Students apply for the KMD Collaborative Program from a variety of academic backgrounds, with broad technical or intellectual expertise, and a dedication to interdisciplinary research and collaboration. We welcome applications from students who demonstrate a combination of: strong academic performance; intellectual maturity; excellent communication skills; creative engagement with some aspect of knowledge media; interest and aptitude for collaborative, interdisciplinary work; and commitment to complete a challenging course of study.
Masters and Ph.D. students accepted into one of the following 9 graduate units may apply to the KMD Collaborative Program:
Architecture, Landscape, and Design (ALD); Art / Visual Studies (VIS); Computer Science (CS); Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL); Information (FI); Institute of Medical Science (IMS); Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE); Sociology (SOC); and Theory and Policy Studies / History and Philosophy of Education (TPS).
Students may apply for the KMD Collaborative Program when they begin their degree, or while their degree is in progress. New students must apply separately to the Collaborative Program and a home unit. The Program Committee will consider applications after a home unit confirms a student's acceptance. Students in a home unit that is not currently a collaborating unit should consider requesting that their department or faculty apply to join the KMD Collaborative Program. Contact us for assistance with this request.
You can find out more about U of T's general admissions requirements at Grad School website
Apply
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
Download the 2011-2012 application in PDF format [PDF]
Complete the Application form and send it by email to admissions(at)kmdi.utoronto.ca. We also request:
1. A statement of research interests specific to knowledge media and / or design;
2. An up-to-date resume; and
3. Two letters of reference.
If current, you can request that your home department or faculty provide access to your online application materials for letters of reference and academic transcripts. You will need to request that your home unit allow us to access your online application materials.
FAQ
- What the Collaborative Program offers
- Who Should Apply?
- Application Deadlines
- Application Package
- Where to Send the Application
-
Where to Get Help with Applying
What the Collaborative Program offers
Knowledge Media Design (KMD) is an emerging interdisciplinary field centred on the human-centred development of new digital media and the creative exploration of the interaction between new technologies, media and social practices. The Knowledge Media Design Collaborative Program provides a specialisation for graduate students from a variety of academic backgrounds to engage in the design, prototyping, evaluation, and use of media intended to support and enhance the ability of individuals and groups to think, communicate and create knowledge. The Collaborative Program offers its members abundant opportunities to explore contemporary media design issues in active collaboration with exceptionally well-qualified students and faculty reflecting an appropriately wide range of research interests and expertise. While the Collaborative Program does not issue its own degree, students meeting the program requirements will receive an official graduation certificate from University of Toronto and their transcript will indicate that they have completed a specialization in Knowledge Media Design.
Who Should Apply?
U of T graduate students may decide to apply for the Collaborative Program at any point during their current graduate degree, and complete the specialization in KMD.
Application Deadlines
The Collaborative Program accepts applications throughout the academic year. We will notify successful applicants at the end of each term.
Application Package
A complete Collaborative Program application includes the following components:
- A completed Application Form [PDF]
- A statement of research interests specific to knowledge media and / or design
- An up-to-date resume
- Two letters of reference
1. Application for Admission Form
The Application Form is a record of an applicant's contact information, intended program of study, and relevant background. The information provided is used solely for admission, registration and program administration. Download the application in PDF format [PDF].
2. Statement of Research Interest
The Statement of Research Interest is a key component of the application package. Above all, applicants should be specific in representing their interests and background preparation for the KMD CP Program Committee to best judge their study interests, research potential, and prospective fit with the Collaborative Program. Students entering graduate-level studies for the first time are not expected to have a fully formed research program, nor a designated supervisor, and will be encouraged to explore new avenues as their course work progresses.The Program Committee will be looking for evidence of thoughtfulness, creativity, and clarity of direction. PhD applicants will be expected to present a correspondingly more focused program of research.
The Statement of Research Interest is a 1-2 page letter. References to cited works may appear on an additional page.
In the letter respond to each of the following items:
- Outline your reasons for pursuing admission into the KMD Collaborative Program. What has inspired you? What do you expect to gain?
-. Briefly explain how your background has prepared you for work, specifically in Knowledge Media Design and more generally in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
- Explain why your anticipated/proposed Program of Study is related to Knowledge Media Design, rather than a Program of Study within the more traditional disciplinary boundaries of your home department. You can provide a link to KMD-related work.
- Indicate the potential scope of your research and any topics, approaches or methods that you anticipate using. Estimate what remaining background preparation, supervision and resources you may need to successfully complete your research program.
3. CV / Resume
This document should be an up-to-date record not exceeding 2 standard typed pages. Please include relevant extra-curricular experience and interests.
4. Letters of Reference
The applicant must supply two (2) letters of reference. While commenting on the applicant's past performance and achievement, the reference letters should focus on the specific interests of the Collaborative Program. When possible, referees should assess the applicant’s intellectual and technical range, interdisciplinary aptitude, and aptitude for a course of interdisciplinary study in Knowledge Media Design. The letters of reference need not be solely academic; those from relevant professional experience and other non-academic experience are welcome.
Letters of reference used in home department application may already be on file and students are free to use these same letters for their Collaborative Program application if still applicable. Original reference letters sent directly from referees are also acceptable. To re-use letters of reference, you will ask your two referees to send a short e-mail to the KMD Collaborative Program Coordinator at program(at)kmdi.utoronto.ca, consenting to use the same letter for an application to a second graduate program. Here is a suggested wording for the one-line e-mail:
"I agree to having the letter of reference that I provided for _____________ to be used for purposes of his/her application to the Collaborative Program in Knowledge Media Design at the University of Toronto."
Where to Send the Application
Email: Email is the preferred method of submitting an application. All documents except reference letters may be sent as attachments to admissions(at)kmdi.utoronto.ca to the KMD Admissions Officer.
Mail: Send the complete application as a single package to:
Knowledge Media Design Admissions Officer
c/o Tracy Solomon
Faculty of Information, 140 St. George St.
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON M5S 3G6
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Where to Get Help with Applying?
Address questions to the KMD CP Program Administrator to program(at)kmdi.utoronto.ca or by phoning 416-946-8515.
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