Overview

The Design - Media Arts programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a comprehensive Master of Fine Arts degree focused on the intersection of digital technology and artistic practice. This advanced course of study encourages diverse applicants from visual arts, sciences, and engineering backgrounds.

The curriculum is structured to prepare students through the development of technical craft, a solid foundation in media history, and the creation of a unique discursive framework. Students engage in interdisciplinary research across various departments to support their individual thesis projects and professional growth.

During the first year, the focus remains on building essential skills in software development, 3D literacy, and physical media.

Why Design - Media Arts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The programme is distinguished by its integration within a leading research institution, providing access to specialised facilities like the UCLA Game Lab and the Counterforce Lab. Students benefit from a rigorous faculty advising system where a dedicated committee oversees progress through regular reviews.

The department fosters a unique environment that rejects traditional graphic design in favour of experimental media arts. Its location in Los Angeles allows for deep engagement with contemporary art scenes and technological innovation, supported by a diverse community of faculty, researchers, and visiting artists.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is divided into phases of foundation, exploration, and focus. Modules may include:

Coding for the Arts
Contemporary Topics in Media Arts
Graduate Group Critique
Virtuality
Materiality
Graduate Seminar
Creating Context & Collaborative Practice
Professional Practice
Graduate Tutorial (MFA Exhibition)

Careers with Design - Media Arts

Graduates are prepared for a range of professional pathways in the arts and technology sectors. The programme introduces tools to negotiate various career trajectories, focusing on roles that require sophisticated technical skills and a deep understanding of media theory and contemporary artistic practice.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Programming Media

Graduate Seminar: Contemporary Topics in Media Arts

Art|Science

Special Topics in Media Arts

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

80 alternative credits

Quarter Units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Design Film Studies Media Studies & Mass Media View 454 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in order to apply.

The minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement is an average of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), or its equivalent. The applicant's bachelor's degree need not be in media arts, though applicants with degrees in interdisciplinary programs that emphasize media arts are preferred.

Applicants are expected to have working knowledge of a variety of software. Additional experience with video, interactive media, or 3D modeling and animation is expected.

Students are recommended for acceptance into the Department of Design Media Arts program based on a faculty evaluation of their portfolio, written statements, and official academic records from all higher-education institutions attended after high school.

Any applicant whose first language is not English is required to submit a minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design - Media Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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