colour techniques
  • Organisation skills
  • Decision-making skills
  • Research skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Interpretive skills
  • Teamwork
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Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Entrance Exams

Some universities and colleges conduct their entrance examinations for MFA admission. The exam includes topics taught in the Bachelor's degree, helping them understand the course. The exams for MFA admission are mentioned below:

CUET PG: The Central University Entrance Test (Postgraduate), or CUET PG, is an all-India level entrance exam that will be introduced for admission to PG programmes in Central and participating universities.

BHU PET: This exam is conducted by Banaras Hind University (BHU) to admit students in its MFA course. It is a university-level postgraduate entrance exam, conducted to select candidates for various master degree programmes. It is an offline pen and paper-based test asking multiple-choice questions. For BHU admission, the CUET PG entrance exam score will be considered.

LPUNEST: This is a university-level entrance exam, conducted by Lovely Professional University to select candidates for courses like Engineering, MBA, Law, MFA, etc. The exam will be conducted in online mode, where there will be a total of 120 MCQs. The duration of this exam will be 150 minutes.

JNAFAU Entrance Exam: This exam is conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University to admit students in its MFA course. The exam will consist of 30 MCQ questions and will have 50 marks for one question in the practical exam. Candidates have to finish the exam in 3 hours 45 minutes.

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MFA Admission Process in India

MFA admission process vary amongst institutes; some offer admission to MFA on a merit basis, while others hold entrance examinations to fill MFA seats. The Master of Fine Arts Admission Process has been covered in detail in the section below. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for MFA admission 2024 at various colleges and universities.

  • MFA Merit Based Admission: Admission to the MFA programme will be based on the applicant's performance in the previous university examination or entrance test. Applicants must be on the merit list for the MFA selection process. 
  • MFA Entrance Based Admission: All reputable colleges and universities administer various entrance exams to candidates for MFA admission. Some of the popular entrance exams for MFA admission include CUET, Calcutta University Entrance Exam, and others. To be admitted, candidates must pass the respective entrance exam and go through the final round of counselling for seat allocation.

Also Read: Master of Fine Arts Courses, Eligibility and Scope

Candidates may also apply for MFA admission at other private colleges. MFA admissions are less difficult in private institutes than in government institutions. Candidates can also earn an MFA via distance education. Admission to the MFA distance education programme is straightforward. MFA degrees are offered by a variety of institutions, including the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

MFA Admission Process in India

Check out the sections below for the application process and detailed MFA admission process for the course:

  • Candidates should go to the official website of the college where they intend to pursue their MFA degree
  • To be considered for MFA admission, students must first register, then fill out an application form with all of their information, and finally pay the application fees
  • The college administration will then issue a merit list. If a candidate's name appears on the merit list, he or she must pay the MFA admission fees requested by the college/university
  • To finalise a candidate, some institutions conduct their own written test and additional interview phase
  • After passing the written exam and other processes, applicants must proceed to the counselling round, where their documents will be verified and seats will be assigned
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Direct Master of Fine Arts Admission Process Without Entrance Exam

At most colleges and universities, admission to Master of Fine Arts programmes is based on merit. Candidates for the Master of Fine Arts programme will be admitted based on their performance on a written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a relevant qualifying exam. In such cases, candidates are typically chosen based on their academic record and performance in a previous relevant exam.

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List of Popular MFA Courses/Specialisations

There are various types of MFA programmes covering almost every artistic discipline. These specialized MFA specializations are tailored as per the needs of writers, choreographers,  painters, ballet dancers, theatre and movie directors, dramatists, fashion designers, etc.

Here are some of the popular MFA course specializations:

  • MFA in Applied Arts
  • MFA in Painting
  • MFA in Visual Communication
  • MFA in Art History
  • MFA in Acting
  • MFA in Dance
  • MFA in Creative Writing
  • MFA in Photography
  • MFA in Filmmaking
  • MFA in Design
  • MFA in Textile Design
  • MFA in Pottery and Ceramics
  • MFA in Sculpture

Also Read: Top 10 Arts Colleges in Delhi University

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Difference between an MFA and an MA degree?

Their names may be similar, but there are key differences between an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) and an MA (Master of Arts).

  • The MA is an academic degree, normally delivered as a taught programme across Arts and Humanities and some Social Science subjects.
  • The MFA is a practice-based degree and is only offered in Arts subjects based on performance or creative work.

