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Current Students

Use the information and tools below to help you navigate your Creative Industries degree.

Visit the Academic Advising page for FAQs and current updates on your degree.

Academic Advising (opens in new window) 

Creative Industries Bachelors of Arts Course Structure

The program begins with a foundation year that will introduce you to the Creative Industries as an economic sector, as a subject of interdisciplinary study, and as creative fields that are being radically transformed by new technologies. You’ll begin your first creative-content module, selecting from a menu of more than a dozen modules specially designed for Creative Industries students. Your business specialization begins this year, with two core courses instructed by the Ted Rogers School of Management. You’ll also undertake coursework in communication, intellectual property, and creative urban design. Rounding out your 1st year will be two breadth electives that you will select from the humanities, social sciences and other disciplines offered at Toronto Metropolitan University.

For details of the courses and tables, see the course calendar. 

Fall Semester (1st Semester)  Winter Semester (2nd Semester)
CRI 100 - Creative Industries Overview CRI 200 - IP Issues in the Digital Age
BSM 100 - The New Business: From Idea to Reality BSM 200 -  The Growing Business: Breaking Even
PLX 111 -  Imagining the Creative City CMN 210 -  Text, Image and Sound
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies
One course from Table II (Creative-Content Modules) [Module A] One course from Table II (Creative-Content Modules) [Module A]

During your 2nd and 3rd years you’ll explore potential career paths as you continue with your first creative-content module and begin a second module as well. For your business specialization you’ll choose from a number of electives in second year and conclude it with a capstone course in 3rd year. Core courses will focus on digital design, entrepreneurship, business communication and the creative process. You’ll conclude your required breadth electives in 3rd year while also enrolling in two Creative Industries electives and/or University open electives.

For details of the courses and tables, see the course calendar. 

During your 2nd and 3rd years you’ll explore potential career paths as you continue with your first creative-content module and begin a second module as well. For your business specialization you’ll choose from a number of electives in second year and conclude it with a capstone course in 3rd year. Core courses will focus on digital design, entrepreneurship, business communication and the creative process. You’ll conclude your required breadth electives in 3rd year while also enrolling in two Creative Industries electives and/or University open electives.

For details of the courses and tables, see the course calendar. 

*A minimum of two Table I credits must be successfully completed prior to graduation.

It all comes together in 4th year. Your final year is conceived as an integration year. During this year (or if you prefer in the summer prior to this year) you’ll undertake a work placement in a creative enterprise and then apply this experience to your culminating, capstone project. Small class core courses in collaboration, teamwork, human resources management, research methods and strategic management will complement your project work and prepare you for your next step: getting a job! You’ll complete your second creative-content module as well as four Creative Industries and/or University open electives.

For details of the courses and tables, see the course calendar. 

*A minimum of two Table I credits must be successfully completed prior to graduation.

Fall Semester (7th Semester) Winter Semester (8th Semester)
CRI 700 - Human Resources in Creative Industries CRI 810 - Studies in Creative Collaboration
CRI 710 - Creative Industries Research Methodology CRI 800 -  Managing Creative Enterprises
One course from Table II (Creative-Content Modules) [Module B] One course from Table II (Creative-Content Modules) [Module B]
One course from Table I* or the Open Elective Table One course from Table I* or the Open Elective Table
One course from Table I* or the Open Elective Table One course from Table I* or the Open Elective Table

Modules, Electives, and Course Outlines

While we try to provide most course outlines, this is not a comprehensive list. For an idea of what to expect for a course, please refer to the Course Descriptions page.

Table I Courses

A module is defined as a sequence of six courses consisting of varying combinations of required and elective courses in a discrete subject area. As a Creative Industries student you’ll select one module at the start of 1st year and a second at the start of 2nd year. You’ll complete both modules at a rate of one course per semester. Delivered by the eight professional schools within the Faculty of Communication & Design, each module will cover the basic historical, theoretical and production aspects of a creative field while also examining how that field functions as a business. 

For details of the courses and tables below, see the course calendar. 

