MArch Program (3-Year Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A bachelor's degree (BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom) with a final-year grade point average of at least mid-B.

• Recommended: courses in secondary calculus, secondary physics, and university-level architectural history (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]).

• Some preparation or experience in architectural design or the creative arts is encouraged, but not required, such as hand or digital drawing, film or animation, graphic design, or sculpture. This program is suitable for those without formal training in design or the arts; graduates of any discipline are encouraged to apply.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Completion Requirements

• The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Students who complete their Master of Architecture program and are eligible to graduate will have their relevant information automatically forwarded by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), unless the student opts out in writing. The certification confirms the individual's academic qualifications in compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry to the profession. CACB grants and issues certification to applicants who meet the Education Standard and maintains a National Register of those certified and confidential records of all pertinent documentation for all applicants.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 16.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 14.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • 4.0 FCEs: Design Studio

      • ARC1011Y Architectural Design Studio 1

      • ARC1012Y Architectural Design Studio 2

      • ARC2013Y Architectural Design Studio 3

      • ARC2014Y Architectural Design Studio 4

    • 1.0 FCE: Option Studio

      • ARC3015Y Option Studio or

      • LAN3016Y Design Studio Options or

      • URD2013Y Urban Design Studio Options

    • 1.0 FCE: Thesis Studio

      • ARC3021Y Thesis Studio

    • 1.0 FCE: Research Methods

      • ARC2017H Research Methods

      • ARC3018H Thesis Research Seminar

    • 0.5 FCE: Visual Communications

      • ARC1021H Visual Communications 1

    • 1.0 FCE: History

      • ARC1031H Historical Perspectives on Topics in Architecture 1

      • ARC1032H Historical Perspectives on Topics in Architecture 2

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Technology

      • ARC1022H Design Technology 1

      • ARC2023H Design Technology 2

    • 3.5 FCEs: Technics and Planning

      • ARC1041H Building Science, Materials, and Construction 1

      • ARC1043H Building Science, Materials, and Construction 2

      • ARC1046H Structures 1

      • ARC2042H Site Engineering and Ecology

      • ARC2046H Structures 2

      • ARC2047H Building Science, Materials, and Construction 3

      • ARC2048H Building Science, Materials, and Construction 4

    • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice

      • ARC3051H Professional Practice 1

      • ARC3052H Professional Practice 2.

  • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 FCE must be in the History and Theory category.

MArch Program (2-Year: Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate non-professional bachelor's degree in architectural studies or environmental design, or a comparable degree focusing on the built environment.

• Admission to the advanced-standing option is based on the merits of the student's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the MArch admissions committee.

• Required: minimum previous completion of

  • four design studio courses

  • one course in visual communications or representation

  • one course in design technology

  • two courses in architecture history and theory (one in 20th-century)

  • one course in structures

  • one course in building science

  • one course in environmental systems.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Completion Requirements

• The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Students who complete their Master of Architecture program and are eligible to graduate will have their relevant information automatically forwarded by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), unless the student opts out in writing. The certification confirms the individual's academic qualifications in compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry to the profession. CACB grants and issues certification to applicants who meet the Education Standard and maintains a National Register of those certified and confidential records of all pertinent documentation for all applicants.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 8.5 FCEs in core courses:

    • 2.0 FCEs: Design Studio

      • ARC1011Y Architectural Design Studio 1

      • ARC1012Y Architectural Design Studio 2

      • ARC2013Y Architectural Design Studio 3

      • ARC2014Y Architectural Design Studio 4

    • 1.0 FCE: Option Studio

      • ARC3015Y Option Studio or

      • LAN3016Y Design Studio Options or

      • URD2013Y Urban Design Studio Options

    • 1.0 FCE: Thesis Studio

      • ARC3021Y Thesis Studio

    • 1.0 FCE: Research Methods

      • ARC2017H Research Methods

      • ARC3018H Thesis Research Seminar

    • 0.5 FCE: Design Technology

      • ARC2023H Design Technology 2

    • 2.0 FCEs: Technics and Planning

      • ARC1041H Building Science 1

      • ARC1043H Building Science 2

      • ARC1046H Structures 1

      • ARC2042H Site Engineering and Ecology

      • ARC2046H Structures 2

      • ARC2047H Building Science, Materials, and Construction 3

      • ARC2048H Building Science, Materials, and Construction 4

    • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice

      • ARC3051H Professional Practice 1

      • ARC3052H Professional Practice 2.

  • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 FCE must be in the History and Theory category.

MArch Program (1-Year: Post-Professional Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A post-professional advanced-standing option is available for students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies in architecture beyond their professional degree.

• Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited architectural professional degree from a recognized university.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• The post-professional advanced-standing option does not grant a professionally accredited degree.

