Master in Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Art Histories

OCAD University in Toronto is Canada’s specialized public university for art, design, and digital media, with a history dating back to 1876 and a student community of roughly 5,000. OCAD U offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and graduate degrees focused on creative practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-led innovation. International students are part of a vibrant campus culture that encourages experimentation across visual arts, design, media, and emerging technologies.

The university provides studio-based learning environments, specialized labs, fabrication workshops, and exhibition spaces that enable hands-on development of portfolios and public-facing projects. Cross-disciplinary initiatives and partnerships with cultural institutions, industry, and community organizations in Toronto give students opportunities for internships, collaborative research, and real-world project experience. Faculty are practicing artists and designers who emphasize critical thinking and professional development.

OCAD U supports career readiness through portfolio development, mentorship, and connections to galleries, studios, and creative enterprises. International applicants can access services for admissions advice, visa guidance, and orientation to city life in Toronto. Prospective students should investigate program specifications, studio resources, and opportunities for collaborative projects to ensure alignment with their artistic and professional goals.

The Master in Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Art Histories at Ontario College of Art and Design University is a graduate program for students who want to study contemporary issues and perspectives in art history, design history, and media studies. This 1-2 year program supports academic investigations into current and recent cultural production.

The curriculum includes core courses in art history theory and methods, as well as elective courses in other graduate programs. You will study current and recent cultural production, with a critical focus on colonization and non-Western frameworks. You will also have access to dedicated workspaces, the Graduate Gallery, and seminar and elective courses, and can participate in study-abroad courses and internships for credit.

Graduates of this program can become art critics, curators, or researchers. They can work in museums, galleries, or art schools, or pursue careers in art writing, editing, or publishing. Some specific job titles include art historian, curator of contemporary art, art critic, or professor of art history.