SPARC's Programs

SPARC offers training at every stage of a career, from a single afternoon workshop to a graduate degree. Every program builds the same core skills: communicating health information clearly, reporting rigorously and advocating effectively for better health.

Find the right fit

Workshops (3–6 hours)

Hands-on skill-building in health advocacy, investigative journalism and science communication. Open to everyone, with dedicated sessions for health professions learners. Our flagship is the Simulated Newsroom.

Elective for credit (4 weeks)

The SPARC Teaching Newsroom elective, run with Healthy Debate. Flexible start and end dates, and clinical commitments can be accommodated.

Longitudinal placement (1–3 semesters)

A longer-term version of the elective, with a minimum of 8 hours a week, for learners who want to go deeper alongside their other commitments.

Studentship (one semester, 3–4 months)

A placement in investigative journalism, science communication or health advocacy for journalism students, public health learners and health professions learners.

Internship (1 year)

A year-long version of the studentship, in the same three focus areas.

Fellowships

Professional development fellowships, including the Fellowship in Journalism and Health Impact at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and fellowships with partners such as the Canadian Journalism Foundation and Postmedia.

Graduate and doctoral studies

Master's and PhD research in health communication, supervised by SPARC-affiliated faculty.

Courses for credit (1 term)

University of Toronto courses related to health communication.

Focused mentorship and faculty development

Tailored mentorship (1–4+ months) and sessions (3–6 hours) for professionals and faculty working toward a specific communication goal.

Not sure where to start?

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you'd like to learn, and we'll match you with the right opportunity.