Completion Requirements

• The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Each student's program of study must receive the approval of the Program Director and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted. Faculty members have research expertise in the following areas of interest, which students may pursue: Computation and Fabrication; Health and Society; and Sustainability and Environment.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 4.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • ALA4010H Field Course

    • ALA4020H Thesis Preparation

    • ALA4021Y Thesis I

    • ALA4022Y Thesis II

    • ALA4030H Colloquium

  • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 1.0 FCE must be in the student's area of interest.

Doctor of Philosophy

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate master's degree with an average grade of at least A–. A professional degree in a design discipline is highly desirable, but applicants with a master's degree in a related discipline in the humanities and social sciences may be considered. An additional specialized program of study may be proposed for successful applicants without professional training.

• A writing sample in the form of a substantial research paper or publication.

• Recommendation from three referees.

• A two-page proposal that indicates a topic of research within a design discipline, possible sub-field(s) (if desired), and potential supervisors. Although letters of commitment from faculty members are not required, the proposed topic must be congruent with the interests and expertise of at least one member of the PhD standing committee. The admissions committee will obtain commitment from the potential supervisor before admitting an applicant, and the applicant will be informed of this in the letter of offer.

• A portfolio of creative work may also be requested where it is relevant to the applicant’s proposed area of research and the degree to which it may require technical skills typically gained in a professional degree program. For example, this could pertain to an applicant whose proposal includes producing renderings. Questions about whether to include a portfolio in an application should be directed to the Program Director or the applicant's prospective supervisor prior to the application deadline.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

  • ALD4030H Doctoral Research Colloquium.

  • ALD4040H Theories and Methods.

  • ALD4050H Research Practicum.

  • ALD4060H Preparation for Thesis.

  • 4.0 elective FCEs chosen from advanced (3000 and 4000 series) graduate-level courses offered by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Depending on their field of study, students may also take advanced graduate courses in cognate disciplines across the University, pending the approval of the Faculty and in consultation with their supervisors.

  • To complete the chosen thesis topic, students may be required to take additional courses or acquire other skills. This will be determined by the supervisor and the Director of Graduate Studies and may include competence in another language.

• Comprehensive examinations. All PhD students must complete a two-part comprehensive examination normally before their second Summer session. Successful completion of the examinations is required to achieve PhD candidacy. The exam's specific nature and scope are to be determined in consultation with the student's supervisor.

  • The first part, normally to be completed in the Summer session of Year 1, is to achieve breadth in the primary area of study so that the student can teach and conduct research within a larger chosen area within the design disciplines. This will usually involve preparing an annotated bibliography in consultation with the supervisor in the early Summer and writing the exam at the end of the Summer. The first part of the exam will consist of a written response to three questions.

  • The second part, normally to be completed during the second session of Year 2, is to achieve depth in a secondary area of study, within the Faculty or beyond, so that the student can master the context for the advanced research they plan to undertake for their thesis. For the secondary area of study, most students are expected to specialize in one area of study of the design disciplines (for example, architectural history). Alternatively, for this requirement students may focus on a secondary area of study. (For example, computational technologies.) This exam may be administered by a faculty member other than the supervisor, to be determined by the student in consultation with their supervisor. This second part can take one of two formats:

    • a second annotated bibliography to achieve depth in a sub-section of the primary area of study;

    • a course syllabus with readings and outlines of lectures, themes for tutorial discussions, as well as a minimum of three lectures drawn from across the syllabus.

  • Both parts of the examination are marked on a pass/fail basis. An oral examination will follow the completion of the second part of the exam. The oral examination will last no more than 90 minutes.

  • A second attempt of the comprehensive examinations will be allowed within six months, only on the recommendation of the student’s supervisor. If the student fails again, their registration will be terminated. The student must pass both parts of the comprehensive examinations before permission to submit a thesis proposal will be granted.

• Thesis. Following completion of the comprehensive exam, the student's supervisory committee will be formed. This will take place no later than the Summer of Year 2 to allow the committee to advise on the development of the student's thesis proposal.

  • No later than the beginning of Year 3, the student must submit to the PhD program director a thesis proposal that has been approved by the student's supervisory committee. Once the thesis proposal has been approved, the student will achieve candidacy.

  • The doctoral candidate will then proceed to researching and writing the thesis. The student must meet with their thesis supervisory committee within three months of submitting the thesis proposal; thereafter, the candidate is required to meet at least once a year with the supervisory committee.

  • By the end of Year 4, the candidate should complete a thesis based on original research and the thesis should make a significant contribution to the area of study. The supervisory committee must approve the completed thesis before it is submitted for examination.

  • The candidate will defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

MLA Program (3-Year Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A bachelor's degree (such as BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom) with a minimum average of mid-B.