School of Fashion

  • The Fashion Industry: Markets, Aesthetics & Creativity

Fashion Industry

This module allows students to experience the world of fashion through theory, research and practice. Fashion at Ryerson nurtures students to systemically transform the Canadian and global fashion system by advancing the principles of inclusion, decolonization and sustainability. Students can formulate this module to be more creative, theory and research-based, or managerial in scope by selecting from a variety of topic areas including fashion culture and history, fashion industries and leadership, events and curation, etc.

School of Professional Communication

  • Communication Studies

Communication Studies

The Communications Studies module provides students with an overview of how communication, media, public relations, and writing all intersect within the Creative Industries. With classes provided by the Professional Communications school,  students can expect to garner knowledge and experience applied to public relations,  advocacy, writing, and digital communication to utilize in their careers.

School of Image Arts

  • The Art & Business of Film

Art and Business of Film

This module provides students with a theoretical approach to film, with major focuses on business, creative practice, concepts and theories, and analytical perspectives on cinema as a whole. With courses from The School of Image Arts and The School of Creative Industries, the Art and Business of Film module allows for students to explore and think critically about the way film is produced, written, represented, and managed within the Creative Industries.

  • Visual Culture

Visual Culture

In the Visual Culture module, students learn how to apply an analytical lens to subject areas such as art, history, culture, advertising, and design. Theory-based, specialized courses allow students to gain a well-rounded perspective on how visual culture affects, influences, and impacts the Creative Industries in which we operate.

  • Curatorial Practices

Curatorial Practice

The Curatorial Practices module provides students with an overview of curatorial history while strengthening their understanding of display culture and curatorial practices. From art galleries to museums, students can expect to learn about topics such as art history, theories of photography, and public space curation.

School of Journalism

  • The Business and Practice of News

Business and Practice of News

Taught by industry experts, the Business and Practice of News module prepares students with transferable and marketable skills in interviewing, critical thinking, writing, and research. Students with an interest in journalism and media will learn how to put current events in context and understand key issues and trends. Students will receive an in-depth look at the production of news over various scopes. With topics ranging from photojournalism to religious reporting, students will harness a scope of knowledge within the journalistic sphere.

School of Graphic Communications Management

  • Concept to Reality: Publishing and Printing

Concept to Reality: Publishing and Printing

The Printing and Publishing module is ideal for those looking for both an applied and theoretical groundwork on the publishing, printing, and design industries in North America. The module’s core includes GCM’s three foundational pillars: design & creativity; technology & innovation; and business & entrepreneurship, with a focus on book publishing, typography, design, and packaging.

RTA School of Media

  • The Music Industry

Music Industry

The Music Industry module is ideal for students looking to understand the business side of music. Through a curated blend of Creative Industries and RTA courses, students gain an excellent understanding of how the industry operates—exploring talent and event management, branding, distribution, and sound production. Led by industry professionals, students often take this module in hopes of working in talent management, content creation, and event promotion.

  • Storytelling in Media

Storytelling in Media

This module, featuring courses from RTA School of Media, provides students with a broad and informative view of how stories are told in media. With classes focusing on the history and aesthetics of television, digital media, and video games, this module is essential for students whose passion is content creation. Students who take the Storytelling in Media module will gain experience in scriptwriting and video production, and deepen their understanding of how content connects with audiences.

  • Media Business

Media Business

This module, featuring courses from RTA School of Media, provides students with a strong foundation in how media is created, curated, and distributed. Students will gain an understanding of how the art, craft and business of media are imperative to the Creative Industries. Taught by leading academics and industry professionals, the courses focus on topics such as social media, producing, management, digital culture, and emerging media markets.


School of Performance

  • Acting/Dance Studies

Acting and Dance

The Acting and Dance module is ideal for students who want to learn how the field of performance interconnects with the Creative Industries. Students will pursue a variety of theoretical courses related to production, performance, and theatre history. Curated by the School of Performance, students will have the opportunity to learn about different dance forms and styles through some studio based courses including Latin American Dance Forms, Western Dance Styles, improvisation, and Musical Theatre.

*Note: Due to COVID-19, some studio based courses will be taught online in the fall and will not require in-person activity (e.g. THA 340 Improvisation).


School of Interior Design

  • Interior Design: Humanscale for Creative Thinkers

Interior Design

Students in the Interior Design module will develop skills at one of AZURE magazine’s top-ranked interior design schools in the world. Students can expect a balance of theoretical and analytical courses which include, sustainability, strategic thinking, and contemporary themes within the sphere of design.

