Introduction
- Canadian degrees in communication and media studies can open doors to intriguing careers for overseas students. Co-ops and internships can help you gain useful work experience while you’re in school in Canada, where colleges are known for their high academic standards.
- To help you find the finest Canadian universities for communication and media studies, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest post-secondary institutions. It also includes a summary of graduate and undergraduate programmes, foreign student tuition costs, and general entrance criteria.
Why study in Canada?
- The level of life in Canada for both Canadians and international students is very good. Living and working in this city is an excellent choice for everybody. In fact, when it comes to overall well-being, we’re number one in the world. We also have four of the top 100 student cities in the world, according to the World University Rankings.
- You’ll learn with the best and brightest
- set you on the path to a promising future
- The cost to study and live here is affordable
- offer you an experience like no other
What degrees can I get in this field of study?
Ideally, studying mass communication and media has a few major branches that require students to choose which sub-specialty they are interested in.
- BA Communications and Media
- BA Film, Photography and Media
- BA Communication and Journalism
- BA News Media
And many more
Eligibility criteria for admission
- Undergraduate programs in communication and media studies
- Undergraduate programmes in communication and media studies in Canada are usually four years lengthy in duration.. It is common for programmes to incorporate co-ops as part of the curriculum so students may gain hands-on industry knowledge. A Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree might be yours following completion of your chosen programme.
- International students who have completed high school in their native country may be able to apply to Canadian undergraduate programmes in media and communication. Submission of high school diploma (or Canadian equivalent) and transcripts is a requirement for your application.
- You’ll need a high school GPA to get into these schools, which are quite competitive. Admission to programmes in communication and media studies often requires a minimum average score of 70 to 85 percent. Certain high school courses, such as English and mathematics, may be prerequisites.
- Additionally, being able to communicate fluently in English is sometimes a need. If you don’t speak English as your first language, you’ll need to take an English proficiency exam like the IELTS or TOEFL. The University of Montreal, for example, may need proof of competency in French in order to enrol in a French-language programme.
- The application package for certain programmes in media studies and communication may additionally include the submission of an audition, a portfolio of work examples, or letters of recommendation from previous professors.
- Graduate programs in communication and media studies
- An undergraduate degree or master’s degree in a related field is required for entry into a master’s programme in communication and media studies. Master’s degrees in relevant fields are required for entrance to doctorate programmes.
- To get into a top Canadian university, you’ll need a minimum grade of between 65 and 85 per cent, depending on the university’s admission requirements.
- Admission to Canadian graduate programmes in communication and media studies is not only based on academic achievement. All majors need a statement of purpose that highlights your academic interests and how they relate to the programme. Submission of a portfolio or samples of work or auditions is required for programmes in the arts such as cinema studies and creative writing.
- As part of your application, most institutions also ask for a list of academic or professional references, a resume, and proof of past job experience. As part of the application process, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (English or French).
Top Canadian universities for communication and media studies programs
- University of Toronto, Toronto.
- McGill University, Montreal.
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
- Concordia University, Montreal.
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
Programs offered
University of Toronto, Toronto
Undergraduate programs: Four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours programs in Book and Media Studies, Professional Writing and Communication, Cinema Studies, and Media, Journalism and Digital Cultures. UofT also offers four-year BA Honours programs in New Media Studies and Journalism in collaboration with Centennial College. Other undergraduate programs include BA Honours in Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology (CCIT) and BA Honours in Visual Culture and Communication.
McGill University, Montreal
Graduate programs: Two-year Master of Arts (MA) and five to six-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Studies. The MA program is theoretical and thesis-based and does not include professional training in media production.
University of British Columbia, Vancouver
- Graduate programs: 20-month Master of Journalism (MJ) program, two-year MA in Cinema and Media Studies, 16-month Master of Digital Media (MDM), two-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film Production and Creative Writing, as well as a two-year MA or MFA in Theatre. UBC also offers a four-year PhD in Cinema and Media Studies.
- Undergraduate programs: Four-year BA Honours programs in Creative Writing, Film Production, Film Studies, Media Studies, and Theatre Studies.
Concordia University, Montreal
- Graduate programs: Two-year MA programs in Media Studies and Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies, four-year thesis-based PhD in Communication, two-year MA and PhD in Film and Moving Image Studies.