• Some preparation or experience in architectural design or the creative arts is encouraged, but not required, such as hand or digital drawing, film or animation, graphic design, or sculpture. This program is suitable for those without formal training in design or the arts; graduates of any discipline are encouraged to apply.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Completion Requirements

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 15.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 14.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • 4.0 FCEs: Design Studio

      • LAN1011Y Design Studio 1

      • LAN1012Y Design Studio 2

      • LAN2013Y Design Studio 3

      • LAN2014Y Design Studio 4

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Options

      • LAN3016Y Design Studio Options or

      • URD2013Y Urban Design Studio Options or

      • ARC3015Y Option Studio

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Thesis

      • LAN3017Y Design Studio Thesis

    • 2.0 FCEs: Visual Communication

      • LAN1021H Visual Communication 1

      • LAN1022H Visual Communication 2

      • LAN2023H Intermediate Visual Communication

      • LAN3025H Advanced Visual Communication

    • 1.5 FCEs: History Theory Criticism

      • LAN1031H History Theory Criticism 1

      • LAN1032H History Theory Criticism 2

      • LAN2037H Contemporary Landscape Theory

    • 1.5 FCEs: Technology

      • LAN1047H Site Engineering

      • LAN2042H Landscape, Materials, Assemblies, Technology

      • LAN3045H Advanced Site Technologies

    • 2.0 FCEs: Environment

      • LAN1037H Plants and Design

      • LAN1041H Field Studies 1

      • LAN1043H Field Studies 2

      • LAN2045H Landscape Ecology

      • LAN2047H Landscape Hydrology

    • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice and Research Methods

      • LAN3051H Landscape Architecture Research Methods

      • LAN3052H Professional Practice.

  • 1.0 elective FCE.

MLA Program (2-Year: Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, architecture, architectural studies, or environmental design, or a comparable degree focusing on the design of landscapes and the built environment.

• Admission is based on the merits of the applicant's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the admissions committee.

• Admission to the advanced-standing option depends upon the student's previous coursework exempting them Year 1 of the MLA curriculum. If the student's coursework does not satisfy the Year 1 requirements, they may be considered for the 3-year option.

• Minimum previous completion of three design studio courses, two courses in digital visual representation (including Rhinoceros, Illustrator, Laser Cutting), two courses in landscape architecture history and theory (one in 20th-century), and two courses in landscape architecture site engineering (i.e., site grading) and planting design, horticulture, urban ecology, or forest ecology.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Completion Requirements

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 9.0 FCEs in core courses as follows:

    • 2.0 FCEs: Design Studio

      • LAN2013Y Design Studio 3

      • LAN2014Y Design Studio 4

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Options

      • LAN3016Y Design Studio Options or

      • URD2013Y Urban Design Studio Options or

      • ARC3015Y Option Studio

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Thesis

      • LAN3017Y Design Studio Thesis

    • 1.0 FCE: Visual Communication

      • LAN2023H Intermediate Visual Communication

      • LAN3025H Advanced Visual Communication

    • 0.5 FCE: History Theory Criticism

      • LAN2037H Contemporary Landscape Theory

    • 1.0 FCE: Technology

      • LAN2042H Landscape, Materials, Assemblies, Technology

      • LAN3045H Advanced Site Technologies

    • 1.5 FCEs: Environment

      • LAN1037H Plants and Design

      • LAN2045H Landscape Ecology

      • LAN2047H Landscape Hydrology

    • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice and Research Methods

      • LAN3051H Landscape Architecture Research Methods

      • LAN3052H Professional Practice

  • 1.0 elective FCE.

MLA Program (1-Year: Post-Professional Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A post-professional advanced-standing option is available for students who are interested in pursuing advanced study beyond their professional degree.

• Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited professional degree in landscape from a recognized university.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• The post-professional advanced-standing option does not grant a professionally accredited degree.

Completion Requirements

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Each student's program of study must receive the approval of the Program Director and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted. Faculty members have research expertise in the following areas of interest, which students may pursue: Computation and Fabrication; Health and Society; and Sustainability and Environment.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 4.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • ALA4010H Field Course

    • ALA4020H Thesis Preparation

    • ALA4021Y Thesis I

    • ALA4022Y Thesis II

    • ALA4030H Colloquium

  • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 1.0 FCE must be in the student's area of interest.

MUD Program (2-Year)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A professional degree in architecture (BArch or MArch) or landscape architecture (BLA, MLA). Applicants with a degree in urban planning (MCP, MUP, or MScPl) may be considered for admission if they are able to demonstrate design potential in their application portfolio. Applicants may be required to complete design and/or visual communication workshops before they begin the MUD program, to prepare them for the design studio component of the MUD curriculum.

