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Graduate Program in Communication & Culture

How to Apply

Admission Guidelines

 

MA Program

Graduates of a recognized university with an honours degree or equivalent four-year degree in social sciences, humanities, fine arts, or a related applied program [such as media production or communication technology], with a least a "B+" average in the final two years of study, will be considered for admission as candidates for the MA degree.


Applicants will be expected to provide evidence of a high level of achievement in writing, research, or cultural production and of commitment to advanced work in communication and culture. Students whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 600 or equivalent.

PhD Program

Admission to the PhD program requires demonstrated capacity to undertake advanced study in communication and culture, normally through completion of the MA in communication and/or cultural studies or in a related academic or professional field [or equivalent], with a high level of accomplishment [normally a minimum of "B+" average or equivalent].

Students whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 600 or equivalent.

Application Information

Click here for the Application Information Sheet

In addition to the submission of transcripts from all universities attended and three [3] letters of reference, applicants are asked to submit a statement of interest [MA applicants] or proposed plan of study [doctoral applicants], a resume or CV and a sample of their written [or other relevant] work.

MA Statement of Interest:

The MA statement of interest should provide a clear description of the applicant’s intellectual interests for future study and research within the wider field of communication and culture.  While the applicant is not expected to have a detailed plan for a specific research project, a clear sense of a well-defined area of interest is essential.  It should also address the applicant’s preparation for graduate work in communication and culture and highlight any accomplishments relevant to admission into the program.  If there are aspects of the applicant’s file that merit explanation such as anomalous grades or factors that have interfered with the applicant’s academic career, these may be briefly discussed in the statement. (length=approximately 500 words)

PhD Proposed Plan of Study:

The PhD Proposed Plan of Study should provide a clear and detailed description of the planned research area of the applicant.  Ideally, it would include a description of objects of study and potential methods for undertaking research in this area. The statement should also address the compatibility of the applicant’s scholarly interests with the Graduate Program. Applicants should also discuss their preparation for doctoral study in communication and culture and highlight any accomplishments relevant to taking on this level of academic work.  If the applicant is applying with an academic background (in terms of degrees, courses, previous research, etc.) that could appear distant from the central scholarly areas of the program, the applicant can indicate factors that would support admission despite possible gaps in preparation.  (length=approximately 500 words)

Equivalency

Applicants applying on the basis that their academic and professional credentials are equivalent to an honours degree [for the MA program] or to a Master's/Magisteriate degree [for the PhD program] must make the case for equivalency in their statements of interest or in a covering letter as part of their application.

Deadlines

Deadline for receipt of application and all supporting documentation, and financial award consideration:

  • International students - 5 December
  • Canada and US - 16 January

Application materials may be obtained from either university and submitted to the same admissions office. Only one application [to either Ryerson or York] should be made. Admission decisions will be made by the admissions committee of the program, composed of representatives from both universities, which will consider all eligible applications.

Upon acceptance, applicants will be offered a place in the program, The university of registration will not affect access to facilities, courses, or funding, because all students in the program will have full access to the academic resources of both universities.

Applying to York University

Application instructions for the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture are available online from York University and can be accessed from the Admissions website. Interested applicants should note that the forms available from the York University Admissions website are only to be sent in to York for admissions consideration.

Applying to Ryerson University

Application instructions for the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture are available online from Ryerson University and can be accessed from the Admissions website. Interested applicants should note that the forms available from the Ryerson University Admissions website are only to be sent in to Ryerson for admissions consideration.

 

Click here to apply online

 

Check your application status in MyFile.

Admission Offices

The Admissions Offices can be contacted at the following addresses. Please note that this should only be a last resort for prospective students, as the electronic forms are the preferred method of application.


York University

Office of Graduate Admissions

Mailing Address
P.O. Box GA2300
Student Services Centre
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M3J 1P3

Courier or Hand Delivery Address

York University
Office of Graduate Admissions
W322 Bennett Centre for Student Services
99 Ian MacDonald Blvd
Toronto, ON
CANADA M3J 1P3

York Keele Campus Map

Telephone: 416-736-5000
Fax: 416-736-5536


Ryerson University

Mailing/Courier Address:
Graduate Studies Admissions

Ryerson Univerisy
350 Victoria Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5B 2K3
Telephone: 416-979-5150
gradadmit@ryerson.ca

Hand Delivery: Graduate Admissions Window
1 Dundas Street West (Yonge & Dundas)
11th floor, Toronto, Ontario
Ryerson Campus Map

Harold [Innis] taught us how to use the bias of culture and communication as an instrument of research. By directing attention to the bias, or distorting power of the dominant imagery and technology of any culture, he showed us how to understand cultures.
~ Marshall McLuhan