Applicants can choose to pursue an MA or an MFA in one of the many fine arts specialisations available. There are some distinctions between these two courses that candidates need to be aware of:

CriteriaMFAMA
Course NameMaster of Fine ArtsMaster of Arts
Academic OutcomesIt is provided especially in the fine arts discipline, with an emphasis on useful elements.It is more concerned with the intellectual side of the fine arts and other humanities subjects.
Professional OutcomesFine Art painters, SculptorsMuseum Curators, Art Historian

These qualifications may overlap in certain situations. Universities occasionally offer the MFA as a pathway in addition to an MA course, especially in the UK. Depending on the situation, students can choose taught or creative units. At the conclusion of an MA, they might also be able to move on to a longer, practical MFA project.

To achieve this, you must still reflect on your artistic practice and identify your goals, guiding principles, and techniques. However, rather than what you have to say about the background or cultural setting of your field, the emphasis will be on your own work.

In short, an MFA is a final or 'terminal' degree. While an MA can lead to a PhD, an MFA is frequently the highest level of formal qualification for practice-based work in the arts and design.

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Types of Master of Fine Arts Courses

Similar to many other degree types, when deciding to study a Master of Fine Arts course in India, students must also decide between full-time or part-time courses. While the full-time MFA course will be widely available across numerous universities and institutions across India, there may be other universities that may also offer part-time or even distance learning courses, also known as low-residency courses. Here are the different types of MFA courses that students can choose from.

Part-Time/Distance Learning Masters of Fine Arts (Low Residency)

Students, unable to attend university classes full-time due to prior engagements like work, will be able to choose between part-time or distance learning courses. These courses are known are low-residency courses as they require the least amount of physical attendance on campus to complete the programme. The low-residency nature of the courses also allows students to easily enrol in a programme and gain the educational requirements. However, the duration of the courses may extend by a couple of months or even a year.

Full-Time Masters of Fine Arts (High Residency)

A full-time Master of Fine Arts will be a two-year postgraduate course where students will be required to maintain a minimum number of physical days of attendance. However, such courses will have a limited number of seats available each year and the competition for enrolment may also be higher. However, the networking opportunities will be higher compared to low-residency programmes.

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Master of Fine Arts Fees in India

MFA course fees range between INR 20K - 2LPA. Course fees may vary depending on the MFA colleges. A government-based institute charges less than a private institute due to its infrastructure and facilities. 

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MFA Course Syllabus

The MFA course syllabus includes both theoretical and practical subjects. Candidates receive practical knowledge through seminars, research projects, workshops, viva-voce, and other means. Sometimes candidates are encouraged to create full-fledged artworks in the form of a portfolio. Theoretical aspects of MFA include the study of core and specialised subjects (depending on the candidate's chosen specialisation). The majority of MFA courses are taught on a full-time or regular basis. Some MFA courses are taught as degrees, while others are taught as diploma or certificate courses. MFA courses include both core and elective subjects. 

Semester 1Semester 2
History of European Art -IHistory of European Art -II
Advertising Principles and PracticesAdvertising Principles and Practices- II
Occidental Aesthetics -IOccidental Aesthetics -II
Visualization Illustration PhotographyVisualization, Illustration, Photography
Creative Painting, Mural Design, Portrait, LandscapeCreative Painting, Mural Design, Portrait, Landscape
Semester 3Semester 4
History of Modern Indian Art-I
Advertising (Principles and Practices) -III
History of Modern Art II
Occidental Aesthetics- I Advertising (principles and practices) IV
Visualisation- III, Illustration -III, Photography -IIIOriental Aesthetics -II
-Visualization -IV, Illustration- IV, Photography - IV 

MFA Subjects 

The MFA core and specialisation subjects are listed below:

Core and Specialisation Subjects
Core SubjectsHistory of Indian Art 
History of Indian Architecture 
History of European Art 
Aesthetics & Principles of Art Appreciation 
Sociology 
Principles and Sources of Art 
Mechanism of Artistic Perception 
Specialisation SubjectsCreative Writing 
Acting 
Computer Animation 
Photography 
Illustration 
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Top Private Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Colleges in India

In India, a number of the best private colleges that offer Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programmes are regarded as esteemed institutions of learning, along with other colleges that are deemed to be universities. They offer excellent facilities, highly qualified faculty, and job opportunities. Admission to different institutes is decided by an entrance exam. Here are a few of these institutions:

