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Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management (MA)

Student examining vintage photographs through a magnifying glass

Program Overview

Format: Full-time

Degree Earned: Master of Arts

Film and photography preservation has been redefined by digital technologies. Responding to these dramatic changes, Toronto Metropolitan University’s F+PPCM program provides a rigorous and intensive professional education of applied and theoretical courses in the history, technology and intellectual organization of image and audiovisual collections. The only program of its kind in the world, F+PPCM offers a curriculum developed and delivered by a range of specialists, from historians and practitioners of photo- and film-based media to museum, library and archive professionals. The two-year course of study includes an internship and a second-year residency in a growing list of international partner museums and institutions.

 (PDF file) Download the program brochure

Student examining a negative photo reel

At a Glance

MA

  • Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency requirement

More information on admission requirements. Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Program-specific requirements

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

Our unique curriculum is developed and delivered by a range of specialists, from historians of photography and fi lm to museum, library and archival professionals. Students will gain advanced research skills by completing an original written or creative thesis.

Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management (MA) graduate program calendar

Work with a cultural institution on projects such as exhibition development, collections research, digital cataloguing initiatives or preservation planning and implementation.

The F+PPCM program has created partnerships with many institutions accros the globe, to offer the best experiential learning opportunities to our students. Learn more.

Apply to work as a Research Assistant or Grad Teaching Assistant. Program funding is awarded to top candidates.

Launch your career with an exclusive six-month residency with one of our partners, including:

  • Anthology Film Archives, New York City
  • Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto
  • Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
  • Eye Film Museum, Amsterdam
  • Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, London

A shared resource at Toronto Metropolitan University, The Image Centre is a world-class institution, offering exhibition programming and a research centre. Notable works include the renowned Black Star Collection and the artists’ archives of Berenice Abbott, Wendy Snyder MacNeil, Jo Spence and Werner Wolff.

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Thierry Gervais
Graduate Program Director
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 557327
Email: gervais@torontomu.ca

Elaine Nie
Graduate Program Administrator
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552411
Email: gradppcm@torontomu.ca

“This program offers the rare opportunity to learn from professionals in the classroom and to work in institutions locally and around the world on many different archival and preservation projects.”

TJ Alston, MA alumnus

Student Profile

Alexandra Gooding (F+PPCM MA alumna and Howard Tanenbaum Fellow (external link) ) appointed Curatorial Assistant, Art of Global Africa and the Diaspora; Montgomery Collection/Fragments of Epic Memory Exhibition, Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for F+PPCM (MA).

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.