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The PhD in Media & Design Innovation is a one-of-a-kind doctoral program for scholars and practitioners in media, design and creative disciplines.


A unique, creative practice program

Placing creativity at the heart of learning, the program is designed specifically for innovative makers and scholar-practitioners. Graduates of the Media & Design Innovation program are trained to be intellectually agile creative professionals with a strong capacity for in-depth innovation and problem-solving.

  

Explore Our Innovative Curriculum

Find out how you will be challenged in each year of the program.

Meet The Creative School Faculty

Explore the diverse range of topics and find your potential supervisor.

Attend an Information Session

Learn more about the program and get answers to pressing questions.

Prepare Your Application Package

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Practice-Based Methodology


The PhD in Media & Design Innovation is made for those who are interested in exploring research questions through practice — raising relevant questions and producing demonstrable solutions through creative projects and contextual writing.

The program offers tremendous flexibility for students to explore all areas of the creative industries — from practicing and planning to prototype — while tapping into a broad base of expertise. Successful applicants will create and disseminate in their chosen creative medium, as well as produce a written analysis of their research project. Students can collaborate with industry professionals and explore emerging technologies in their fields.

Sample areas of research & creative practice

  • Developing new models of journalistic dissemination
  • Curation & contemporary exhibition practices
  • Experimental Modes of Storytelling & user interaction
  • Designing digital applications for industry & government service
  • Digital fashion design & fabrication
  • Creative technology development & prototypingn

Access to a creative ecosystem


Drawing on innovative and collaborative approaches, the PhD in Media & Design Innovation is enhanced through unparalleled access to The Creative School's creative ecosystem in the heart of downtown Toronto. Connect with leading scholars and creative minds through The Creative School's world-class research centres, state-of-the-art labs, incubators, and global hubs. And, complete an optional internship in a field related to the proposed research project.


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You Belong at The Creative School

As a student in the Media & Design Innovation PhD program, you'll be part of The Creative School, a dynamic faculty offering 27 degree programs in media, design and creative industries. Through global experiences and transdisciplinary opportunities, our students emerge as some of the most in demand and employable graduates anywhere.

Ready to apply?