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American University of Sharjah/Programmes/Master of Fine Arts in Trans-disciplinary Design

Master of Fine Arts in Trans-disciplinary Design

MFAPostgraduateArt & Design

About This Programme

A studio-driven 57-credit MFA in trans-disciplinary design — design research, critical theory and emerging technologies — culminating in a research thesis or an industry-integrated capstone. Opens careers in design leadership, creative strategy, social innovation and AI-driven design (AUS ranked top-200 globally for Art and Design).

Course Highlights

  • First program of its kind in the GCC, framed around design leadership in the AI era
  • Studio practice plus critical theory, research methods and emerging technologies
  • Electives in AI and Big Data, Circular Economy, Advanced UX, Social Innovation and Design Leadership
  • Choice of a research thesis or an industry-integrated capstone

What You'll Study

A studio-driven, mentorship-led MFA integrating studio practice, critical theory, design research and emerging technologies (AI, XR) across CAAD labs and studios, with a fall-only intake.

Core — Studio, Theory & Research

  • Design studio practice and creative exploration
  • Critical theory and design-research methods
  • Emerging technologies for design (AI, XR)

Electives

  • AI and Big Data
  • Circular Economy
  • Advanced UX
  • Social Innovation
  • Design Leadership

Culminating Project

  • Research Thesis (self-initiated, faculty-supervised) — or
  • Industry-Integrated Capstone (external professional partner)

Entry Requirements

Academic: A relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00 (2.50-2.99 may be considered for conditional admission); some programmes require prerequisite or bridging courses.
English: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or EmSAT English 1550; waived if the previous degree was taught in English.

MBA and MBDA applicants take the GMAT or the AUS admission test; a statement of purpose is required for some programmes.

Careers

Graduates lead cross-disciplinary design and innovation teams, design AI/XR-driven experiences, work across cultural and media institutions, launch ventures, or continue to PhD/academic careers.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

UAE CAA-licensed program (College of Architecture, Art and Design)

Programme Details

Award

Master of Fine Arts in Trans-disciplinary Design

Start Date

August 2026 (Fall; Spring intake for many programmes)

Typical Offer

Bachelor's degree from a related field (design, architecture, art, engineering, humanities, social sciences, education or media), CGPA 3.00/4.0 and IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80; portfolio and statement demonstrating design-research interest

Duration

2 years

Qualification

Masters

Subject Area

Art & Design

Campus

Sharjah

Course Type

Master of Fine Arts

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person

Tuition Fee

AED 156,180/yr

Apply online at apply.aus.edu with transcripts, a CV, references and a statement of purpose where required. The graduate application fee is AED 450 + 5% VAT. AUS offers graduate assistantships to qualified applicants.

EnquireView American University of Sharjah
Next intakes
AugJan

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