Photography Media Arts
Undergraduate Programs
Photography Media Arts BFA
As a student in the Photography Media Arts BFA program, you’ll learn to create images that compel, provoke, and inspire. You’ll experiment with traditional and emerging lens-based media technologies, working with both analogue and digital formats. With networking events, mentorship opportunities, and internships, you'll graduate with hands-on experience and industry connections.
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Program Format
Full time / 4 years
Academic
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with a minimum of six Grade 12 U or M courses including the following program specific requirements.
Typically, a minimum overall average of 70% establishes eligibility for admission consideration; subject to competition individual programs may require higher prerequisite grades and/or higher overall averages:
- English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)
- The minimum grade required in the subject prerequisite (normally in the 65-70% range) will be determined subject to competition.
Academic admission requirements for all other applicants are available at:
Admission Requirements.
Non-Academic
In addition to meeting competitive academic requirements, you are required to submit the following non-academic requirements. Your ability to follow and adhere to the requirements is part of the assessment of your application.
Your non-academic requirements are due by February 1, 2023 or 10 business days from your application submission date, whichever comes later.
Your portfolio submission consists of two parts (see below). Your visual portfolio is an essential part of your admission into the program. It is the principal element in demonstrating your creative talents.
Please ensure that your twelve examples of visual work are saved, clearly labelled and uploaded as one .pdf file in your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal. (For example, paste the twelve images into a Microsoft Word document, then export or save the document as a single .pdf file).
Part 1: Six images based on a theme
This should be a carefully edited selection of six images that you have created based on a specific, focused theme. (The theme is the subject or main idea in an artistic work that can be interpreted literally, broadly, or metaphorically. You define the theme for your six images.)
These works can be produced through the use of any lens-based media and may also incorporate mixed and hybrid media elements (e.g. imagery combined with text, sound, video, collage, interactivity, etc.). Demonstrate how you see the world, what media tools you use and how you express yourself. These images should be no larger than 2000 x 1500 pixels, at 150 dpi (medium size).
These images should be introduced by a single statement describing your theme and what it means to you (no more than 250 words). You are encouraged to design a cover or title page for this sequence.
Part 2: Selection of Your Best Six Visual Works
A selection of six visual works you have created that demonstrate your abilities as an image-maker. These works can be done in any media (e.g. photography, video, painting, drawing, 3D graphics, sculpture, installation) and can also incorporate mixed and hybrid media (e.g. image/text, image/sound, photographic/web, etc.).
You are encouraged to present work that shows a broad range of your skills. Demonstrate how you see the world, what media tools you use and how you express yourself. These images should be no larger than 2000 x 1500 pixels, at 150 dpi (medium size).
Note for Part 1 and Part 2:
- A maximum of three videos will be accepted.
- Your videos must be uploaded to “Vimeo.” When you have a Vimeo URL (e.g. https://vimeo.com/43927921 (external link) ), please paste the link into the same single .pdf file, along with your images from Part 1 and Part 2, and upload the file in your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal.
- If you choose to use the privacy settings in Vimeo, there is a member subscription fee to do so. Please use the password “PHOTO2025”. You can also choose to not use the privacy settings and not pay the Vimeo subscription fee.
Discuss your interest in photography, what you hope to get out of the program and/or what your goals are regarding your future in photography and media art (not to exceed 250 words).
Please ensure your written statement is saved and uploaded as a .pdf file to your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal.
Submit a current resumé outlining your education, creative experience and abilities, computer skills and applications you are familiar with (e.g. Photoshop, etc.), work experience, volunteer activities, related skills, interests and any special awards (not to exceed two pages).
Please save and upload your resumé as a .pdf file to your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal.
The non-academic requirements assessment fee is $50 CAD and must be paid in order for your submission to be reviewed. Here’s how to pay:
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Access your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal account (instructions to access the portal can be found below under Submission Instructions).
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Click on the button to link to the eForms Centre.
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Next, click on the eForms Center tile.
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Then click on the Non-Academic Fee Form link.
Applicants are required to submit all components of their non-academic requirements via the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal. Due to the volume of applications received and our system performance, we strongly encourage you to submit your documents well in advance of the noted deadlines.
Applicants unable to use the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal are required to contact the School of Image Arts at imagearts@torontomu.ca to discuss an alternate method of submission.
Here’s how to access your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal account:
- Get your TMU Student Number in the email acknowledgement of your application
- Activate your TMU Online Identity. Fill in the Activation Form on the Accounts website. When asked for your Student/Applicant ID, enter your nine-digit TMU Student Number. Keep a record of your user name and password
- 24 hours after activating your TMU Online Identity, visit the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal
If you are applying for readmission or reinstatement, you are not required to submit non-academic requirements. You must inform the program department of your intentions.
Email the School of Image Arts at: imagearts@torontomu.ca by February 1, 2025, or 10 business days from your application submission date (whichever comes later).
Common to Photography Studies and Photography Studies/Integrated Digital Option.
MPC 101: Visual Studies I
MPC 103: Art and the Classical Tradition
MPC 201: Concepts and Theories
MPC 203: Art in the Modern World
MPS 106: Photography Production
MPS 107: Photography and Digital Imaging
MPS 206: Photography Production
MPS 207: Photography and the Web
LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
Common to Photography Studies and Photography Studies/Integrated Digital Option.
MPC 125: Visual Studies II
MPC 225: Visual Studies III
MPS 301: History of Photography I
MPS 306: The Idea of Photography
MPS 307: The Photographic Print
MPS 308: Photography Production
MPS 407: The Photographic Studio
MPS 408: Photography Production
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Table I.
OPEN ELECTIVE: One Open Elective.
MPS 401: History of Photography II
MPS 406: The Visual Culture of Photography
MPS 506: Photography Production
MPS 507: The Photographic Book
MPS 606: Photography Production
MPS 607: The Expanded Image
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Table I.
OPEN ELECTIVE: One Open Elective
LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
MPS 42A/B: Senior Project
MPS 701: Photography Now
MPS 801: Professional Creative Practices
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Table I.
OPEN ELECTIVE: One Open Elective
LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
Make Your Masterpiece
Produce professional-level work with access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including studios, cameras, lenses, lighting, printers, and dark rooms. With two gallery spaces on campus and our offsite Artscape Gallery at 401 Richmond, you'll have plenty of opportunities to showcase their work. You'll also get to participate in Maximum Exposure, an annual year-end showcase that celebrates the future of image-making as envisioned by the next generation of lens-based artists and creative professionals.
Student Work
Deion Squires-Rouse (external link) , Untitled.
Anne-Marie Cloutier, Ursula.
Jason Perreault, (external link) Untitled.
Justynn Rogue (external link, opens in new window) , Mother from the series Never too Late to Leave.
Zongzhe Cai (external link) , Dilemma.
Jake Greenup, Tactile Effects.
JianVon Esmane (external link) , Untitled.
Deion Squires-Rouse (external link) , Untitled.
 Doug's Vintage Toy Trucks I.jpg)
Abygail De Leon, Doug's Vintage Toy Trucks I from series More Than One.
An Elite Alumni Network
As graduates of Canada’s most prestigious photography program, our alumni have found professional and creative success as artists and image makers, designers, critics, art directors, curators, and more. They work in galleries, studios, universities, magazines, newspapers, publication houses, creative agencies, and businesses, making invaluable contributions to Canada’s image-based industries.
You belong at
The Creative School
As an Image Arts student, 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?