A Complete Guide to MFA Specialisations, Skillsets, and Top MFA Colleges in India

An MFA is an advanced postgraduate degree for those seeking to generate creative work and professional careers. For those with a passion for painting, film, photography, writing, design, or performance, an MFA will allow them to refine their skills, be more deeply trained in artistic principles, and ultimately develop a signature style in their craft.

MFA courses provide an intensive milieu to develop as an artistic professional through studio practice and critical thinking, and with experience in both classical and contemporary types. Every specialisation refines not just your art but also gives you tangible skills related to your area of art. To help you understand the types of specialisations available in an MFA, we have created this blog. Read to understand the MFA specialisations and top MFA colleges in India.

But first off, MFA full form: Master of Fine Arts

A. Visual Arts

1. Painting

MFA Painting focuses on the creative and technical areas of painting using media such as oil, acrylic, watercolour, and mixed media. Students will be trained in how to experiment with style, theme, and visual narrative to build a personal portfolio and collaborate during exhibitions.

2. Sculpture

Sculpture students learn to create 3D objects from materials of clay, metal, and stone, or any combination of two. Emphasis will be on spatial awareness, form, and size, and the manipulation of materials by both traditional and contemporary methods.

 3. Printmaking

Printmaking specialisation covers techniques of etching, lithography, and screen printing. Students learn about transferring images between surfaces while understanding the artistic possibilities of repetition, layering, and texture.

 4. Drawing

As a fine arts student, you are nearly obligated to understand the ways of drawing. In MFA in Drawing, you will study drawing in depth, while exploring a range of techniques, from observational and figure drawing to conceptual drawing. The course will also help you develop lines, tones, gestures, and forms using pencils, ink, charcoal, and other media.

B. Digital and Media Arts

Digital and Media Arts combines art and technology. Coursework is ideal for students interested in digital creation, interactive media, and multimedia storytelling. Some specialisations which fall under this category are as follows:

Photography

Photography is one of the most in-demand specializations under the MFA programme. In this specialization, students learn how to narrate and convey concepts using still images. The course covers aspects such as handling the camera, lighting, editing software, and conceptual photography.

Animation

The animation specialisation involves courses in the art and technology of character, environment, and effect animation using 2D and 3D software. Some of the topics it covers include traditional techniques of animation, 3D modelling and animation, character design, storyboarding, motion graphics, visual effects, frame-by-frame animation, and computer rendering, among others.

Video and Film Production

The specialisation in Video and Film Production covers filmmaking from directing through cinematography, editing, and post-production. Students will learn the technical and storytelling skills for visual media.

New Media Art

New Media Art explores the relationship between technology and art, often using VR, AR, coding, and interactive design. This is for experimental artists fascinated by digital innovation.

C. Literary Arts

Specializations in Literary Arts are designed for students who enjoy creative writing and consider poetry and storytelling their specialties. The core of these studies will be refinement in voice, style, and publishing.

Creative Writing (Fiction/Nonfiction)

Students will explore the forms of narrative and the personal voice in novels, memoirs, essays, and short stories. The curriculum focuses on originality and simplicity.

Poetry

The poetry specialisation sharpens poetic expression through language, rhythm, and form. Students explore traditional and contemporary forms and compile their collections.

Screenwriting

The Screenwriting Specialization covers writing in visual media. This course explores the perspective of writing scripts for film, TV, and web series, among others, from a visual narration perspective.

D. Performing Arts

It offers a comprehensive training to the actor, in voice, body, and psychological tools. It covers classical texts, contemporary plays, and experimental work.

Theatre / Acting

The specialisation in Theatre or Acting offers comprehensive training in voice, body, and psychological tools for the actor. It also covers classical texts, contemporary plays, and experimental work.

Dance

The MFA in Dance Specialisation covers training in performance, technique, and choreography in forms like classical, modern, or fusion. Emphasis is placed on expressive movement and the maintenance of discipline in action and expression.

Directing

The MFA in Directing prepares a student to lead and shape theatrical or film productions. It covers casting, visualisation, script work, and team collaboration.

E. Design & Applied Arts

These MFA specialisations focus on artistic practices applied in media, fashion, and spatial design, combining aesthetics and functionality.

Graphic Design

MFA in Graphic Design focuses on creating visuals for branding, advertising, and digital interfaces. It emphasises design thinking and user engagement as well.

Fashion Design

In the fashion design specialisation, students will learn to conceptualise, sketch, design, and construct garments and accessories. Emphasis will be given to the latest fashion trends, aesthetics, and functions.

Interior Design

MFA in Interior Design course trains students to create a functional and motivating living environment. It combines creativity with architectural knowledge.

Textile Design

MFA in Textile Design focuses on surface decoration and fabric creation. It blends craft with commercial applications in fashion and interiors.

Top MFA Colleges in India

Listed below are the top MFA colleges in India offering a specialised degree, along with their respective fees.