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Media and Design Innovation PhD

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Program Overview

Format: Full-time, part-time

Degree Earned: PhD

The PhD in Media & Design Innovation is a unique practice-based doctoral program that allows the scholarly exploration of the creative process in a wide range of fields. Placing creativity at the heart of learning, it is designed specifically for innovative makers and leading practitioners. 

Graduates of the program are trained to be intellectually agile creative professionals with a strong capacity for in-depth innovation and problem-solving.

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At a Glance

PhD

  • Completion of a master’s degree from an accredited institution 
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.33/4.33 (B+)
  • Statement of  research interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Two samples of work (one written and one example of your creative practice). For guidelines on other forms of support material, please contact the program director.
  • English language proficiency requirement

More information on admission requirements. Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

Research areas within the program are diverse and may include:

  • creative technology development and prototyping
  • curation and contemporary exhibition practices
  • digital fashion design and fabrication
  • experimental modes of storytelling and user interaction
  • innovation in music production and distribution
  • new models of journalistic dissemination
  • numerous other areas of creative media practice
  • university and college professors
  • researcher-practitioners in digital media and design industries
  • senior research scientists
  • developers within industry-based research centres
  • government and policy-related careers

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
E-mail: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

Program Contacts

Dr. John Shiga
Graduate Program Director 
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 5555167
Email: jshiga@torontomu.ca

Elaine Nie
Graduate Program Administrator
Email: MediaDesignPhD@torontomu.ca

Graduate Academic Calendar

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates

How to Apply

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.