University of Toronto

Master of Arts in Cinema Studies

Program Description

The MA Program in Cinema Studies ties the study of cinema's past and present to its future within an increasingly complex field of moving image art forms. Focusing on the intersecting histories, theories and cultural practices of cinema and its related media, and on the close examination of the textual objects produced, circulated, and consumed in those practices, the M.A. program supplements its core curriculum with intensive courses devoted to developments across media; distinct genres, figures, and transnational trends; and to innovative methodological approaches to the study of cinema and media. This approach encourages students to relate our current transmedia environment to previous pivotal moments in the history of cinematic institutions, and to central questions of form, materiality, social and cultural practice, and the production of meaning.  The program is offered by an outstanding group of core scholars and departmental associates.

 

The following program requirements are taken from the SGS Course Calendar. In cases of discrepancy, the online Calendar version at the SGS website shall apply.

See our application deadlines.

Program Requirements:

The MA is a course-work only program and therefore does not require a thesis.

• 4.0 FCEs over the course of an academic year, normally extending from September until August. Of the 4.0 FCEs:
  • 1.5 FCEs will be mandatory, core courses under the CIN rubric.
  • 1.0 FCE will be devoted to either the writing of a major research paper or pursuing an internship.
  • 1.5 FCEs may be completed in the following way: 0.5-1.0 may be chosen from rotating special topics courses, also under the CIN rubric (but possibly cross-listed with another department, depending on the instructor's departmental home); the remaining 0.5-1.0 may be chosen from film-based courses offered by other units (non-CIN designator) but approved as relevant to the Cinema Studies master’s program curriculum.
• Core Curriculum: All students complete CIN 1100H, CIN 1101H, and CIN1102H.
  • CIN 1100H: The Textual Object
  • CIN 1101H: Theories and Practices of Cinema
  • CIN 1102H: Key Developments in Film History
• Additional requirements for students choosing the major research paper option:

  CIN 1006Y
  0.5 – 1.0 FCE derived from elective CIN courses
  0.5 – 1.0 FCE derived from approved graduate-level courses offered outside CIN.

• Additional requirements for students choosing the internship option:

  CIN 1007Y
  0.5 – 1.0 FCE derived from elective CIN courses
  0.5 – 1.0 FCE derived from approved graduate-level courses offered outside CIN.

 

Normal Program Length: 3 sessions (1 year) full-time
Time Limit: 3 years full-time

 

Minimum Admission Requirements (M.A.)

For admission to the MA in Cinema Studies, applicants must meet the following standards:

• Successful completion of an appropriate four-year University of Toronto bachelor's degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university.
• Minimum B+ standing, demonstrated by an average grade in the final year, or over senior courses.
• Successful completion of a minimum of 6.0 full course equivalents (FCEs) in cinema studies, or comparable program preparation.
• A letter of intent addressing the academic goals an applicant wishes to pursue in the program, three letters of recommendation, transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, and an academic writing sample of no more than 3,000 words.
• General Admissions Information

 

Courses

See Graduate Courses.