A Master of Arts (MA) is a postgraduate degree focused on the humanities or fine arts. Common fields include history, English, philosophy, communications, theology, and sociology. Canadian MA programs usually combine coursework, research, and written examinations. Students build skills in research, critical analysis, writing, and problem solving, and those skills transfer to many careers.
Students can specialize in areas such as literature, history, anthropology, linguistics, or the visual and performing arts. These disciplines study culture, society, language, and creative expression. Graduates go on to work in education, research, writing and publishing, museums, and arts organizations. If you are weighing study in Canada, reading about programs built for international students in Canada can help you compare options.
Admission generally requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus the minimum GPA or prerequisite courses set by each university. International applicants usually need to show English proficiency, and Canadian universities widely accept IELTS and TOEFL scores. Check the requirements of each school before you apply, since they differ.
Tuition and living costs vary by city, so plan your budget early. Many Canadian universities and outside organizations offer scholarships for master’s study in Canada. For a clearer picture of expenses, compare master’s degree costs in Canada and see how much a master’s degree in Canada costs overall.

