Cinema & Media Arts - Media Arts
BFA
Immerse yourself in the future of media creation with the Media Arts BFA. This innovative program blends hands-on practice with critical studies, covering interactive, immersive and mobile media arts. You’ll work with cutting-edge technology to create new storyworlds, developing skills in everything from VFX to sound design. With small classes and expert mentorship, this program empowers you to push the boundaries of storytelling and redefine media.
Program Overview
Explore the future of digital storytelling and creative media in York University’s BFA in Media Arts. This program combines studio-based media production (including VR, 360° video, interactive games, VFX, and sound design) with courses in media theory, history and writing.
Students can develop core skills in animation, camera work, world-building and immersive media, while small class sizes and mentorship from faculty and visiting artists ensure personalized guidance. Access to BetaSpace, our high-tech media lab, provides hands-on experience with projection domes, VR/AR gear, sound studios and editing suites. The program culminates in a capstone project and field placement, often at leading facilities, including the York Motion Media Studio at Cinespace Film Studios Toronto.
Sample Courses
As a Media Arts student you can take courses like:
- Sonic Cinema
- Games and Media
- The Art of Animating
Career Possibilities
As a Media Arts student you can become:
- Social media content specialist
- Digital content manager in communications agency
- Visual Effects (VFX) artist
- Media producer
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Department
Cinema and Media Arts
Duration
4 years
Entry Options
Fall, Winter or Summer
Next Steps
We’re excited that you’re considering applying to York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD). Check out our step-by-step guide to submitting an application.
Student & Alumni Testimonials
I love my program. It’s been amazing to explore so many different mediums and ways of creating. The community at AMPD is so friendly and creative, you just love being here. If you don’t want to be limited to one medium and you have ideas you want to bring to life, this is the place to do it. Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, you’ll learn so much and have an amazing time.
Athena Phillippou
Fourth-year Media Arts Student
I really love the flexibility and variety that Media Arts offers. It’s given me the chance to try out so many different things and figure out what I truly enjoy. As an international student, the transition to York was surprisingly easy. Everyone in AMPD is so inclusive and welcoming that it felt like home very quickly.
Xavier, Fourth-year Media Arts student
International Student – USA
The knowledge I gained in digital and interactive media was a huge asset for my current role. The Media Arts program offered a strong foundation in film, media studies, and production, while also letting us dive into areas that excited us. One of my favourite Media Arts experiences was shooting a 360 short film at the York U Motion Media Studio. It was my first time on set and a valuable learning experience. As production manager, I coordinated the shoot and team roles. It was an exciting experience that I was proud to lead.
Adina Brodkin (BFA ’22)
Digital Associate Producer at CBC
In today’s ever-changing field of media arts, staying current with new technologies and methodologies is vital. My time at York emphasized not just the hard skills for the technology of today, but also helped me develop the ability to grow and adapt to the technology of tomorrow.
Alysa Collucci
Media Arts (BFA 2024)
Program Highlights
Master classes with renowned visiting artists and theorists.
Access to state-of-the-art technologies that are defining new directions in screen and sound art.
Field placement opportunities.
Small class sizes, ranging from 25 students in first-year to 10-15 students in upper years.
Mentorship and guidance to develop your creative vision through diverse media.
More than 50 years of nurturing creative, bold and meaningful work by new generations of filmmakers and scholars!
Learning Outcomes
Share your story, find your vision, build the future
Building a Solid Foundation
- Build a solid foundation in Media Practice I & II studio classes, where students will be introduced to a wide range skills: camera work and image composition, sound recording and mixing, basic 2D animation and 3D asset creation, worldbuilding, screenwriting and interactive game writing essentials.
- Analyze and understand cinema and media in a cultural and economic context through courses that ground media practice in key theoretical concepts and histories
Acquire Specialized Training
- Acquire specialized training in Media Practice III and Fourth Year Projects through work on crews and collaborative team projects.
- Explore electives with hands-on experience using multiple creative technologies (motion capture, virtual cinematography, virtual environment design, interactive video platforms, spatial sound systems, 360VR domes and mixed reality headsets).
- Develop a capstone project and professionalization skills to launch your career in the media industries.
How to Apply
Get Ready to Apply
IMPORTANT DATES
Stay informed about all the key dates and deadlines for applying. Make sure to submit your application by the specified deadline to ensure guaranteed consideration. Note that some programs require a supplementary application, so be sure to check the deadlines for those as well.
TUITION, FEES & FUNDING
Tuition and Fees will be paid to York University. For information on Undergraduate Tuition and Fees, please see the Future Students Website. Entrance Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries are available each year to support your education.
REQUIREMENTS
Our programs are open to students directly from high school, those with previous post-secondary studies, international students, exchange students, and mature applicants.
Get in Touch
Reach out to us for more information on our programs, upcoming events, open houses, and applying to AMPD. We're here to assist you with any questions you may have and to help guide you through the application process.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to connect with us. Our team is here to help! You can also schedule a visit to see our campus in person.