VACD graduate program The Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media, and Design challenges students to investigate, research, and produce creative works that combine art, design, and cross-disciplinary academic study to create new forms of visual and cultural research and production. Each student’s primary discipline and chosen emphasis between studio practice and theoretical inquiry will determine whether the degree earned is an MFA, MDes, or MA.

Today's media landscape is changing at an unprecedented rate. Internet, digital radio, interactive television, cell phones and a broad range of other handheld and interactive devices are transforming the way we experience media, exchange information, produce creative work and market products and services.

The Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media, and Design focuses on the creation and analysis of media products with emphasis on the aesthetics. Students explore the creative and cultural structures that influence how media is produced and reaches its market.

This program challenges students to explore traditional and innovative media forms, outlets and technologies in order to tell compelling stories and reach diverse audiences. Potential graduate students will bring strong creative and production expertise to the program. Building on their creative ability, students will utilize the resources available at International University of Sarajevo while developing strategic ties with media outlets outside the University to develop compelling, innovative productions in a variety of media.

The master thesis of the Interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Art, Media, and Design consists of two parts.

MFA/MDes Thesis

This is the culminating work of the Interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Art, Media, and Design. The Master’s thesis for the MFA or MDes degrees comprises two important components. The central component is a body of visual work that clearly demonstrates the student’s advanced ability to integrate elements of two disciplines toward the achievement of a stated goal or solution. The supporting paper or written thesis a) elaborates in some depth the theoretical underpinnings of the project; b) articulates clearly and lucidly the objectives (problem to be solved) and the process undertaken (including false starts, unproductive tangents, and lessons learned); and c) explains in detail the end result or creative solution.

MA Thesis

This is the culminating work of the Interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Art, Media, and Design.
The Master’s thesis for the MA degree comprises the same two important elements as for the MFA or MDes degrees, however, in reverse order of importance. The central element of the MA thesis is the written thesis that demonstrates substantial research and explication of an original creative idea or solution. The thesis is based on a strong, well-articulated theoretical perspective or methodology that highlights the interdisciplinary of the project (this should also include some discussion of the process involved in developing the critical framework or methodology, challenges, and benefits). An original creative work accompanies and supports or illustrates the written thesis.

Admission Requirements

1. BA or BS degree in any field of specialization.

2. Completed application form.

3. Official transcript.

4. Research proposal: Applicants should outline clearly their background in their primary and secondary areas of concentration and describe their interdisciplinary research interest or theme for their graduate work in the program. One of the two disciplines involved must be in studio art, media, or design. The proposal must be typed and should be 500 - 800 words in length. Appendices including bibliography and examples of visual work may be included.

5. Documented body of work and artist/designer statement: Applicants must submit a portfolio of up to 20 still-images (i.e., digital images such as JPGs or Tifs) or up to five time-based works produced in the last five years. Quicktime movies or other time-based image files should not exceed three minutes in length. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of their primary area of concentration and any examples of interdisciplinary work. The portfolio should represent the applicant’s best work (formally, conceptually, and contextually resolved). A significant number of the images should represent work produced in the last 12 months. The portfolio must be accompanied by an artist/designer statement of no more than 350 words. The statement should speak to recent work and explain its relevance to the research proposal. A list of the works submitted should also be included in the portfolio.

6. CV: Applicants should include an updated copy of their curriculum vitae.

7. Two letters of reference.

8. English proficiency score (TOEFL-computer based: minimum 213, paper-based: 550. IELTS, overall score of 7. IUS English Language Proficiency Exam score has to be: satisfactory

9. A CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.00 or a comparable level of academic performance at the undergraduate level.

10. Short-listed candidates will be notified regarding an interview. No original work is to be presented at this point. The interview is an ideal opportunity for the candidate to meet with graduate faculty and visit studio facilities and labs at IUS. Alternative arrangements will be made for applicants who are unable to attend the interview in person.