MA vs MFA in Photography

Master's degrees in photography come with many titles: MA, MFA, MSc, MRes, MPhil and others. The titles hint at emphasis, but they are not a reliable guide. This guide explains what official frameworks say about the level, what the common labels tend to mean, and how to compare programs. You can browse current master's programs in the directory.

What the frameworks say

A master's degree is a second-cycle qualification. The EHEA describes the second cycle, commonly labeled "Master", as typically involving 60 to 120 ECTS credits, and says that three-year bachelor's and two-year master's degrees became the most common pattern within Europe. The European Commission's ECTS page gives 90 or 120 ECTS credits as what a second-cycle degree usually equates to. These two sources give slightly different ranges, which is itself a useful reminder that length varies, so check the actual credits of the program in front of you.

In the UK, the qualifications framework places master's degrees at Level 7 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and SCQF Level 11 in Scotland. The framework lists MA, MSc, MRes and MPhil as examples of master's degrees. It also notes that a few older Scottish universities traditionally label certain undergraduate degrees "Master of Arts", so a Scottish "MA" is not automatically a postgraduate award. If you see an MA from Scotland on a profile, check the level.

The MFA is not a UK or European framework title in those documents; it is used mainly in North American practice. Check the awarding country's own description of the degree.

Typical tendencies

These are tendencies only.

MFA. Often positioned as a studio-based, terminal degree for practicing artists. Usually centered on making a body of work, critique, and a final exhibition or thesis project. Commonly attracts people who want sustained time to develop a personal practice or who want to teach in art departments. Whether it is "terminal" for teaching purposes depends on the employer and the country; ask rather than assume.

MA. Can be practice-based, theory-based or a mix. Some photography MAs are mainly studio and critique; others are in visual culture, curating, history of photography or media studies. The title tells you very little until you read the modules.

MSc or MRes. Less common in photography, but may appear in technical or research-focused programs such as imaging science, or in research-methods-heavy art programs. An MRes is usually weighted toward a research project.

MPhil. A research degree below the doctorate in many systems. The UK framework notes that a student who does not complete a doctorate may sometimes be awarded an MPhil if they meet its criteria.

What to compare

1. Practice or theory weighting. Look at module titles and assessment. A program that ends in a written dissertation is a different experience from one that ends in an exhibition.
2. Duration and mode. Full-time, part-time, low-residency, online. This affects cost, work and visa options.
3. Credit count. Compare the credits, not the years. Use the system the school uses (ECTS, UK credits, US credit hours).
4. Staff. Read the published work and research of staff members. Do their interests overlap with yours?
5. Studio and facilities. Do graduate students get dedicated space, or share undergraduate facilities?
6. Critique culture. How often do you present work, who attends, are there visiting artists or critics?
7. Final output. Exhibition, publication, thesis, portfolio, or a combination?
8. Pathways. If you might want a doctorate later, ask whether the program includes research methods training. See photography PhDs and practice-based research.

Prerequisites and portfolio

Most master's programs expect a prior degree, or substantial professional work that the institution will accept in place of one. Some admit applicants from other disciplines if their portfolio is strong. Requirements typically include a portfolio, a statement of intent, references and sometimes an interview. Language tests may be needed if the program is taught in a language that is not your first. These are general patterns, not guarantees, so read each school's own admissions page.

For graduate-level applications, selection and sequencing become more important than technical variety. Show a coherent body of work with a clear line of inquiry rather than your best ten unrelated images. Our guide to preparing a photography portfolio covers the details.

Reasons people do and do not choose a master's

Reasons that tend to hold up: dedicated time to develop a project, access to critique and facilities, a need for a specific credential (for example to teach), changing field after a different undergraduate degree, or entering a country through study.

Weak reasons: hoping a title will substitute for a body of work, or assuming that a qualification will lead to a particular job. No master's degree guarantees employment or exhibition opportunities.

Cost and funding

Graduate programs may cost more per year than undergraduate ones, though this varies hugely by country and institution. Funding for photographers can include scholarships, assistantships, fellowships and government schemes for international students. Always check eligibility rules on the funder's own website. We list some well-known schemes in scholarships for photography students, and the budgeting guide photography tuition and equipment costs lists items that often go unbudgeted.

Studying abroad

If you want to study in another country, the level and credits matter more than the letters. Read studying photography abroad and browse countries. Check recognition with the authority or institution where you plan to use the qualification.

Decision shortcuts

• Want time and critique to build a personal body of work: look at studio-centered programs, whatever they are called.
• Want to analyze or write about images: look at theory and visual-culture oriented programs.
• Considering a doctorate: look for research training and supervisors with practice-based supervision experience.
• Unsure: talk to current students and ask to see recent final projects.

Compare candidates with the compare tool and review the methodology page so you know how information is presented on this site. We are an independent directory and cannot confirm program details on a school's behalf.