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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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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

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Check out what our students & alumni have to say

I think my favourite thing about the Theatre program is how intimate it is and how you get to know every single person. It feels very welcoming and engaging. I'm learning skills that I will definitely be using.

Sean French

Second-year Theatre student

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

I was drawn to York’s variety and offering of hands-on courses. My education was experiential, engaging, and most importantly, it was self-driven. Various connections with alumni, professors and other students have since created monumental impacts on my career success. remain deeply inspired by the powerful artists that I met during my time here.

Jade Silman (BFA ’20)

I feel incredibly fortunate to have toured the world with artists like Do Make Say Think, Andy Shauf, and The Weather Station, while also co-founding festivals, serving on the Board of Directors at the Music Gallery and leading the Guelph Jazz Festival as Artistic Director. I am very grateful for the patience and openness from my teachers at York as I explored various aspects of music and eventually settled into performance and education as my career. This has gifted me with a profound humbleness in what it means to be part of a community and a human of the world.

Karen Ng (Music '06)

Toronto-based musician and curator

When I studied at York University I wasn’t just studying performance or composition. I was studying everything and how they all connect together. Learning how to collaborate and appreciate all those different kinds of fine arts really did help me.

Dan Kanter (BFA ’07)

Musical Director and Producer for Justin Bieber

My film education at York helped me prepare to work in this industry. In particular, the hands-on experience provided by Professor David Roebuck was invaluable and instilled a deep work ethic in me. Meet like-minded people and never stop dreaming!

Howard Barish (BFA ’83)

President/Executive Producer - Kandoo Films, an Oscar nominated, Emmy award-winning entertainment company

Developing Measures for a Funeral in John Greyson's production course at York was a pivotal moment in my creative journey. The insightful guidance from both John and my supervisor, Brenda Longfellow, not only shaped the film but also deepened my understanding of the craft. Their support was instrumental in refining my vision and bringing the project to life.

Sofia Bohdanowicz (MFA ’19)

Director of Measures for a Funeral, premiered at TIFF in 2024

Theatre students and faculty members are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. I felt welcomed and encouraged each day as I navigated my way through first year. One thing that I found very interesting were the stagecraft labs (hand-sewing, machine-sewing, carpentry, lighting, scenic painting, sound editing). I truly enjoyed everything about first year.

Ava De Luca Mele

First-year Theatre student