Programme Information
Start Date: September 2024
Programme Length: 2 years full-time
Study mode: In person
For MFA – Theatre and Live Performance Creation Programme Content, Structure, Course Descriptors and Credit Hours, click here
Admissions Requirements
General Requirements:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in arts or a relevant discipline.
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.25 out of 4.0 or equivalent (e.g., B+ or UK upper second-class honour).
English Language Proficiency Requirement:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0.
- EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1400.
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 79 (Internet-based).
- Waiver: English test score may be waived for native speakers or those with a degree from an English-medium institution.
Statement of Purpose:
- Written statement of 800–1,000 words or a 2–3 minute video explaining the applicant's artistic aspirations and motivations.
Portfolio and Curriculum Vitae:
- Applicants must submit a CV/resume and a portfolio of recent work relevant to their specialisation (Directing, Set/Costume Design, or Producing).
Audition or Interview:
- Applicants may be required to attend an audition or interview depending on the programme specialisation.
Conditional Admission:
- Applicants with a lower CGPA (minimum 2.7 out of 4.0) may be considered for conditional admission under exceptional circumstances.
- Equivalency Letter required for graduates from universities outside the UAE.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
- Up to 6 credit hours may be awarded for prior learning based on documented evidence of unaccredited or professional experience.
Credit Transfer:
- Postgraduate students may seek up to 6 transfer credits for courses taken at accredited institutions, provided they meet certain conditions.
Application Timelines:
- Applications are accepted from November to April.
How to Apply?
To be considered for the MFA postgraduate programme, all applicants must register their details by completing the following form.
A member of our Admissions Team will be in touch shortly (please allow 3-4 working days).
All applicants will be required to submit at Statement of Purpose. There are two options for the format of this required statement:
- A written statement of purpose. Length: between 800-1,000 words. Please see suggestions below for more information.
OR - A 2–3-minute video offering a more detailed insight into the student's artistic aspirations and motivations in attending SPAA.
The Statement of Purpose should clearly outline the applicant's motivations and reasons for pursuing postgraduate studies at SPAA, please see the MFA Admissions Requirement Handbook for more details.
Depending on the programme's specialization, applicants may be required to participate in an interview or audition process. This may include discussing educational, work experience or creative projects listed on the applicant's CV or resume or discussing educational aims or career goals.
For any urgent admissions-related enquiries, feel free to contact us via the following methods:
Email: admissions@spaa.ae
Phone: +971 (0) 6 502 9999 (7.30 AM - 4.30 PM or 8 AM - 1 PM during Term Holidays)
Programme Fees
- Year 1: 90,000 AED
- Year 2: 90,000 AED
Scholarships and Bursaries:
Eligible students after acceptance into the MFA may be eligible for available scholarships, bursaries, tuition reductions and student loans after they have received their offer letter.
For more information, email admissions@spaa.ae
