About PhD Program,
Launched in September 2013, the Doctor of Philosophy program in Cinema Studies addresses the changing role of moving image media within global culture. Past and present configurations of cinema are studied through a constellation of theoretical, textual, social, and historical rubrics. The core curricular offerings engage with debates and questions that persist within the scholarship while also examining how the field contends with emerging disciplinary issues and intermedial formats today and at earlier historical junctures. Throughout the program of study, the synthesis of history and theory, textual analysis, and cultural study is emphasized.
Please note: this program is dedicated to the critical study of cinema rather than training in filmmaking as a practice.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Minimum B+ standing, demonstrated by an average grade in the final year, or over senior-level courses.
The student’s program of study must be approved by the Cinema Studies Institute (CSI).
Coursework. For graduate courses, please see Curriculum & Course Information. Students must complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs)
Students must have completed all requirements for the degree, exclusive of thesis research, by the end of Year 3 of study in order to remain in good academic standing and in order to achieve candidacy.
Completion of a PhD dissertation based on original research conducted by the candidate on an approved topic in cinema studies. The dissertation proposal should be approved by the supervisor no later than May of Year 2 of PhD studies. Each student is required to meet at least annually with a supervisory committee, which includes the supervisor and two faculty members, to review academic progress, and to consult about future directions.
The thesis must be presented within six years of first enrolment in the PhD program. Successful defence at the SGS Doctoral Final Oral Examination.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Students accepted into our programs will receive a base funding package. For domestic MA students, this will be a base funding package for 1 year. For all PhD students, this will be a base funding package each year for 4 years. We are currently not accepting international MA students.
For September 2024, the base funding will include tuition and fees, and $23,250. The base funding may include income from a variety of sources including external awards such as SSHRC, OGS, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, UTF payments and other sources. Please note that income from hourly employment is taxable.
International (“visa”) students will be provided with additional funding to cover UHIP (Health Insurance).
If you submit your application by the deadline for full-time study in one of our programs, you will be assured of consideration for base funding. We follow the standard rules concerning base funding as laid out in How Funding Works: Research Stream and the associated Base Funding FAQ.
To qualify for this base funding, the student must remain in good academic standing.
In 2024-25, we will consider students in the funded cohorts for Teaching Assistantships and Grading Positions that are part of the base funding. Our policy in 2024-25 is to offer incoming MA and PhD students Teaching Assistantships/Grading Positions that total 170 hours plus 6 hours of first-contract training (the number of hours may change in future years). Students must apply for teaching assistantships and grading positions in order to be considered. Returning students in the funded cohort are re-appointed a number of hours based on standard CUPE Unit 1 reappointment guidelines. We will also incorporate the new clause for reappointments for MA students based on the 2024 Memorandum of Agreement. Decisions are made in accordance with University hiring policies for CUPE Unit 1. Students may elect to voluntarily decline a Teaching Assistantship/Grading position, with the understanding that it will reduce the base funding by the amount normally supplied by the Teaching/Grading position.
Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant at gradcinema.studies@utoronto.ca for more information.
Financial Aid and Advising at the School of Graduate Studies can provide students with a wealth of information on awards and resources at the University of Toronto. Personalized financial counselling is also available. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please visit Financial Advising.
Application Requirement,
- ThreeLetters of Reference
- Academic Transcripts
- Letter of Intent
- Copy of English Proficiency Test
- Curriculum Vitae
International Ph.D. Applicants
- Please visit the Centre for International Experiencefor information on obtaining student visas and health insurance (UHIP).
- If you wish to attend the University of Toronto as an exchange student from one of our partner schools, please also contact Centre for International Experience.
Application Deadline,
Jan 06, 2025
Application Fee,
Payment of the $125 application fee. The application fee is non-refundable.