- Undergraduate programs: Most undergraduate programs in communication and media studies at Concordia University last three to four years, depending on your academic background, and include an internship opportunity. The school offers BA programs in Communication and Cultural Studies, Communication Studies, and Journalism. You can also opt for BFA programs in Film Studies, Film Animation, Film Production, Print Media, and Intermedia (video, performance, and electronic arts).
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
- Graduate programs: Two-year MA and six-year PhD in Communication, one-year Master of Digital Media (MDM), as well as MA, MSc, and PhD in Interactive Arts and Technology.
- Undergraduate programs: Four-year BA in Communication or Arts, Performance and Cinema Studies, four-year BFA in Theatre or Film, and four-year BA or BSc in Interactive Arts and Technology or Communication and Interactive Arts and Technology.
Université de Montréal, Montreal
- Graduate programs: Two-year master of science (MSc) programs in Communication Sciences, Media Communication, and Organizational Communication. The Université de Montréal also offers PhD programs in Communications Sciences and Cinema Studies.
- Undergraduate programs: Four-year BSc in Communication and BA in Cinema.
University of Alberta, Edmonton
- Graduate programs: Two-year Master of Arts in Communications and Technology (MACT).
- Undergraduate programs: Four-year BA programs in Film Studies and Media Studies.
York University, Toronto
- Graduate programs: Two-year MA in Cinema & Media Studies and Communication & Culture or two-year MFA in Visual arts, Theatre, and Film: Production and Screenwriting. Students can also opt for MA, MSc, and PhD programs in Digital Media or MA and PhD programs in Theatre and Performance Studies.
- Undergraduate programs: York University offers four-year BA programs in Cinema & Media Studies, Communication & Media Studies, Communications, Creative Writing, Digital Media, and Theatre. You can also opt for four-year BFA programs in Film Production, Integrative Arts, Media Arts, Screenwriting, and Theatre.
Fees for International Students
The average tuition fees for Mass Communication and Media can vary from one institute to another according to different levels and qualifications. Below are the average estimated tuition fees:
| Programme | Estimated Fees |
| Foundation/ A levels | RM10,000 – RM20,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | RM67,000 – RM150,000 |
| Masters, PhD | RM 75,000 – RM125,000 |
What are the entry requirements and qualifications?
To successfully get admission into the Mass Communication and Media programme, students must meet the minimum academic and entry-level English language requirements.
- However, requirements could vary according to institutions. We advise you to refer to the institutions directly for more details.
- Diploma in Mass Communication and Media:
- SPM with minimum 5 passes
- Bachelor’s level in Mass Communication and Media:
- Foundations / A levels in Arts
- Pass 4 relevant subjects in STPM, including English
- Admission into Year 2 upon completing Diploma in Mass Comm and Media
- Master’s degree in Mass Communications and Media:
- Completed any relevant Degree or any equivalent International Degree with minimum CGPA 2.0
- Doctorate (PhD):
- Completed a relevant Master’s Degree from recognised Institutes or any equal International Institute.
- English language requirements (minimum requirements):
- TOEFL score 55
- IELTS score of 5
- MUET Band 3
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) 53
Conclusion
Canada’s communication and media studies programmes have earned the country international acclaim as a top study abroad destination. When it comes to building a successful and long-lasting career in any of these fields, a degree in either the undergraduate or graduate level is a surefire way to ensure your success.
FAQs
Can I study mass communication in Canada?
The cost of studying mass media and communication in Canada will necessitate a significant financial commitment. International students presently pay $14,000 CAD per year for two terms of tuition. The typical degree programme is completed in three to four years.
What does a degree in communications mean?
People’s interactions and communication are the emphasis of a degree in communication studies. There were few communication degree programmes prior to the digital age that focused on the study of communication in conventional print media, such as newspapers.
Is communications a good major in Canada?
A wide range of extremely useful abilities are developed in communication studies, allowing students to pursue many different job paths in the future. Because these abilities are in great demand across a wide range of fields, students may find themselves in a position where they may pick and choose from a wide range of career options.
How long does it take to study mass communication in Canada?
Many Canadian colleges offer a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree in communications. You can pursue an MA or MS in Communication on a full or part time basis. The full-time curriculum in Canadian universities lasts from two to three years.
What is the scope of journalism and mass communication in Canada?
Graduates of journalism programmes can pursue careers as reporters, photographers, editors, researchers, and commentators across a wide range of media outlets. However, journalism graduates can also pursue jobs as authors, attorneys, teachers, advertising executives, public relations, or foreign affairs officers, among others.