Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management Toronto Metropolitan University

Overview

The Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management M.A. at Toronto Metropolitan University offers a rigorous professional education focused on the preservation of audiovisual and image-based media. This intensive programme addresses the dramatic shifts in the industry caused by the rise of digital technologies. Students explore the history, technology, and intellectual organisation of diverse collections through a blend of theoretical and applied coursework.

Why Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management at Toronto Metropolitan University?

This programme is unique globally, featuring a curriculum designed and delivered by a diverse range of specialists, including historians, practitioners, and archive professionals. Students benefit from the university's close proximity to The Image Centre, a world-class institution on campus that houses renowned works like the Black Star Collection. The programme also includes an exclusive six-month residency, allowing students to gain international experience at prestigious partner institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London or the Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 35994 per year
• National fee: CAD 10962 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• History of Photography
• Film Preservation and Restoration
• Collection Management
• History of Film
• Digital Preservation
• Materials and Processes
• Research Methods
• Professional Practice

Careers with Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management

Graduates are prepared for specialised roles within the global cultural heritage sector. The programme's strong emphasis on experiential learning through internships and residencies helps students transition into professional positions in museums, libraries, and archives. Alumni have secured roles such as Curatorial Assistants and preservation specialists at major organisations, including the Art Gallery of Ontario. The training focuses on practical skills in exhibition development, digital cataloguing, and collections research to ensure graduates are ready for the demands of modern archival environments.