MFA Degree Overview: Types, Jobs, and Salaries

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a postgraduate degree programme that allows you to focus on a specific discipline related to the arts, such as painting, photography, or film and video art. Amongst the many reasons for pursuing an MFA include getting concentrated time to dedicate to your craft, receiving peer and professional feedback, and further honing your skill set. Furthermore, you may qualify for additional opportunities once you complete your degree. For example, after earning an MFA, graduates have worked as teachers, artists, and curators in galleries, whilst others have undergone careers in architecture, film, and design. 

Learn about the disciplines in which you can earn an MFA, the benefits of attending an MFA programme, and the salaries you may earn after graduation. 

What is an MFA degree?

An MFA is a master’s degree focusing on a specific artistic field, such as visual arts, performing arts, creative writing, or printmaking. MFAs are terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest you can earn in that subject matter. As such, the degree often qualifies you to teach at the university level and to pursue other opportunities related to your field. 

MFA degree: Areas and concentrations

You can earn your MFA in many areas pertaining to the fine arts. These include creative fields, such as fiction writing, acting, and sculpture, as well as more technical-creative fields, such as film production and lighting design. 

Fine art

In a Fine Art MFA programme, you can choose and concentrate on a practice such as digital media, sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, or installation. A fine art programme often includes studio time, so you’ll have a dedicated space to work on your technique whilst networking with other artists and sharing resources. 

Acting

In an acting MFA programme, you tend to study the practical aspects of this profession, including voice, accent, singing, movement, yoga, dance and combat, and period movement. Through a series of projects, you’ll discover how to comprehend dramatic writing and perform it with your own style. Some courses may even require you to form an acting company for the duration of your studies in which you and fellow performers engage in exercises and workshops. 

Creative documentary

In a creative documentary programme, you can study aspects of documentary filmmaking, including production, directing, cinematography, and scriptwriting. You will likely have the opportunity to contribute in some way to a short- or full-length film as part of your degree requirements. 

Product design

While more common in the US than in the UK, a product design MFA programme enables you to study how to create products for manufacturing. Some of your curriculum might include workshops, individual tutorials, group seminars, and study trips for the purpose of research. You’ll likely gain experience using your hands and machines to manipulate wood, ceramics, metal, and plastics whilst also learning to use a laser cutter.

Creative writing

In a creative writing programme, you have the option of concentrating in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, whilst some courses offer specialisms in writing for children or scriptwriting. You will likely participate in workshops where faculty and fellow students critique your work and offer feedback to strengthen your craft.

Fashion 

In a fashion programme, you will probably learn through seminars, workshops, interdisciplinary projects, and industry briefs whilst also attending galleries and museums to ensure a global perspective. Additionally, you may work with staff to learn technical aspects of this profession, such as CAD digital media, digital fabric printing, and digital imagery. Finally, by designing your own projects, you can acquire essential skills for this industry, including research, design, and showcasing work.

Types of MFA programmes

Fortunately, if your daily schedule is already busy, some graduate schools offer two types—online or in person—of MFA degree programmes: 

Distance learning

Distance learning or online programmes tend to permit more flexibility for learners because you complete much of the learning remotely, either partly or entirely online. Examples include Manchester Metropolitan University’s MFA in Creative Writing or the Belfast School of Art’s MFA in Photography.

In-person learning

In-person programmes tend to require more involvement as learners attend classes on campus. Examples include University College London’s Slade School of Art MFA programme or Birmingham City University’s Acting MFA programme.

Both in-person and distance learning options can help you meet your artistic goals and advance your professional development. As you research potential MFA programmes, pay attention to the programme structure they offer and how they might address your larger goals and needs. 

MFA: Time and costs 

Whilst each school is different, completing an MFA degree typically takes two years when you’re able to attend full-time. The cost of an MFA degree varies and can change in year two, but take a look at a few examples of the tuition fees you can expect to pay for an MFA as of the 2025-2026 academic year: 

• University College London, Slade School of Fine Art: £16,000 per year for full-time UK students [1]

• University of Oxford, Ruskin School of Art: £16,000 per year for full-time UK students; £36,500 per year for full-time international students [2]

• University of London, Goldsmiths: £13,600 per year for full-time UK students; £5,625 per year for part-time UK students; £30,750 per year for full-time international students [3]

• The University of Glasgow, The Glasgow School of Art: £10,500 per year for UK students in a two-year taught masters programme; £25,900 per year for international students [4]

Note: The above numbers represent tuition or annual course fees and do not include other fees such as course materials, living expenses, and other costs. Additionally, the fees are primarily for domestic, full-time students, but international fees are included when available. As you can see, international students may pay different amounts, and the cost for part-time students also tends to differ.

