Cinema & Media Studies

The MA in Cinema & Media Studies immerses students in a two-year program of study that nurtures studentsâ academic and professional goals. A wide range of required and elective courses enhances the range and depth of studentsâ skills and knowledge.

The PhD in Cinema & Media Studies, incorporating theoretical, historical and critical approaches to visual media, is designed to encompass a variety of methodological frameworks, cultural practices, and historiographic models.

This humanities-based interdisciplinary program will help students to acquire comprehensive knowledge of cinema and media theory, history, and criticism. Along with developing essential research and teaching skills, students will participate in the rich research culture of the University and develop a doctoral dissertation that will make a significant contribution to the discipline. Research, teaching, participation in international colloquia, as well as publishing and other forms of professional academic development are key components of this rigorous minimum four-year degree.

The PhD in Cinema and Media Studies prepares students for academic and research careers in cinema and media studies along with related fields in cultural and communications studies.

Choose York:

• Our tradition: York? Graduate Program in Film was the first of its kind in Canada.
• Eleven full time core Cinema & Media Studies faculty members, including two Canada Research Chairs. In addition, 12 full-time faculty teaching Production & Screenwriting make our MFA program the most innovative in Canada.
• The Sound and Moving Image Library at York is one of the largest in Canada
• Scott Library features excellent print and electronic resources in cinema and media studies
• York? Clara Thomas Archives includes numerous film-related collections
• York Film faculty run respected journals CineAction and Public: Art/Culture/Ideas
• York? teaching and graduate assistants are the best paid in Canada and York offers generous admission and continuing student scholarships.
• Toronto is the film capital of English Canada, home to more than 100 film festivals cinematheques, film and video archives, distributors, resource centers and film industry personnel and studios.
• Many visiting filmmakers, scholars, and artists present film and lectures at York and in the greater Toronto area.
   

Degrees Offered

MA

• You must have graduated from a recognized postsecondary institution holding an honours degree or equivalent. Some programs consider applicants with a three-year undergraduate degree and relevant work experience.
  
  Undergraduate degrees not designated as honours degrees may be acceptable as the equivalent of an undergraduate honours degree if they contain a minimum of 120 credits (typically, a four-year program with full time enrolment) including the completion of a minimum of 6 credits at the fourth-year level at an accredited postsecondary institution.
  
  Three-year first cycle undergraduate degrees from institutions that meet the criteria set forth in the Bologna Declaration may be acceptable as the equivalent of an undergraduate honours degree.
  
  If you completed your undergraduate or master’s studies outside Canada, you may need to complete additional courses to qualify for admission to a graduate program at York. Please contact the relevant program office for more information.
  
  If you have completed a four year undergraduate degree at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology, you will need to contact Office of Admissions to have the requirement added to your record. This will allow your transcript to be uploaded to continue the admission process.


• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least a “B” or equivalent, is required. Most programs require at least a “B+” or equivalent. Your GPA is assessed over the last two years of undergraduate study (full time, or equivalent); or, if you have a master’s degree, we will use your highest level of education to calculate your GPA. Please be sure to check International Credential Equivalencies.
  
  Your GPA is a critical consideration is determining admissibility. Also, be sure to check the specific requirements of your program of choice. In rare cases, a program any choose to give priority to a candidates professional or creative accomplishments, or other relevant experiences, recommendations, portfolio, or test results.

If your first language is not English, you must show you have an acceptable level of English by completing a language proficiency test.

If you have completed at least one full year at an accredited university in a country where English is the official language of the institution, you may be exempt from this requirement.

1. Meet minimum admission requirements
2. Meet program-specific requirements
3. Know the application deadlines
4. Submit your application
5. Submit all required documentation
6. Check on Transfer Credit for Advanced Placement