Note: Modules are offered subject to minimum student enrolment and are normally confirmed in July of each year. Though every effort is made to offer all students the modules of their choice, space in specific modules may be limited if demand exceeds capacity.

It is important for your future success in the Creative Industries that you graduate with a functional knowledge of business and a solid set of business related skills. Your business specialization, consisting of a six-course module taught by the Ted Rogers School of Management and select core Creative Industries courses, is designed to address this goal.

For details of the courses and tables below, see the course calendar. 

Business Specialization

  • BSM 100: The New Business: From Idea to Reality
  • BSM 200: The Growing Business: Breaking Even
  • ACC 340: Financial Management
  • BSM 600: The Mature Business       

Table III Business Module Electives (2):

Creative Industries Required Business Related Courses:

  • CRI 400: Entrepreneurship in Creative Industries
  • CRI 700: Human Resources in Creative Industries
  • CRI 800: Managing Creative Enterprises

Electives

These elective courses, required of all Toronto Metropolitan University students, are intended to broaden your education beyond your specific program of study. You will take one elective each term in your first three years. Typically students choose from a wide variety of courses offered in such areas as English, Philosophy, History, Political Science, Psychology, Musicology, Sociology and Economics.

For details of the courses and tables below, see the course calendar.  (opens in new window) 

Creative Industries Electives (Table I)

A minimum of 2 courses are to be selected from the following list in years 3 and/or 4:

  • CRI 410: Beggars, Choosers: C.I. Advocacy
  • CRI 420: From Writer to Reader
  • CRI 430: Canadian Media and Entertainment Industries
  • CRI 450: Appreciating Creativity in Practice
  • CRI 500: Project Management
  • CRI 510: Art and Business of Gaming
  • CRI 520: Design Management
  • CRI 530: Talent Management
  • CRI 540: Marketing the Creative Industries
  • CRI 560: Topics in Creative Industries
  • CRI 570: Creative Industries: International Lab
  • CRI 620: Concert and Festival Management
  • CRI 630: Advertising Theory and Practice
  • CRI 670: Music and Brands
  • CRI 680: Celebrity
  • CRI 720: Media Regulation and Communication Policy
  • CRI 730: Strategic Leadership in the Creative Industries
  • CRI 740: The Creative Negotiation
  • CRI 750: Emerging Technologies in Cyberspace
  • CRI 760: Diversity in Creative Industries
  • CRI 770: Trendwatching
  • CRI 780: Your Creative Self
  • CRI 820: Global Licensing and Distribution Agreements
  • CRI 830: Youth Cultural Production
  • CRI 840: Management of Soft Innovation
  • CRI 850: Directed Reading Course
  • CRI 860: The Big Night
  • EID 100: Digital Skills: Int'l Innovation
  • FCD 222: Coding for Creatives (FCAD Elective)
  • FCD 240: History of Art and Design: Global Survey
  • FCD 551: Digital Media and Network Cultures (FCAD Elective)
  • FCD 580: Project in Creative Technology
  • FCD 816: Global Campus Studio Supercourse I
  • FCD 826: Global Campus Studio Supercourse II
  • FCD 962: Interaction Design (FCAD Elective)

University Open Electives

select from any discipline in 3rd and 4th years will enable you to explore areas of personal interest or to gain additional depth in areas that you think are valuable to your chosen career path. You may also elect to devote these electives to the completion of a minor.

For a complete listing of the Open Electives please consult the Open Elective Table of the calendar.

Minors

While pursuing your Creative Industries degree you may wish to combine it with a minor that enhances your career preparations. A minor is a grouping of six courses that will uniquely complement your degree by adding knowledge and skills in a related field.  These are among the minors available to students who wish to devote some of their open and breadth electives toward this goal:

  • Accounting
  • eBusiness
  • Economics
  • English
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Global Management
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Politics
  • Public Administration
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

For a full list of Minors and the current Minor Policy please see the Minors Policy/Minors page in the current Academic Calendar.

