Faculty highlights: What makes The Creative School stand out
The Creative School at TMU strives to create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem of creatives working in film, media, dance, communication, journalism, music and more. That is probably why the Rogers Communications Centre, home to the faculty, is always buzzing with exciting creativity! At The Creative School, you can learn skills in emerging technologies which can prepare you for a path of innovating and influencing the creative landscape.
After speaking to international students in The Creative School, here are the top three aspects of the faculty that make it unique:
1) Go on global learning adventures
The Creative School focuses on building a global curriculum and extending opportunities to students that go beyond the classroom and traditional forms of learning.
- International Exchange Opportunities: With 50+ exchange partners in 40+ cities around the world, the semester exchange program gives you international learning and career opportunities as you enter your upper years. For students interested in immersive international experience, The Creative School offers Travel Intensives. Fun fact—these short-term excursions can also count towards a course credit! A Global Buddy program matches you with a student in a partner university abroad. This is a great opportunity to make friends and build your professional network, all while immersing yourself in a new culture!
- Global Creative Collaboration: The Global Campus Studio (GCS) is a virtual hub where you can collaborate on creative projects with students from all around the world. This course incorporates new tools and technologies to enhance learning. Having participated in the GCS through the course FCD 816, Global Campus Studio Supercourse 1, Roger C. from the Professional Communication program shares his key learnings through this unique experience.
“FCD 816 with Professor Ramona Pringle alongside global faculties has been a highlight of my final year at TMU. This course encouraged me to use my creativity to push out of my comfort zone and helped me better understand what is expected academically and in the workforce. This course is also incredible in allowing for hands-on experience in an intercultural environment and it made me rethink my career choices as a marketer and artist.”
2) Give life to your ideas at Innovation Hubs
Innovation Hubs at The Creative School invite you to innovate and work with cutting-edge technology. One of the best parts of these hubs is that they provide you access to experts with whom you can work on your ideas! Ibrena D. from the Professional Communication program shares how these innovation hubs became the reason she chose TMU.
“When I was researching all universities in Canada, most of them focused on the academic sector of communication. As someone looking to work in the PR/entertainment industry, only TMU provided what I was looking for. All of our classes and assignments are related to the industry, along with the Innovation Hubs and resources such as the 3D printing lab and our own lounge called The Catalyst!”
Some of Ibrena’s favorite innovation hubs include:
- Red Bull Gaming Hub: The Red Bull Gaming Hub has fast become students’ favorite hub in the RCC. It houses 36 high-performance gaming stations that support video game design, esports broadcasting and virtual production. Headed by student-favourite Dr. Kristopher Alexander, the Red Bull Gaming Hub is a unique space for you to learn all about video games and explore a career in this niche industry
- Creative AI Hub: The Creative AI Hub focuses on using AI as a tool that empowers creative minds. This is a great way for you to learn more about storytelling and design innovation through the lens of the fast growing technology of AI.
- Design + Technology LAB: The Design + Technology LAB is a technology-based workshop where students can work with digital fabrication tools such as CNC milling, 3D printing, textile computing, AR/VR and robotics. This LAB is one of the most advanced spaces on campus and it’s where you can expect to spend a lot of time if you are interested in the blend of creativity and technology.
3) Witness student creativity at Chrysalis
Chrysalis is TMU’s 1,200-seat theatre stage located in downtown Toronto. This historic venue has always been a part of campus, but is now reshaped into a creative hub. One of Ibrena’s favorite things to do on campus is watch plays put up by student productions. This is also a great way to support student endeavors on campus! Chrysalis is home to video game championships and classes such as RTA 928: Intro to Game Design, and you can find work opportunities here too.
Across its programs, The Creative School provides opportunities in research, industry experience and foreign exchange. Now in their final years, both Ibrena and Roger are excited to have gained sought-after technical and professional skills that give them a competitive edge.
