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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

A person with headphones works at a sound editing console while another records voiceovers.

Cinema & Media Arts - (BA)
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A photoshoot setup with a central subject, colourful lights, and two individuals holding light stands.

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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A group discussion at an event titled "Habitat 67: Nature Narratives at Canada's Centenary."

Visual Arts - Art History (BA)
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A woman is holding up a drawing of a lion's head decorated with feathers and flowers.

Visual Arts - Studio (BFA)
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A man and a woman are sitting on a bench in a studio with a green background, illuminated by two bright lights. They appear to be engaged in conversation.

Cinema & Media Studies (MA)
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A group of students engaged in a discussion, with one person speaking in front.

Cinema & Media Studies (PhD)
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A classroom scene with a student presenting designs to an audience seated at tables.

Design (MDes/MA)
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A person in a plaid shirt and hat interacts with equipment on a green screen set.

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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A musician playing a saxophone in a band performance.

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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A person in a chair experiences a virtual reality simulation with a large curved screen displaying a cityscape.

Digital Media (MA) (MSc) (PhD) 
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* Available exclusively at our Markham Campus

This purple background highlights various roles and attributes of AMPD makers, including artists, designers, thinkers, collaborators, innovators, and experimenters. The image also features two photos of people, likely representing the diverse group of AMPD creators.

Check out what our students & alumni have to say

[In] York University’s vibrant theatre program, I received an education that I literally draw on every day.

Rachel McAdams (BFA 01) 

Actress, credits include The Notebook, Mean Girls, Sherlock Holmes

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

I was about to accept my offer to NYU Tisch's acting conservatory (my former dream school) when my guidance counselor suggested applying to York University. The flexibility and autonomy that York's Theatre program offers are unparalleled! I've had opportunities to learn about producing, screen acting, playwriting and devised theatre, truly becoming a multidisciplinary artist. The moment I came for an on-campus visit, I had an instinctual feeling that York was the right place for me. Four years later, I can confirm that it's true.

Natasha Advani Thangkhiew

Current Student, Theatre

My education at York University’s music program provided a strong foundation for my career by enhancing my versatility, improvisation and composition skills. Being able to take courses in jazz performance, theory and technology helped shape my unique fusion sound while equipping me with the technical and production knowledge needed as an independent artist. Performance opportunities and networking connections strengthened my stage presence and industry awareness, while my studies also prepared me for leadership roles, including teaching, mentorship and music direction. York’s program played a key role in shaping my artistry, creativity and ability to navigate the music industry.

Desarae Dee (BFA ’12)

Instrumental Jazz Fusion Artist & 2022 Recipient of the SiriusXM Black Canadian Award

I was able to screen the rough cuts in class and get feedback from my peers and professors, and if it weren't for the criticism and advice I received, the film wouldn't be what it is.

Abraham D

Current student - Production

AMPD has really helped me grow as both a painter and an artist. I’ve learned so much from professors who are actively working in the field, so they’re up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry. I feel really prepared to create my portfolio and apply for future job opportunities.

Karina M

Fourth-year student, Visual Arts - Art History (BA)

AMPD has everything—stimulating courses and excellent professors, support for our thesis projects, a stellar cohort, it’s a great place to do film.

Helen Lee (MFA 24)

Director of Tenderness, premiered as part of TIFF’s Short Cuts program in 2024

As a proud graduate of York University’s Design Program, I am deeply appreciative of the exceptional calibre of professors and coursework that have prepared me for a professional career in design. Transitioning from corporate roles at Samsung and Toshiba Canada to the non-profit sector at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, and presently, within the educational sector at York U, the design school has prepared me to seamlessly navigate across diverse professional environments.

Nesha Kumana

Marketing and Design Officer, AMPD, York University