MA (Fine Arts Multidisciplinary)

The MA (Fine Arts Multidisciplinary) is a research-focused, course-based graduate degree that provides advanced study in fine arts disciplines and multidisciplinary areas. Students complete a broad selection of courses and a capstone course that demonstrates their ability to engage in scholarly and professional discourse in the creative arts at an advanced level.

The program combines theoretical knowledge, practice-based research and professional practice to help students develop advanced skills in research, critical analysis, interpretation, creative thinking, collaboration and communication. Students will deepen their knowledge of a Fine Arts discipline or explore connections across disciplines while gaining a broader range of academic and professional skills than typically developed at the undergraduate level.

The degree prepares students for leadership and advanced careers in the arts, culture and related sectors, while also providing the research and analytical foundation for those who wish to pursue doctoral studies.

Multidisciplinary programs involve multiple disciplines, but maintain their boundaries, with each discipline contributing its own perspective to a topic without integrating their methodologies or theories. For example, a multidisciplinary program might bring together scholarship and ideas from different disciplines like sociology, the visual arts, new media, and anthropology to address a social issue, but each discipline remains distinct.

The course-based MA (Fine Arts Multidisciplinary) is an ideal degree for recent graduates in the fine arts, humanities and related fields looking for advanced training without the constraints of typical thesis-based programs.

This program is also ideal for early-career professionals in the arts and cultural sectors looking to deepen their research, creative and interdisciplinary skills.

Our program attracts students with diverse academic backgrounds interested in combining theory and practice across disciplines.

The MA (Fine Arts Multidisciplinary), MFA and thesis-based MA are all graduate degrees, but they have different areas of emphasis.

An MFA is primarily focused on advanced creative practice within a particular discipline. Students develop their artistic practice through creative work, critique and specialized study, typically culminating in a major creative project, exhibition or performance. An MFA is typically a terminal degree and does not allow for further studies.

A thesis-based MA is primarily focused on independent research. Students develop and investigate a specific research question and demonstrate their findings through a substantial thesis.

The MA (Fine Arts Multidisciplinary) is a course-based, research-focused degree that combines advanced academic study, research and professional practice. Students complete a broad selection of graduate courses and a capstone rather than a traditional thesis or major creative project. Its multidisciplinary structure allows students to explore connections across fine arts disciplines while developing advanced research, analytical, creative and professional skills. The MA in Fine Arts Multidisciplinary allows you to ladder into an MFA if you choose, as well as advanced study at the doctoral level.

Students in the MA (Fine Arts Multidisciplinary) do not get access to intensive arts mentorship or studios.

Students will complete advanced coursework that explores the creative arts through disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, including connections to the humanities and social sciences. Through coursework, research and a capstone, you will:

• Examine theories and research related to identity, society, racism and colonization, while developing a nuanced understanding of Indigenous worldviews, knowledge systems and diverse cultural practices.
• Explore and apply theories and research methodologies within the creative arts, humanities and social sciences.
• Develop and conduct research, including formulating research questions, gathering and analyzing information, and communicating findings effectively.
• Apply your learning to case studies, professional practice, creative work and your own research interests.
• Critically analyze current issues and emerging ideas in the creative arts and related areas of professional practice.
• Develop advanced skills in critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration and interdisciplinary work.
• Engage with different cultural contexts, histories and perspectives, with an emphasis on cultural awareness, ethical engagement and sensitivity.
• Develop digital literacy and use technologies and tools relevant to contemporary creative arts practice and research.

Program Requirements:

Required:

• FA5401/7401: Theory and Research Methods in the Creative Arts I (3 credits)
• FA5402/7402: Theory and Research Methods in the Creative Arts II (3 credits)
• FA 5403/7403: Research-Creation: Thinking Through Making (3 credits)
• FA 5404/7404: Praxis Shapes the World: Contemporary Politics, Issues, and the Arts (3 credits)
• FA 5501: Capstone Project Course (6 credits)

6 credits from:

• FA 5405/7405: Graduate Seminar Series Topics Courses (3 credits)

As you complete your degree, you will build the knowledge, research expertise and professional skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the creative arts and related fields, pursue leadership opportunities, or continue to doctoral-level study.

Our program will prepare students for work in arts administration, the performing arts, cultural organizations, educational sectors, creative industries, art galleries and museums, media production, and community arts organizations.

The MA (Fine Arts Multidisciplinary) is a 24-credit, course-based graduate degree consisting of six 3-credit courses and a 6-credit capstone course. The program is designed to be completed full-time in 12 months or part-time up to 36 months, with students completing their coursework and capstone over the course of their program.

The program takes place in-person at the ULethbridge campus in Lethbridge.

The multidisciplinary structure provides students with flexibility to shape their program around their academic, creative and professional interests. Students can select from courses across the Faculty of Fine Arts and, where appropriate, related areas of study, allowing them to develop expertise in a particular fine arts discipline or pursue interdisciplinary interests.

The program's course-based format also provides an alternative to a thesis-based degree, allowing students to develop advanced research and professional skills through a combination of coursework, research and a capstone rather than a traditional thesis.

Lethbridge is a mid-sized city of around 113,000 people and growing fast. Lethbridge benefits from access to urban centres (Calgary is a two and a half hour drive away) while also supporting several rural communities in southern Alberta. Lethbridge is in close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and to Waterton Lakes National Park, as well as several unique provincial parks and green spaces.

The arts scene in Lethbridge is flourishing. Lethbridge is home to several galleries, theatre companies, musical ensembles and more. Cultural events occur year-round and many areas of the arts are accessible to community members. 

Local Arts Calendar

As of 2026, the cost of rent in Lethbridge ranges from $1,150 for studio and bachelor suites, to $1,600 for multiple bedroom units. The median rent in Lethbridge is $1,499. Lethbridge is one of the most affordable urban rental markets in Canada and sits nearly 20% below the national average for rent.

You can apply for the MA (Fine Arts Multidisciplinary) through our website below. You will have to meet regular graduate studies admission requirements to be considered for this program.

Apply here

Send an email to our Fine Arts Advising Office at finearts.gradstudies@uleth.ca with any additional questions.