• All applicants must submit a portfolio of design work for review. Admission is based on the merits of the applicant's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the admissions committee.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Completion Requirements

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's candidacy for the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 9.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 7.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • 2.0 FCEs: Design Studio

      • URD1011Y Urban Design Studio 1

      • URD1012Y Urban Design Studio 2

    • 1.0 FCE: Option Design Studio

      • URD2013Y Urban Design Studio Options

    • 0.5 FCE: Thesis Preparation and Research

      • URD2014H Thesis Research and Preparation

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Thesis

      • URD2015Y Urban Design Studio Thesis

    • 1.0 FCE: History Theory Criticism

      • URD1031H Urban History Theory Criticism

      • URD1041H Introduction to Urban Design Theory and Practice

    • 1.5 FCEs: other courses

      • URD1021H Urban Design Computation

      • URD1044H Urban Design and Development or PLA1655H Urban Design and Development Controls

      • URD2041H Business and Land Use Planning in Real Estate Development or PLA1651H Planning and Real Estate Development

  • 2.5 elective FCEs.

Field: Curatorial Studies

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree with significant coursework in humanities and cultural theory from a recognized university, or an appropriate BFA degree from a recognized university.

• Overall average of at least a B+.

• Applications must include:

  • artist's statement that includes a description of the proposed body of work in curatorial to be undertaken during the two-year program;

  • full curriculum vitae (CV) with details of exhibition, professional activity, and education;

  • documentation of recent curatorial work;

  • three letters of recommendation;

  • a critical writing sample;

  • transcripts;

  • a portfolio of previous work dependent on the field of future study.

• Applicants must present a portfolio with documentation of exhibitions including exhibition brochures, curatorial essays, announcement cards, and/or catalogues from curatorial work.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 4.5 FCEs from the approved course list for Curatorial Studies:

    • VIS1004H Internship

    • VIS1010H Contemporary Art Since 1960

    • VIS1020H Contemporary Art: Theory and Criticism

    • VIS1101H Paradigmatic Exhibitions: History, Theory, Criticism

    • VIS1102H Curatorial Studies Exhibition Research

    • VIS2002H MVS Contemporary Art Issues

    • VIS2101Y Curatorial Studies Exhibition Project

    • VIS2102H Curatorial Studies Collaboration.

  • 0.5 FCE MVS Proseminars:

    • VIS1000H MVS Proseminar

    • VIS2000H MVS Proseminar.

  • 1.5 FCEs in electives. Elective courses are selected in consultation with the student's advisor and are subject to the approval of the Program Director.

• The internship requirement is normally completed during the Summer session between Year 1 and Year 2.

• MVS Curatorial Studies students are supervised by an Advisory Panel made up of the Director of the Visual Studies program (or their designate), a graduate faculty member who will be considered to be the student's Principal Advisor, one of the University of Toronto's gallery directors, and an external reader chosen upon approval of the Principal Advisor and Program Director.

• The graduating thesis project is composed of an exhibition and a qualifying paper.

• An FZ (fail) in any one course or a B– grade in any two courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

Field: Studio

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree with significant coursework in humanities and cultural theory from a recognized university, or an appropriate BFA degree from a recognized university.

• Overall average of at least a B+.

• Applications must include:

  • artist's statement that includes a description of the proposed body of work in studio to be undertaken during the two-year program;

  • full curriculum vitae (CV) with details of exhibition, professional activity, and education;

  • documentation of recent studio work;

  • three letters of recommendation;

  • a critical writing sample;

  • transcripts;

  • a portfolio of previous work dependent on the field of future study.

• Applicants must present a portfolio with documentation of their artworks. Applicants will also include a fully annotated listing for all portfolio materials that provides detailed information about media, year of production, dimensions, part of a series, full running length (in the case of media artworks), and circumstances of display (in the case of installation works and performance works).

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 4.5 FCEs from the approved course list for Studio:

    • VIS1001H Interdisciplinary Studio Practicum/Critiques 1

    • VIS1003H Interdisciplinary Studio Practicum/Critiques 2

    • VIS1004H Internship

    • VIS1010H Contemporary Art Since 1960

    • VIS1020H Contemporary Art: Theory and Criticism

    • VIS2001H Studio Practicum/Critiques 3

    • VIS2002H MVS Research and Writing

    • VIS2003Y MVS Project.

  • 0.5 FCE MVS Proseminars:

    • VIS1000H MVS Proseminar

    • VIS2000H MVS Proseminar.

  • 1.5 FCEs in electives. Elective courses are selected in consultation with the student's advisor and are subject to the approval of the Program Director.

• The internship requirement is normally completed during the Summer session between Year 1 and Year 2.

• MVS Studio students are supervised by an Advisory Panel made up of the Director of the Visual Studies program (or designate), a studio faculty member of the MVS program who is considered the student's Principal Advisor, a second MVS studio faculty member, and another faculty member (not necessarily a member of the MVS program). The Final Studio Thesis defence requires an external reader chosen upon approval of the Principal Advisor and Program Director.

• The graduating thesis project is composed of an exhibition and a qualifying paper.

• An FZ (fail) in any one course or a B– grade in any two courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.