Build your future in visual studies
We live in a visual culture. Explore – and create – the images that define it.
With a degree in visual studies from the University of Toronto Mississauga, you'll engage with art, media and visual culture while building your creative and technical practice.
On this page
#1 in Canada for arts and humanities
ahead of McGill University and University of British Columbia*
#16 globally for arts and humanities
ahead of New York University and King's College London**
Top 10
public universities in the world***
Visual studies programs
Art & Art History
Combine the study of art history with studio courses at Sheridan Institute. With this dual focus program, you'll interpret visual imagery and understand the significance of art across history.
Art History
Explore art from ancient to modern worlds, across Europe, North America and Asia. You'll learn traditional methods of interpretation along with the newest approaches in the field.
Cinema Studies
From filmmaker to curator and more — this program focuses on major world cinemas, genres and auteurs, highlighting the impact of film on identity along with aesthetics and politics.
Visual Culture
From multimedia designer to photographer and more — this interdisciplinary program examines how visual materials shape our understanding of the world.
Visual Culture & Communication
This interdisciplinary program allows you to explore both visual cultural studies, along with digital communications (with courses taught at Sheridan College).
Beyond the classroom
UTM Research Opportunity Program (ROP)
This unmatched program lets you apply academic skills and enjoy an immersive industry experience.
Academic internships
A variety of community-engaged learning opportunities exist, including an internship in the arts and visual studies.
Learning abroad
If you're looking for a life-changing experience, UTM's international exchange program opens doors to 140 schools in over 40 countries.
Academic groups and societies
Join the Visual Studies Student Society or, explore a range of student organizations at UTM.
Meet your community
"Art and Art History is a hidden gem of a program. Whenever I needed a break from sculpting/painting/printmaking [at Sheridan College], research and writing at UTM proved to be a great outlet for me and vice versa. It is a program structured with a lot of thought, intention and heart, giving students the freedom to create and learn in a supportive environment."
Mary-Rebekah Reyes, HBA '22
"I loved expanding my imagination through the Art and Art History program. I also majored in English, so I embraced every opportunity for cross-pollination between art and writing [...] When I launched my Memory Drawing project, which uses art to revive the memories of long-term care residents, I tapped into my appreciation for those courses."
Erin Finley, HBA '98
Research highlights
UTM alumnus Yannis Guibinga creates bold view of Africa
Guibinga's photos offer a striking 21st-century take on the continent’s landscapes and people.
New iconographical index of baptismal fonts launches | Project
Student Benji Jacob collaborated with various groups within UTM to create a collaborative mural designed to connect with students.
Experiments in art and accessibility: the Quiet Parade at UTM | Project
It had all the hallmarks of a traditional parade — floats, banners, excited spectators and plenty of colourful costumes — but with a crucial difference: the midday spectacle on University of Toronto Mississauga campus came and went with scarcely a sound.
Blackwood Gallery exhibition highlights powerful history behind African hairstyle | Exhibit
Artist Inyang Essien's work shows a slavery era practice by kidnapped African women who hid rice, grains and seeds in their hair for their journey across the Atlantic.
A career with impact
From animator to archivist, librarian and more — studying visual studies at University of Toronto Mississauga opens up a multitude of meaningful career options.
Producer and co-founder of E&W Films, whose title won best first feature at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival.
Teacher leads a drawing project at long-term care facilities, inviting residents to rediscover memories through art.
- Celebrated artist contributed both to the history of Canadian painting as well as to the genre of abstract expressionism.
Featured career: artist and fashion designer
Lesley Hampton's (HBA '15) designs and vision have taken the world by storm. She has been listed on Toronto’s 30 young leaders under 30 list by Forbes Magazine, has dressed award-winning actors, styled a campaign for the Toronto Raptors and created custom designs for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Learning pathways
We live in a visual culture, and a degree in visual studies from the University of Toronto Mississauga equips you to create the images that define it. It also opens up additional pathways to graduate and professional schools:
You might also like
Social Sciences
With a degree in Social Sciences, you'll learn to analyze complex systems and understand human behaviour — preparing you to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Communication, Culture, Information and Technology
The pace of change in media, communications and technology is faster than ever. Stay ahead of the curve with this program.
Humanities
Explore the ideas that shape the world. You'll learn from the great minds who influenced how we think, create and live — and become the next one.
Theatre and Drama
All the world's a stage. Learn to command it with hands-on acting experience and a study of the history, styles and techniques that bring stories to life.
Stay connected
Tour campus with us
Ask questions, explore state-of-the-art facilities and get a feel for the unique energy on campus.