The creative research and scholarship that emerges from the Master of Visual Studies (MVS) program at the Daniels Faculty reflect increasingly complex modes of art and exhibition-making, filtered through philosophy, cultural theory, criticism and diverse material practices. Situated within one of the world’s leading research institutions, the MVS program focuses on art and its presentation as research—fostering interdisciplinary exchange within the greater Daniels Faculty and across the University of Toronto.

The MVS faculty is comprised of field-leading artists and curators with significant exhibition careers. Small class sizes and individual mentorship create a unique atmosphere where our students have the opportunity to connect with visiting international artists, curators, writers and other cultural practitioners through one-on-one studio visits, masterclasses and lectures.

Students are provided exceptional studios and access to state-of-the-art technologies and academic resources, along with exhibition space in museum-grade environments. Our graduates exhibit internationally and nationally, curate and direct important museums and collections, and have been honoured with prestigious awards for their work.  

The MVS in Studio Art experience evolves around approaches to art production that encourage cross-disciplinary exploration and hybrid forms of practice focused through intensive consideration of art and art theory, criticism and critical writing, and professional practice.

Over the course of a two-year program of study and experimentation, participants produce an exploratory project in the first year that leads to a body of work that forms the basis of a graduating exhibition at the end of the second year. 

View the diagram of degree requirements for the Studio Art field of study.

International applicants should hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree or its equivalent as assessed by the University of Toronto. Domestic applicants must complete an appropriate bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, with a final year average of at least mid-B. 

More information on admissions to the Master of Visual Studies program is available on our Graduate Admissions page.

Image credit: Infinite Sample Set (detail, in progress), 2022-ongoing, created by Jeremy Laing.