Name of CollegeFees (in INR)
Amity University, Noida1.15 - 1.25 LPA
Chitkara University, Chandigarh3.8 LPA
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Mumbai1.99 LPA
Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar2 LPA
MIT-WPU, Pune2.5 LPA
Manipal University, Jaipur2 LPA
NIMS Jaipur90K
Noida International University1 LPA
Shrishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bangalore10.80 LPA
Sister Nivedita University1.55 LPA
World University of Design1.35 - 5 LPA

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

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Top Government Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Colleges in India

Some of the most popular government colleges for Master of Fine Arts include top central and state universities that offer a variety of courses in the performing arts. Candidates can check about the various specialisations offered by MFA.

Name of CollegeFees 
Alagappa UniversityINR 20 K
Banaras Hindu University, VaranasiINR 20.73 K
College of Arts, University of DelhiINR 21.2 K
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada UniversityINR 40 K
Jamia Milia Islamia, DelhiINR 21.1 K
CSJM, KanpurINR 83.2 K
Visva Bharati University, KolkataINR 20.4 K
University of HyderabadINR 23.54 K
Maharshi Dayanand University, RohtakINR 52.8 K
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, VaranasiINR 40 K

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

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Top Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Colleges in India

There are more than 300 fine arts colleges in different states of India offering MFA and BFA degree. Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Baroda are considered the main centres of art culture in India. There are more than 300 fine arts colleges in India, offering Master of Fine Arts (MFA) course in full-time mode, part-time mode and through distance education from IGNOU. MFA degree through distance education is quie popular among students because it provides flexibility to complete the course in minimum 2 years to maximum 6 years

The following list shows some of the best MFA Colleges in India along with their MFA fees:

MFA CollegesCityMFA Fees
College of Arts, Delhi UniversityNew DelhiINR 46 k
Faculty of Visual Arts, BHUVaranasiINR 20.3 k
Faculty of Fine Arts, Jamia Millia IslamiaNew DelhiINR 20.8 k
Sir JJ Institute of Applied ArtsMumbaiINR 20 k
Dept. of Fine Arts, Kurukshetra UniversityThanesarINR 72 k
Vishwa Bharti University, Kala BhawanShantiniketanINR 20 k
Dept. of Fine Arts, AMUAligarhINR 21 k
Bhartiya Kala MahavidhyalayaPuneINR 1.15 L
Amity School of Fine ArtsNoidaINR 80 k

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

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Career Options After Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

MFA jobs in India are in high demand and have a good job scope in today's developing world. After the MFA course, any student can get placed in the MFA course placements(if it exists in their institution). Other than that, there are various job opportunities in both the private and government sectors.

  • Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual text and imagery concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports, etc. The job of a graphic designer is excellent for MFA course graduates and they will be paid quite handsomely depending on their experience.

  • Theater Artist

Theatre artist is an actor who uses the stage for performance based on a real or fictional story in front of a live audience in one take. Theatre artist is different from tv or movie actors as they do not get second chance to perform. They use songs, musicals, poems, drama, dance, speech to exhibit their art. MFA graduates who has a knack for acting can go in this field. 

  • Animator

If you have chosen animations as your specialisation in MFA course, you will be entitled to working as an animator. You can get associated with an organisation and can design cartoons, caricatures or graphics as per their choice. Media houses, production houses as well as advertising agencies are often in search of Animators.

  • Art Director

MFA graduates who have a great eye for visual design can be very good Art Directors. They are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design for a project, and also direct others who develop the artwork or layouts. Art directors work for advertising and public relations firms, newspaper and magazine publishers, etc. 

  • Creative Director

A creative director is hired to head the creative team of a company. They act as creative leads creative leads at advertising and marketing companies, working with designers, artists, copywriters, sales teams and marketers to create a vision for products sold.

  • Sculptor

A sculptor is a highly creative fine artist who develops ideas for sculptures or statues, and makes them come to life in three-dimensional form by joining or molding materials together. Sculptors typically work with hard materials like stone, marble, glass, metal, wood or ice. They can also use clay, plaster, gold, wire, plastic, rubber, fabric or even paper. An MFA degree graduate can work as a sculptor either in a firm or do freelance work for a number of clients. 

