Master of Arts - Contemporary Art Theory (Major Research Paper or Project) at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-09-11

Program overview

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Program overview

The Master of Arts in Contemporary Art Theory at the University of Ottawa is a bilingual graduate program designed to enhance research capabilities in contemporary art history. This program focuses on developing academics who specialize in contemporary art, visual culture, and visual theory. Students have the flexibility to complete assignments and examinations in either English or French, fostering an inclusive learning environment. The program aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills to critically engage with contemporary artistic practices and theories, preparing them for advanced academic and professional pursuits in the field of art.

Program structure

The Master of Arts in Contemporary Art Theory is structured to be completed in one year on a full-time basis. The program offers two options: a Major Research Paper or a Course Option. Key features of the program structure include:

Completion of 15 course units for the Major Research Paper option.
Completion of 24 course units for the Course Option, which can be finished in three trimesters.
Students can choose to take courses in either English or French, promoting bilingual proficiency.
Opportunities for professional internships are available, allowing students to gain practical experience in relevant settings.

This comprehensive structure ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application in the field of contemporary art.

Featured Experiences

The Master of Arts in Contemporary Art Theory program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Professional Internship: Students can engage in internships at museums, galleries, or other approved sites, providing hands-on experience in the art world.
Bilingual Seminars: Courses are conducted in both English and French, allowing students to engage with diverse perspectives and enhance their language skills.
Research Opportunities: Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and can collaborate with faculty on innovative projects.
Thesis Presentation: Students prepare and present their thesis under the guidance of faculty, culminating in an oral defense that showcases their research findings.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for successful careers in contemporary art and related fields.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Contemporary Art Theory can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Art Curator: Responsible for organizing and managing art exhibitions, curators work closely with artists and institutions to present art in engaging ways.
Art Historian: These professionals research and analyze art movements, styles, and historical contexts, contributing to academic knowledge and public understanding of art.
Gallery Manager: Overseeing the operations of art galleries, managers handle exhibitions, sales, and community engagement, ensuring the gallery's success.
Art Educator: Teaching at various educational levels, art educators inspire students to appreciate and create art, fostering a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts.
Arts Policy Analyst: Working with government or non-profit organizations, these analysts develop and evaluate policies that impact the arts sector, advocating for cultural initiatives.

These career options reflect the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to the field of contemporary art.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2025-09-11

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Honours BA in Art History, or an equivalent, with a minimum A- (80%).
Applicants who do not have an honours degree in Art History may, in suitable cases, be recommended by the Visual Arts Department for admission to a qualifying program. Such applicants are usually honours graduates in another subject field.

Required document(s)

Resume (must include chronological academic history)
Letter of intent

Your complete admission package must include

Recommendation letter(s): 2

It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.

Transcript(s): 1

You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation.
Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply.
Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.

Language Requirements

French Program: DALF C1, C2 / TCF B2 (note globale) / TEF B2 (note globale) (Internet-based)
English Program: TOEFL 84 (Overall); 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual) / IELTS 6.5 (Overall); 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based)

Most seminars are bilingual, that is, they may be conducted in English and/or French.
Therefore, all applicants must have an excellent knowledge of either English or French and, at least, a receptive knowledge of the other language.
Receptive knowledge means that one is capable of:

following a seminar at graduate level;

reading and understanding specialized and highly theoretical academic publications.

Proof of language proficiency in the dominant language is required for students whose language is neither English nor French. The program reserves the right to further evaluate either or both languages.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!