Documentary Media (MFA)
Part of The Creative School
Format: Full-time
Degree Earned: Master of Fine Arts
Bridging the traditions of documentary practice with emerging approaches to non-fiction storytelling, this interdisciplinary program brings together students to explore documentary forms and strategies in the making of new documentary work. Working alongside artists, scholars and media professionals, students engage with the histories and theories of documentary, while working with the tools needed to complete their own major creative projects.
Our graduates may be found in diverse occupations including film and television production companies, arts administration, and freelance careers as filmmakers, photographers and new media producers. Other graduates have pursued studies at the PhD level and careers in education.
MFA
- Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
- Statement of interest
- Resumé/CV
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Portfolio
- 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.
- 24/7 access to graduate labs/equipment
- Extensive camera, sound and studio resources
- Digital editing, printing and scanning facilities
- Analogue resources
Professional experience
The DocNow Festival presents the thesis work of students in the program. Students collaborate on a citywide festival featuring screenings, exhibitions and events exploring a wide range of subjects and celebrating their creative achievements.
Graduate Admissions
Admissions information and how to apply
Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca
For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.
Program Contacts
Dr. Asmaa Malik
Graduate Program Director
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552787
Email: asmaa.malik@torontomu.ca
Elaine Nie
Graduate Program Administrator
Email: docmedia@torontomu.ca
“The collaborative nature of the program provided the space and creative community I needed to develop my ideas, and to critique and challenge my growing narrative. The master classes and guest lectures also provided industry dialogue, while acting as a hub for creative approaches to storytelling.”
Student Profile: The Right to Learn (external link)
Conor DeVries' (documentary media MFA student) documentary explores the real-world effects of increasing tuition in Canada.
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.