Also Read:  Master of Fine Arts: Career Scope, Jobs, Salaries

MFA Salary

The job you choose after getting your Master of Fine Arts (MFA) will determine your salary. Few industries, such as film, television, and advertising, encourage talent and pay well for success. According to PayScale, freshers earn between INR 2 L to INR 3 LPA. If you have the opportunity to work in an advertising agency or organisation, you can earn between INR 3 L and INR 4 L.

Here are a few jobs along with the salaries which are as follows:

MFA JobsSalary (INR)
PhotographerINR 2.3 Lakh to 5.4 Lakh (Per Annum)
Art DirectorINR 3.2 Lakh to 6 Lakh (Per Annum)
Content WriterINR 3.5 Lakh to 5.4 Lakh (Per Annum)
AnimatorINR 4.5 Lakh to 7.4 Lakh (Per Annum)
Art TeacherINR 4 Lakh to 6 Lakh (Per Annum)
UX DesignerINR 4 Lakh to 8 Lakh (Per Annum)

MFA Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters for Master of Fine Arts (MFA) postgraduates includes:

  • Times of India
  • Colors TV
  • SKETS Studio
  • Technicolor
  • Prime Focus
  • DQ Entertainment
  • Inbound Mantra
  • Flintobox
  • Oodio Studio

MFA Employment Areas

Those with an MFA have had a lot of employment options recently. There are employment options in a range of industries, including the public and private sectors. Consequently, there are plenty of Master of Fine Arts jobs available. Among the areas where MFA hires are:

  • Schools
  • Colleges
  • Journalism
  • Print media
  • Radio And TV
  • Corporates 
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Courses After Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree

After completing an MFA, graduates can pursue a doctorate to gain a deeper understanding of Fine Arts. This course serves as a solid foundation for future research and related opportunities. They can broaden their knowledge by pursuing various specialisations. Here is the popular option for higher education:

PhD in Fine Arts 

The PhD in Fine Arts is a research-based doctoral programme that covers a variety of fine arts subjects, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and handicrafts. This course has a three-year minimum, but it can be extended to a five-year maximum.

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Popular Courses

FAQs about MFA

Is an entrance test compulsory for MFA?

No, an entrance test is not compulsory for MFA, however, this requirement will vary from university to university. Each university will specify individual requirements that aspirants will have to satisfy in order to be selected. Some universities may conduct their own entrance tests and admission processes, while some other, especially government colleges, may accept applications based on state-level test scores.

What is the full form of MFA?

The full form of MFA is Master of Fine Arts, which is a two-year postgraduate degree that a number of popular universities and colleges in India offer. Candidates interested in pursuing the programme will also have to select the exact specialisation they wish to pursue alongside an MFA course.

What is the duration of the MFA course?

Normally, a Master of Fine Arts, or MFA, lasts for two years as a postgraduate study. However, the duration of the programme will also change based on the type of degree or teaching methodology that has been adopted by your desired university. For example, part-time or distance learning MFA courses will have a different duration, compared to a full-time Master of Fine Arts course in India.

Can I do MFA after BSc?

The minimum eligibility required to take admission in MFA program is atleast 50% in either BFA or any course in which Fine Arts or related subjects were taught. In case of BSc, no art course is taught as such. Hence, the chances of admission is low as compared to the students who are from the Fine Arts background.

Does IGNOU offer MFA course?

Yes, IGNOU offers a four-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) course with a specialisation in Arts and Painting. Those interested in pursuing the MFA in Distance Learning will have to set aside 4 years of their lives to complete the course as well as shell out about INR 16,500 for the entire programme.

What is the difference between Master of Arts(MA) and Master of Fine Arts(MFA)?

Both Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts are different degrees. MFA is a specialized course that usually consists more of fine arts subjects like painting, art history, etc.. which aims to provide professional training to become a successful painter, artist or anything related to the arts field.

On the other hand, MA consist of mostly liberal arts courses, which provides knowledge in subjects such as History, Sociology, Geography, etc. and focuses more on the scholarly and academic aspect of the course.
 

What is in Master of Fine Arts?

A Master in Fine Arts is a 2-year postgraduate degree that provides an in-depth understanding of a specific field of fine arts. The programme includes coverage of a variety of subjects related to the specialisation opted, including subjects like Aesthetic and Art Appreciation, History of Modern Western Art, and Creative Painting/Portrait along with a final dissertation or research project.

