Arts and Contemporary Studies - BA (Hons)
Full-time formats1:
• 4 Year
• 5-Year Co-op
Part-time format:
N/A
Requirements:
Grades-Only
Grade range:
Low 70s
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Experiential learning1:
Co-op available
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Is this degree for you?
Discover how culture, society and creativity connect in the customizable Arts and Contemporary Studies degree program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). You’ll develop the critical thinking, leadership and communication skills you need to succeed in any field.
Experiential learning opportunities1: Co-op available
You'll also gain real-world experience through research, optional co-op1, group and community projects, an international exchange, a guaranteed fellowship and a capstone project.
The Arts and Contemporary Studies degree program is one of 12 bachelor of arts programs that share a one-year foundation.1
Concentrations2:
- Anthropology
- Cultural and Media Studies
- Global Studies
The following is a preview of first-year courses based on the available current academic undergraduate calendar for this program.
2nd Semester
REQUIRED GROUP 1: One course from the following:
- ACS 106† Introduction to Language
- ARB *** An Arabic course
- ASL *** An American Sign Language course
- CHN *** A Chinese course
- FRE *** A French course
- MHK *** A Mohawk course
- SPN *** A Spanish course
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Table I.
OPEN ELECTIVE: One Open Elective.
Career possibilities:
- Arts administrator
- Diversity, inclusion and anti-racism manager
- Donor relations manager
- Policy analyst
- Social media strategist
Employer possibilities:
- Canadian Olympic Foundation
- Government of Canada
- Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
- UNICEF
- United Nations (UN)
Further education:
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Communication and Culture (MA, PhD)
- Education
- Law
Independent research course offers collaboration and unique research
Arts and Contemporary Studies students can take ACS 800 — Senior Group Project. This course offers research or a community-based project which students will present at an annual showcase. Recent projects have focused on decolonizing the curriculum, solving the student housing crisis and tracking your carbon footprint.
This is a Grades-Only program. Admission decisions for Grades-Only programs are based on academic performance.
Academic requirements for full-time, 4-year program
To be considered for admission, Ontario high school students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Completion of 6 Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 70%
- Completion of the following required Grade 12 U course with a minimum grade of 70%:
- English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)
An overall average of 70% is required for consideration. Due to competition, the average needed for admission can fluctuate each year (it depends on the number of applications received and the number of spaces available). The grade range at the top of this page represents the average required in previous years.
Academic admission requirements for all other applicants are available on the admission requirements page. If you haven’t been educated in Ontario, you may be considered with the equivalent of the Ontario requirements. TMU reserves the right to determine equivalency at its sole discretion.
Tuition and fees range 2025-2026
For detailed fees info, visit tuition and fees by program and costs to expect.
Full-time format:
Ontario: $7,287 - $7,312
Out-of-province: $8,826 - $8,851
International: $36,818 - $36,843
Over $20M across all levels of study
We award more than $20M in awards, scholarships and bursaries throughout all years of study.
Find scholarships for you.
Explore financial assistance
Learn more about government financial aid programs like OSAP, out-of-province student loans and U.S. student loans.
Apply for financial assistance.
“The program is a close knit community that you grow alongside throughout your undergrad, sharing stories and experiences. These last 2 years have been so fulfilling as I’ve been able to curate my degree to exactly what I want to pursue."
- Laaibah, Arts and Contemporary Studies, Student
The Faculty of Arts programs combine a liberal arts education with something unique: Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)'s brand of relevant, practical learning that's designed to make you a well-rounded, informed human being who is also highly employable
Faculty of Arts degree programs
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Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, TMU's current Undergraduate Calendar is the official reference.
Notes:
- Updated October 2025: This program now offers co-op, a revised curriculum and sits on the common arts platform.
- Updated October 2025: Program options were removed and the concentrations list updated to remove Diversity and Equity Studies and Inquiry and Invention. Cultural Studies renamed to Culture and Media Studies.
*Updated November 2025: This program was formerly known as Environment and Urban Sustainability.