Overview

This humanities-based interdisciplinary program will help students to acquire comprehensive knowledge of cinema and media theory, history, and criticism. Along with developing essential research and teaching skills, students will participate in the rich research culture of the University and develop a doctoral dissertation that will make a significant contribution to the discipline.

Research, teaching, participation in international colloquia, as well as publishing and other forms of professional academic development are key components of this rigorous minimum four-year degree.

Features

The PhD in Cinema and Media Studies at York University prepares students for academic and research careers in cinema and media studies along with related fields in cultural and communications studies.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The Sound and Moving Image Library at York is one of the largest in Canada

Scott Library features excellent print and electronic resources in cinema and media studies

York’s Clara Thomas Archives includes numerous film-related collections

York Film faculty run respected journals CineAction and Public: Art/Culture/Ideas

York’s teaching and graduate assistants are the best paid in Canada and York offers generous admission and continuing student scholarships.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-03-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

PTE Academic

76

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Duolingo English Test

135

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Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Film Studies Media Studies & Mass Media View 5 other PhDs in Media Studies & Mass Media in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

PTE Academic

76

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Statement of interest incorporating proposed dissertation topic (500 to 1,000 words)

Resumé or CV, including a list of courses you have taken in cinema and media studies and related disciplines (e.g. theatre, visual arts, cultural studies, communications) and relevant experiences and accomplishments.

Two scholarly essays (max. 7,500 words) with an indication of the course(s) for which the sample was written.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at York University and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

12000 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 6000 CAD per semester during 36 months.
National

2870 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 1435 CAD per semester during 36 months.

Living costs for Toronto

1502 - 2563 CAD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Cinema and Media Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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