Who can study Master of Fine Arts?

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is designed specifically for students interested in building a career in any one of the numerous Fine Arts fields. As a postgraduate degree, the MFA course is designed to provide practical training and understanding of the chosen specialisation, further providing a strong base for students to build a lucrative career on.

Is MFA a good choice for my career?

Yes, MFA can be a good choice for all those planning to build a career in their respective fields of creative interests. As most universities offering the course would focus on providing practical training and understanding of their respective fields, students will benefit from understanding the ins and outs of their fields, allowing them to optimise their knowledge for a lucrative career.

Is there a scope after Master of Fine Arts in India?

Yes, there is an immense scope for MFA course graduates in India where graduates will be able to create a name for themselves as well as build a lucrative career. Some of the most exciting job roles for fine arts graduates include Fine Artist, Art Director, Animator, Graphic Designer, Multimedia Artist, Musician, or Photographer among other professions as well.

What is the scope of MFA abroad?

The career opportunities awaiting those who wish to study MFA abroad are immense, as creative professionals are in high demand across the globe. Students with a Master of Fine Arts degree can expect to earn USD 50,000-70,000 a year. Inevitably, there are several factors affecting this range, where students can even earn six figures with proper experience and recognition.

Is there a difference between an MA and an MFA degree?

Yes, there is a significant difference in the teaching methodology adopted by the teachers for both degree programmes. In other words, while an MA degree usually includes classroom-based taught subjects, an MFA degree focuses on giving students more practical or ‘hands-on’ experience or learning opportunities throughout the course. However, the career opportunities and job roles after either of the degree programmes may be similar in nature.

What is the course structure of Master of Fine Arts courses?

Depending on the university or institution offering the course, the course structure of an MFA course will vary accordingly. However, most universities will follow the same suite, where students are required to complete four semesters of core and elective subjects related to their specialisations, along with finishing a professional-level project or research or dissertation by the end of the course.

What skills are necessary for an MFA course?

Every aspirant wishing to enrol in a Master of Fine Arts course in India must possess the basic skills of a creative person, including but not limited to Composition Skills, Research Skills, Interpretive Skills, Organisation Skills, Decision-making Skills and Teamwork. However, students must also learn new skills while completing their studies as well as strengthen their current skills and abilities.

Can I get a job abroad with an Indian MFA degree?

Yes, it is possible for students with an Indian MFA degree to find a Fine Arts-related job abroad, however, the drive to search for such a job may not be easy. Nonetheless, students who possess at least 2-4 years of experience in the Indian creative industry may be able to find a fine arts job abroad comparatively more easily than a fresh MFA course graduate.

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Related Questions

A

Abhik Das, Student / Alumni

-Answered on June-04-2021

Dear student, the following pointers will explain to you the detailed eligibility criteria which you have to fulfil to be eligible for MFA admission in any reputed institution - 

  • You should have a BFA degree from any recognized university

  • You should have obtained at least 50% aggregate marks at the qualifying examination level

  • You can also apply with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 50%

Some institutions conduct their own entrance examinations for the eligible candidates and then conduct a personal interview before the seat allocation process whereas, some institutions carry out a merit-based admission process. 

You can find out the best MFA offering colleges through our Common Application Form. Apply for MFA admission through our application for a guaranteed seat in a reputed institution. Call 18005729877 for more details regarding the admission process.

A

Abhik Das, Student / Alumni

-Answered on Feb-09-2021

Dear student, the MFA admission process for the academic year 2021-22 has not yet begun at the Government College of Arts Chandigarh. The detailed schedule for the MFA admission at Government College of Arts Chandigarh for the academic year 2021-22 is expected to be released soon. You are requested to keep yourself updated regarding the latest schedule for the MFA admission process by visiting the official website of the institute at regular intervals.

S

Sakunth Kumar, Student / Alumni

-Answered on Jan-06-2021

Dear student, Banaras Hindu University does offer a Master of Fine Arts in the following disciplines through its Faculty of Visual Arts- 

  • Textile Design

  • Pottery & Ceramics

  • Plastic Arts

  • Applied Arts

  • Painting

The existing and proposed MFA course fee structure of Banaras Hindu University has been discussed below - 

Name of Programme

Existing Fee Structure (per annum)

Proposed Fee Structure (per annum)

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

INR 3,157/-

INR 4,620/-