1. Contribute productively to the Creative Industries

a) Critically analyze and synthesize knowledge of the cultural, economic, legal, political, and technological environments in which the Creative Industries function,

b) Recommend how Creative Industries as sectors or as individual enterprises should best manage interactions with cultural, economic, legal, governmental and technical spheres and work confidently with industry, government and community organizations in the Canadian and international contexts

2. Demonstrate an entrepreneurial capacity

a) Engage in independent learning

b) Transform creative ideas into commercial products and services through the application of business and management concepts and practices applicable to media and cultural production

3. Facilitate the work of artists, writers, designers and media makers

a) Apply an integrated knowledge of creative and production processes (both individual and system-base to facilitate the work of artists, writers, designers and media makers

b) Develop strategies to access funding and investments; to facilitate the work of artists, writers, designers and media makers,

c) Recognize and respond to future challenges and opportunities in their sectors including technological change to facilitate the work of artists, writers, designers and media makers.

4. Communicate

a) Communicate verbally within and to creative enterprises, academia and industry effectively and persuasively

b) Communicate in written form, within and to creative enterprises, academia and industry effectively and persuasively

c) Communicate by preparing and conducting presentations using a range of appropriate media, within and to creative enterprises, academia, and industry effectively and persuasively

5. Conduct research relevant to cultural and industry issues

a) Formulate appropriate research questions and conceptual frameworks; employing appropriate data collection techniques

b) Apply appropriate quantitative tools and methodologies and/or

c) Apply appropriate qualitative tools and methodologies

6. Implement and manage projects

a) Problem-solve to implement and manage projects

b) Team build to implement and manage projects

c) Negotiate to implement and manage projects

d) Work within a collaborative practice to implement and manage projects

7. Apply skills and knowledge

a) Critically evaluate the aesthetic quality of creative works

b) Apply fundamental business and management skills within organizations and as entrepreneurs,

c) Integrate an aesthetic sensibility and business acumen to the practical realities of production, promotion, and distribution of commercial or non-commercial cultural products with an understanding of the theoretical and historical underpinnings of one or more creative industry sectors;

d) Recognize when more information is required to address the limits of one’s own knowledge, abilities, and analyses and determine appropriate next steps

8. Autonomy, Professional Capacity, and Social Responsibility

a) Develop a personal plan for continuing development of professional skills and flexible ongoing career paths

b) Act as socially responsible citizens with integrity and strong ethical mores

c) Work towards creating diverse and inclusive cultural opportunities accessible to all

Support

Need help? Have questions or concerns? Email us at criadvising@torontomu.ca 

There are a ton of resources availible here at Toronto Metropolitan University. This powerpoint presentation will help you begin to identify the variety of options available.  

 (PDF file) Student Resources at Toronto Metropolitan University Powerpoint (opens in new window) 

Below you will find an extensive list, all with clickable links.  

If you have any questions please feel free to email us at CRIadvising@torontomu.ca and we will help guide you.

 

Academic Support Resources at Toronto Metropolitan University

Student Learning Support

SLS (opens in new window)  is a group of services and programs aimed at helping students engage more effectively in their academic studies. We teach essential academic skills and study techniques that help students to more effectively express their intelligence, apply their knowledge and communicate their ideas.

Support Areas:

  • Academic Accommodation Support,
  • English Language Support,
  • Study Skills & Transition Support,
  • Writing Support,
  • Test Centre

 

 

Tri-mentoring program

The Tri-Mentoring Program (opens in new window)  is a centralized model that offers mentorship opportunities to students of all identities across all faculties.  The program matches 1st year students with upper year students in the same program or with similar interests in order to help incoming students successfully transition into their 1st year at Toronto Metropolitan University.  Mentors then have the opportunity to be matched with an industry professional & will gain guidance and encourage students to progress towards their goals. We facilitate student's learning, leadership and employment through mentoring, getting students involved and having them meet other people. 

 

Academic Accommodation Support

Academic Accommodation Support (opens in new window)  helps students with single or multiple disabilities (such as learning disabilities, sensory impairments, acquired brain injuries, ADHD, and mental health, medical, and mobility issues). The Centre helps students secure academic accommodations so that they can fully participate in their academic experience at Toronto Metropolitan University.

 

Mental and Physical Wellness Resources

Toronto Metropolitan University Mental Wellbeing (opens in new window) 

Centre for Student Development and Counselling

The CSDC (opens in new window)  offers free, confidential counselling services for students in a professional and friendly environment. Services are provided by our team of psychologists, counsellors, and masters and doctoral interns.

