Sheridan launches Canada’s first master’s degree in animation, games, and immersive experiences

Sheridan College is proud to announce the launch of the Master of Animation, Games, and Immersive Experiences (MAGIE) — the first program of its kind in Canada, offering a unique credential that blends animation, game design/development, and immersive experiences into one interdisciplinary graduate degree.

This pioneering program extends Sheridan’s legacy as a global leader in creativity and innovation, continuing a proud tradition of firsts achieved by its renowned Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design: Canada’s first computer animation program, first four-year honours bachelor’s degree in game design, and first honours bachelor’s degree in interaction design. Sheridan is also home to the country’s first cyber security degree, first athletic therapy program and first public postsecondary osteopathy degree.

“MAGIE bridges disciplines that have historically existed apart. It furthers Sheridan's leadership in demonstrating the critical role that creativity plays across the economy in ways that can only be achieved through a master's level program.”

– Mark Jones, Dean, Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design

Designed in consultation with leading studios and technology companies, the Master of Animation, Games, and Immersive Experiences combines advanced applied research methods with inclusive design principles and interdisciplinary approaches to emerging media technologies. Students will gain expertise in immersive storytelling, animation, and game design, while developing entrepreneurial strategies and leadership skills tailored for the evolving digital media landscape.

Through work-integrated learning and hands-on training in Sheridan’s world-class facilities— including virtual production labs, immersive media studios, and a residency at Sheridan’s Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) — students will gain invaluable experience bridging theory and practice.

Students in MAGIE will champion inclusive storytelling, the amplification of underrepresented voices and crafting authentic, culturally resonant narratives. The program emphasizes cutting-edge technologies, real-time production, and interactive storytelling— preparing graduates to shape the future of digital experiences.

Alumni from the Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design are recognized worldwide, with Golden Globe, Oscar, Emmy, and Canadian Screen Award winners among their ranks. Sheridan Game Design students have won the Game Level Design category of the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT Challenge in seven straight years and regularly place in the Game Narrative review competition of the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Sheridan has also been named the top animation college in Canada — and top-two internationally, excluding schools from the United States — in each of Animation Career Review’s last seven annual rankings.

The Master of Animation, Games, and Immersive Experiences will welcome its first cohort of students this June. To apply or for more information, please visit the MAGIE program page.

Quotes

“MAGIE will be a launchpad for leaders in the screen industries to take their work to the next level. It reflects Sheridan’s commitment to creating the future of digital storytelling through inclusive, industry-connected, and future-facing education.” — Rajan Sandhu, Vice President, Strategy, Global Engagement

“Sheridan’s MAGIE is more than a new program — it’s a catalyst for change that adds fuel to our institutional response to the changes across creative industries. As one of Ontario’s first applied master’s degrees, and the only one of its kind in Canada, MAGIE bridges disciplines that have historically existed apart. It furthers Sheridan’s leadership in demonstrating the critical role that creativity plays across the economy in ways that can only be achieved through a master’s level program. With this addition to our stellar suite of offerings, we shape the future of creative innovation.” — Mark Jones, Dean, Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design

“Our ability to create a masters in this area responds directly to industry need to bolster screen industries. Students in this master’s program will have a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary, hands-on learning and research that will equip them to shape interactive storytelling and build digital experiences that can be applied to a range of industries, from business to healthcare.” — Theresa Scandiffio, Associate Dean, Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design

"From animation to game design, Ontario is home to a brilliant sector of creatives that continue to push the boundaries of innovation. Through their new Master of Animation, Games, and Immersive Experiences, Sheridan College is ensuring that students get the hands-on skills and education they need to shape storytelling and digital media in the modern age.” — Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security