Also, options exist to help alleviate the cost of graduate education, such as graduate scholarships, bursaries, and prizes. 

What are the benefits of getting an MFA degree?

Pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree can help you refine your craft, grow and develop professionally, and learn more about your chosen artistic field. You can view the programme as an opportunity to build your portfolio, network with professionals and peers, explore new techniques, and take advantage of opportunities in which professionals in the industry view your work. The MFA may also help you qualify for more job opportunities and prepare you for multiple career paths. 

Other benefits include:

• Advanced professional development

• Gaining additional knowledge of your craft

• Concentrated time to focus on your art 

• Develop a body of work for exhibition

• The opportunity to be critiqued by knowledgeable peers

Advantages of an online MFA degree

For learners who require more flexibility, an online university course may offer the opportunity to take asynchronous classes from anywhere and at your own pace. Although some MFA programs require an in-person presence, you can effectively study creative writing remotely. 

What are the entry requirements for an MFA?

Requirements for MFA degrees vary by institution, but many require you to earn a first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree with honours in fine art or a related subject. However, even if your degree is outside of the arts, you can still apply to some programs if you have a strong portfolio of work. Additionally, you will complete the application process for the MFA programme to which you want to apply. 

Application materials and requirements vary by school. However, the typical document requirements include a CV, writing sample, certified academic transcripts, academic references, statement of purpose, proof of English proficiency, a portfolio of specific work per the programme, and an MFA research proposal. Some programmes also have an interview component as part of the application admissions process. 

Creative portfolio 

You'll showcase your creative skills with a portfolio or performance audition. As part of your application, you’ll submit a sample of your work that best speaks to your abilities in that medium. For example, you’ll submit a portfolio of your artwork for a studio art concentration or a writing sample for a creative writing concentration. 

What’s the difference between an MFA and an MA?

Although the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree and the Master of Arts (MA) degree are both master’s degrees, they are not the same. 

The Master of Arts is a taught postgraduate degree focusing on humanities or social sciences subjects. It typically takes one or two years to earn and tends to require critical thinking and original research. The MA is not a terminal degree, but students who earn one can pursue their PhD. 

The Master of Fine Arts is a practice-based degree. It's discipline-specific and can take longer to complete than the MA. The focus is on one artistic specialty, and the programme requires more practical coursework. The MFA is also considered a terminal degree.

Career outlook: Salaries and job growth

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary range for fine arts careers in the UK is between £24,000 and £36,000 [5]. 

Your salary will depend on your chosen profession, the industry you work in, your location, the company you work for, and years of experience. The table below gives you a closer look at the average salaries for MFA degree holders in specific concentrations: 

*All salary data sourced from Glassdoor, May 2025. These are base salaries, which do not include additional pay in the form of tips, profit sharing, bonuses, etc. 

Demand for MFA programme graduates varies by discipline. The creative industry can be competitive and lucrative. In the UK, employment in the creative industries sector is on the rise. 

According to a 2023 report, “Creative Industries Sector Vision: A joint plan to drive growth, build talent and develop skills,” conducted by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, the creative sector has grown at over one and a half times faster than the rest of the economy and its workforce has grown at almost five times the UK rate over the last decade [6]. 

In other good news, many MFA graduates and those who work in creative industries find success working as full-time freelancers or in addition to other employment. 

Prepare for an MFA on Coursera

The skills and knowledge you develop whilst earning an MFA degree could help smooth your career path. Continue learning and preparing for an MFA programme with an online course in fine arts to help narrow your focus or bolster your CV. 

If you need help narrowing down which fine arts discipline you'd like to pursue, explore artistic career topics on Coursera. Consider courses such as the Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialisation offered by MoMA, Calarts’ Graphic Design Specialisation or Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialisation, or Creative Writing Specialisation offered by Wesleyan University on Coursera.