 

Toronto Metropolitan University Medical Centre

Toronto Metropolitan University’s family doctors (opens in new window)  can help you take care of your physical and mental health.

 

Toronto Metropolitan University Health Promotion

Toronto Metropolitan University Health Promotion (opens in new window)  is a group of peer health promoters dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing on our university campus. They can provide you with information, resources and referrals to community agencies.

 

Student Support Resources

International Student Services

International Student Services (opens in new window)  supports international students by offering individual assistance, orientation programs, information sessions, and networking events.

 

Aboriginal Student Services

Aboriginal Student Services (opens in new window)  provides support for all First Nations, Aboriginal, Inuit, Metis, status and non-status students can balance academic learning with traditional teachings.

 

Centre for Women and Trans People

The Centre for Women and Trans People (external link, opens in new window)  is a safe and inclusive place for all self-identified women on campus. It provides educational pamphlets, referrals and resources on issues that include racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, eating disorders, housing, sexual assault, pro-choice resources, violent relationships, support programs, and women’s health. Men are welcome to use the Centre’s resources, but need permission to enter.

 

Toronto Metropolitan University Safe House

The Toronto Metropolitan University Safe House (opens in new window)  provides free and confidential emotional support and assistance to Toronto Metropolitan University students who:

Are at immediate risk of physical, sexual or emotional abuse
Are fleeing unsafe or intolerable living conditions
Have been made suddenly homeless as a result of compelling or extreme circumstances.

 

Security and Emergency Services

Toronto Metropolitan University Security and Emergency Services (opens in new window)  aids in crime prevention, personal safety and physical security awareness/education provided. Twenty-four hour emergency response, including crisis intervention/emergency management and referral.

 

Human Rights Services

Human Rights Services (opens in new window)  offers support for the Toronto Metropolitan University community, promoting a study, work, and living environment free of discrimination and harassment based on prohibited grounds (e.g. race, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion etc.).

 

Ombudsperson Office

The Ombudsperson Office (opens in new window)  is a confidential information, advice and assistance resource for those who wish to address what they believe to be unfair treatment at the University.

 

Toronto Metropolitan University Students’ Union Legal Advice and Referral Services

Toronto Metropolitan University Students’ Union Legal Advice and Referral Services (external link, opens in new window)  offers legal advice related to family and criminal law, debt, landlord and tenant conflicts, corporate law, real estate, intellectual property, legal procedures and documents, dealings with lawyers, immigration, and difficulties with government agencies.

 

Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education

The Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education (opens in new window)  works from the premise that consent comes first. We believe that survivors should guide the process and we are here to provide options. We provide referrals to counselling and medical services, academic and workplace accommodations, self-care resources, advocacy and navigating resources. We can also help you in making an informed decision about next steps should you decide to report to university authorities or the police.

 

Toronto Metropolitan University Students’ Union (Equity Service Centres)

Good Food Centre

The Good Food Centre (external link, opens in new window)  provides free, non-perishable food items so you don’t have to study on an empty stomach. We also advocate for healthier, more affordable food on campus, and host events and campaigns on food (in)security and anti-poverty initiatives.

 

Racialised Students’ Collective

The Racialised Students’ Collective (external link, opens in new window)  opposes all forms of racism and works towards community wellness for students. Through education, campus and community organizing, and our commitment to struggle across differences, we seek to responsibly reflect, represent and serve self-identified racialized and indigenous students.

 

RyeACCESS

RyeACCESS (external link, opens in new window)  recognizes that students with disabilities have a diverse range of experiences both on and off campus. However, one experience that is consistent is disempowerment. As students with disabilities, it is our time to reclaim our bodies and minds, take control of the services we use, and work with our allies to achieve the freedom and autonomy we deserve.

 

RyePRIDE

RyePRIDE (external link, opens in new window)  seeks to create a positive and inclusive campus that is safe and welcoming for people from across the spectrum of sexuality and gender, including but not limited to: gay, lesbian, bisexual, two spirited, trans, intersex, queer and questioning students.

