The Master of Fine Arts in Design course at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar teaches students multidisciplinary design knowledge in a studio equipped with a material library.

The Master of Fine Arts in Design programme, with a concentration in design studies, challenges students to think deeply and broadly about the role of design in society, with a focus on four objectives: creative production, integrated research, critical perspective and cultural impact.

Our full-time, two-year graduate program trains students to understand clients, collaborators and design challenges in original and authentic ways. Our programme's strength lies in its ability to support each student's unique interests, providing a custom education, tailored to each individual.

Why study MFA programme? The MFA programme at VCUarts Qatar empowers each student to develop a unique research focus and body of work. In the programme we nurture a practice-based approach, using a variety of tools, materials and fabrication methods in pursuit of thoughtful, authentic outcomes.

The programme combines aspects of fine art studio practice, digital craft, architecture and graphic, fashion and product design, thereby providing a hybridised education. Our students can train in a fully-equipped fabrication lab with 3D printers, laser cutters and vinyl cutters, a vacuum-forming machine, computer numerical control routers, a woodshop and a unique materials library, which is stocked with traditional and cutting-edge materials – the only facility of its kind in the Gulf region.

School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
Course: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Doha, Qatar
Course dates: 15 September 2026 (two-year programme)
Application deadline: 15 January 2026

Applications have now closed.

What will I learn during this course?

– The programme combines aspects of fine art studio practice, digital craft, architecture, and graphic, fashion and product design, thereby providing a hybridised education

What are the requirements?

– Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in design or a related discipline from an internationally accredited university, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
– Required application materials include a portfolio (PDF format, maximum 20 pages), a statement of intent, a CV and a scan of the applicant's passport or Qatar Residency Permit
– English language proficiency test scores are also required, unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption as detailed below
– Additionally, three letters of recommendation must be submitted

What facilities and resources are available?

– Creative spaces to design and create
– VCUarts Qatar Libraries
– Innovative Media Studio
– Materials Library
– Tinker Lab
– VCUarts Qatar FabLab

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

The MFA in Design with a concentration in design studies is a terminal degree in the field of design; that is, it is the credential needed to teach at the university level.

Graduates from our programme pursue diverse and rewarding careers in art and design as practicing designers, independent makers, curators, business owners, entrepreneurs, academics and researchers.

Who teaches this course?

– Rab McClure, director of graduate studies
– Marco Bruno, associate professor
– Giovanni Innella, associate professor
– Stella Colaleo, adjunct faculty
– Michael Wirtz, head, research and library technology
– Reema Abu Hassan, adjunct faculty
– Yasmeen Suleiman, head of materials library
– Rebecca David, administrative and IAS programme specialist

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