The Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) is a renowned institution located in Toronto, Canada, dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation through art, design, and digital media education. As Canada's largest and oldest university specializing in art and design, OCAD U offers a diverse range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as continuing studies and research opportunities. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, OCAD U provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students can explore their artistic passions, engage in critical discourse, and develop the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the creative industries.

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Develop respectful practices of knowledge creation in relation to the shifting landscape of culture, tradition, technology, and decolonial frameworks through a rigor of practice and research. In the Interdisciplinary Art, Media and Design (IAMD) program you’ll join a community of emerging and established makers, thinkers, researchers, community builders, explorers, mentors, writers and performers. Alongside your instructors, peers, visiting artists and community connections you will foster global and intercultural dialogue through your art, media and design. You'll focus on exploring interdisciplinary processes of making and research and expand your understanding of ancestral traditions, performance, media, digital fabrication and more. Show less

Program Pathways
Through the IAMD program you will:

Develop critical methodologies in research
Position and articulate work in relation to traditional and contemporary Indigenous knowledges and decolonial pedagogy
Participate in graduate level studio-based practice
Take part in seminars in critical theory and research methods
Explore your research and practice through electives, self-directed study and residency opportunities
Culminate your research in a public graduate exhibition through a major studio project supported by a written critical analysis (leading to the MFA or MDes degree) or a thesis accompanied by a creative project (leading to the MA degree).
Contribute to new knowledge in the areas of interdisciplinary art, media and design methods, discourses and creative practices.
Promote the development of practices that facilitate sustainability, social responsibility and diverse social and cultural perspectives.
Participate in the annual First-Year Graduate Student Exhibition
Your primary discipline and chosen emphasis among art, design, or media will determine whether the degree earned is an MFA, MDes or MA.

The Learning Environment
In this program your learning environment includes:

material-specific studios, labs and maker-spaces with the support of dedicated technicians.
open studio engagement that supports practice-based research and collaboration
a dedicated advisory committee that includes leading scholars/practitioners who will guide you through your thesis or major studio project.

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OCAD University, formerly known as the Ontario College of Art and Design University, is a leading institution dedicated to fostering innovation, creativity, and critical thinking in the fields of art, design, and digital media. Located in Toronto, Canada, OCAD U has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1876. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as continuing studies, research opportunities, and professional development courses. As Canada's largest and oldest university specialized in art and design, OCAD U is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to education and its commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving creative industries. The university embraces an interdisciplinary approach that encourages collaboration and exploration across disciplines, enabling students to gain a well-rounded understanding of the creative process. OCAD U boasts a vibrant and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who contribute to the rich tapestry of artistic expression and innovation on campus. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized studios, labs, and exhibition spaces, where students can experiment, create, and showcase their work. At OCAD U, students have the opportunity to engage with renowned faculty members who are accomplished artists, designers, and scholars in their respective fields. Through a combination of rigorous academic instruction, hands-on studio work, and critical discourse, students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become leaders and change-makers in their chosen creative fields. Beyond the classroom, OCAD U actively promotes community engagement and collaboration. The university encourages students to connect with the vibrant arts and design scene in Toronto, forging meaningful partnerships with industry professionals and cultural organizations. This emphasis on real-world experience prepares students for successful careers and entrepreneurial endeavors in the global creative economy. With its rich heritage, commitment to innovation, and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, OCAD University continues to be at the forefront of art, design, and digital media education. It nurtures and empowers the next generation of creative thinkers, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and making a significant impact in the cultural landscape of Canada and beyond.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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