 

Trans Collective

The Trans Collective (external link, opens in new window) 's main goal is to advocate for trans and gender non-conforming people by challenging oppression, creating space for community care, and educating those outside and within our community.

 

Peer Groups

SMASH (Students for Mental Awareness, Support, & Health)

SMASH (opens in new window)  increases mental health awareness and support for students through peer-to-peer support and advocacy for policy change within Toronto Metropolitan University.

 

Be Well

Be Well seeks to enhance relaxation, and reduce anxiety among students in the Nutrition and Food program. It does this through activities such as Xbox parties, boardgames, cooking, and other fun group activities.

 

Other Resources

 

Toronto Metropolitan University Athletics and Recreation

Toronto Metropolitan University Athletics and Recreation (external link, opens in new window)  offers group fitness and mind/body/spirit classes, including yoga and meditation

 

SHARP: Student Health Assistance and Resilience Program (Health Promotion)

The Student Health Assistance and Resilience Program (opens in new window)  (SHARP) is designed to help students develop lifelong skills for managing their health and well-being.

 

 (PDF file) Download and print a list of the above listed resources (opens in new window) .

 (PDF file) Student Handbook

The handbook is the contractual document between students and Toronto Metropolitan University.

Academic Calendar (opens in new window) 

The academic calendar is the comprehensive list of all courses. 

Advisement Report (opens in new window) 

The Advisement Report is an online tool for Undergraduate degree students.  Accessed via RAMSS, this handy tool shows all the courses that you have taken, enrolled in, or completed for your degree, as well as courses that may not count.

Academic Integrity (opens in new window) 

Check out these engaging and informative academic integrity videos. These videos present some of the values and behaviours expected and the most common misconceptions about academic integrity.

Student Awards

Awards will be presented at a luncheon in the fall where recipients will have the opportunity to meet the generous donors of their awards.

This award was created by Shannon Robertson and James Young to honour the memory of Rosemary Reid, and to support a Creative Industries student (who has completed an RTA module). This award recognizes the light and life Rosemary brought to her RTA cohort. The Rosemary Reid Memorial Award goes to the student who does the same for her or his cohort: bringing kindness, consideration, warmth and enthusiasm to the program and to his or her classmates – which can make all the difference, as those of us who were lucky enough to know Rosemary Reid well know.

To apply for this award, students must write a 500 word statement demonstrating how they bring kindness, consideration, warmth, and/or enthusiasm to his or her classmates. Students can nominate each other through a peer statement or nominate themselves.

Award schedule: Annual, commencing in the 2019/2020 academic year.

Application deadline: Open from Monday the 28th October to Friday the 8th of November, 2019, 16:00 PM. Deliberation will run from the 11th to the 22nd of November.

Amount of award: 1 x $2,500

Announcement: Monday the 25th of November, with the recipient accepting the award at our Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, the 27th of November.

Please apply online using AwardSpring 

(If you have any issues accessing the award or using the new online system you may send your application directly to e3smith@torontomu.ca)

The Ted Riley Scholarships in Global Licensing and Distribution will be awarded to the two full-time Creative Industries students who demonstrate a deep understanding of Global Licensing and Distribution. Two awards will be presented annually to students who have completed CRI 820 with the highest grade (in either the spring or winter terms of the prior academic year).

Award schedule: Twice annually, commencing in the 2019/2020 academic year

Application deadline: n/a

Amount of award: 2 x $1,000

Full details, eligibility & application: Automatically awarded to the highest grade. In case of a tie students will be asked to submit a 300-500 word statement about their personal interest in global distribution and what ideas they took away from the course.

These awards have been established by the School of Creative Industries to recognize student achievement in each year of study. There are four awards available each year to the students who:

  • Award #1: Have the highest CGPA of all First Year Creative Industries Students
  • Award #2: Have the highest CGPA of all Second Year Creative Industries Students
  • Award #3: Have the highest CGPA of all Third Year Creative Industries Students
  • Award #4: Have the highest CGPA of all Fourth Year Creative Industries Students (presented at Convocation)

Award schedule: Annual, presented each year at Creative Industries Orientation (unless otherwise noted.)

Application deadline: n/a

Amount of award: $ 100.00 ea

Full details, eligibility & application: Automatically awarded to the highest CGPA, no application necessary

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