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The School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD)

Welcome to AMPD

Our world increasingly needs creative thinkers to ignite bold new ideas, invent transformative experiences and develop innovative solutions for global challenges. As one of North America’s premier centres for education in the arts, York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD) will unleash your creativity and prepare you to thrive in a world where the single most valuable asset is creativity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FACULTY

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30+

Competitive degree programs

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3,000+

Diverse and socially engaged students

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20,000+

Industry leading alumni worldwide

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$10.1M

Research Funding

Pursue Your Passion. Find Your Program

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Cinema & Media Arts - (BA)
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Cinema & Media Arts - Media Arts (BFA)
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A camera operator films two people in a brightly coloured store, with pink and red displays in the background.

Cinema & Media Arts - Production (BFA)
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Four people converse indoors, with a wooden staircase behind. One in a red hoodie explains while others listen.

Cinema & Media Arts - Screenwriting (BFA)
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Two women in a tech setting. One is wearing a virtual reality headset and a VR controller, while the other is focused on a laptop screen.

Creative Technologies (BFA) *
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A group of dancers is performing on stage in coordinated poses.

Dance (BFA)
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Two individuals are examining a book together in a creative space. Both focused on the material.

Design (BDes)
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Two people are collaborating at a table. The man is interacting with a lighted object, while the woman focusing on the object.

Digital Media (BA)
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In a ceiling installation, one is adjusting lighting and hanging white flower-like structures.

Integrative Arts (BFA)
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A girl is playing the violin.

Music (BFA)
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Two actors are on stage, one in a red costume with a crown-like headpiece holding a staff, the other in a multi-coloured outfit in the background.

Theatre (BA | BFA)
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Visual Arts - Art History (BA)
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Visual Arts - Studio (BFA)
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Cinema & Media Studies (MA)
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Cinema & Media Studies (PhD)
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Design (MDes/MA)
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Film (MFA)
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A choir performing on stage, arranged in a semi-circle with a conductor in front. The backdrop features pink and purple lighting effects, and a piano is visible to the left.

Music (MA)
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Music (PhD)
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A dramatic dance performance with multiple dancers in a theatrical setting, showcasing expressive movements and costumes.

Theatre, Dance, and Performance (MA)
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A romantic scene featuring a couple embracing on stage, surrounded by dramatic lighting and smoke.

Theatre, Dance, and Performance (PhD)
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A woman sits on a rug, arranging small objects while others watch in the background at an art event.

Visual Art (MFA)
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A group discussion at an event titled "Habitat 67: Nature Narratives at Canada's Centenary."

Art History & Visual Culture (MA)
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Digital Media (MA) (MSc) (PhD) 
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* Available exclusively at our Markham Campus

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Check out what our students & alumni have to say

My education at AMPD played a vital role in shaping my career. It exposed me to a diverse range of genres and deepened my understanding between music and other art forms. One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the student-run Media Music Concert. It truly nurtured my passion for music in film and television while helping me develop essential skills in arranging and composing. In fact, hearing about this event before attending York was a key factor in my decision to choose this program.

Blair Smith-Herbert (BFA Music ’22)

Long & McQuade, Educational Services

My first-year experience as a theatre and performance student was transformational. Sure, I had heard of York’s reputation as one of the best theatre schools around, though I was not aware of how comprehensive it was, from hands-on tech and design to a deeper understanding of theatre and performance. What amazed me was the collaborative nature, working with peers in a spontaneous whirlwind of creativity. It was electric and eclectic.

William Kerr

First-year Theatre Student  

I chose the York MDes program because I saw the benefits of doing a Master's degree within a larger research institution with a multitude of different resources and supports. What I really enjoy about the program is that it is largely self-directed. It is a playground where you are allowed to ruminate on your ideas, explore possibilities, and shape your academic experience based on your interests. Your instructors provide you guidance to put you on the right path but that path is largely constructed by you.

Rupsha M
MDes Candidate in the Graduate Program in Design

The Design program at York has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey. The incredible variety of courses spanning both print and digital design, alongside the guidance of dedicated faculty, inspired me to grow as a multidisciplinary designer.

Andrea Abello

Digital Specialist, EUC, York University

There’s a really great community of PhD students here at AMPD – it’s important to have those people there to challenge you in the right kinds of ways.

Shannon Garden Smith (PhD Student, Visual Arts)

One of my favourite things about the Screenwriting program is that you can connect with real filmmakers, people who are actually out there and doing what you want to do, so you can watch things that they have made, and hear directly from them about their process; it is just really helpful to know what it takes to make it, and to develop your own stories.

Oliver B

Current student - Screenwriting

I loved my time at the York film program and walked away with a great admiration for the faculty. My thesis documentary at the beginning of my career was my calling card. I sold the Canadian rights to the CBC and that is what afforded me to live until I landed a post-production job at CTV news.

Christa Dickenson (MFA ’93)

CEO of CPAC, the Cable Public Affairs Channel

One thing I love about the Digital Media program is that it’s at the intersection of art and technology. I’m learning incredible technical skills and I’m using that to create art in so many different forms. I have so much creative freedom.

Prachi Sadhwani

Fourth-year Digital Media student

International Student – India/Jamaica