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Media and Communication Studies

Media and Communication Studies

"I came to UofGH with a narrow career vision, but that was opened to a wider view of all the career paths the program can offer. The Canadian media industry is small, but filled with UofGH alumni."

Learn About Addison
Addison C.

Why study Media and Communication Studies at UofGH?

Find out why students just like you chose the University of Guelph-Humber.

I am a...

Earn 2 Credentials
HONOURS BACHELOR OF APPLIED ARTS IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES
from the University of Guelph
+
DIPLOMA IN MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
from Humber

Focused Academic Program

Overall
Learn how to communicate and use a range of media platforms to meet tomorrow's needs. Prepare to plunge into a rapidly changing industry and develop essential media skills.

  • Learn the historical, social, cultural and ethical contexts of media and explore emerging trends
  • Get introduced to key media disciplines and study the communication theories and perspectives that form the foundation of effective media practice
  • Study governance, policy and legal issues
  • Build a range of hands-on skills and learn to think critically and to work in a team environment

As you hone your skills, you will apply them to collaborative projects, such as producing a digital news site, creating a comprehensive marketing communications plan or promoting and managing a large event.

You may choose to complete and present an undergraduate thesis (after year three) to apply research principles, build your presentation skills and prepare for graduate studies.


Specializations

Following your second year, you will choose one of five specializations to direct your studies.

Your specialization studies will include critical foundational courses such as news gathering, media relations and videography, and courses relevant to current industry demands such as virtual reality production, social media analytics, content strategy, SEO and analytical media audits.

Digital Marketing & Social Media: Learn the fundamental principles of marketing combined with social media, and how these are used to influence behaviour and attitudes.

Media Management & Analytics: Learn how media departments and organizations operate, and the principles of strategic communication and the use of data analytics in crafting promotion, advertising and content.

Multimedia Journalism: Learn the skills demanded by traditional and emerging news and information platforms—print, broadcast, online and multimedia—with a strong focus on writing, editing and packaging content.

Public Relations: Learn the skills and techniques central to public persuasion and corporate representation, including media relations, public affairs, social media and event management.

Visual Communication: Learn the fundamentals of photography, videography, design and production as they are deployed throughout the media industry to communicate key messages and concepts.

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Admission Info

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First-year Courses

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  • Ethical Issues in Media
  • Freedom, Rights & Media
  • General electives
  • Introduction to Communication Theory & Mass Media
  • Introduction to Journalism & Digital Storytelling
  • Introduction to Marketing & Public Relations
  • Introduction to Photography OR Introduction to Media Management OR Subcultures in Mainstream Media
  • Organizational Behaviour & Teamwork
  • Writing & Research for Media & Communications Studies I
 

240 Hours of Experiential Learning

After third year, you will complete an internship of 240 hours, either locally or abroad. 

Past internships include:

  • Amsterdam Brewing Company
  • Bell Canada: TSN, The Social (CTV)
  • Canadian Tire Corporation
  • Corus Entertainment
  • EllisPark.co Content Agency
  • Faulhaber Communications
  • Government of Canada
  • Harry Rosen Inc.
  • Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
  • National Ballet of Canada
  • PepsiCo Beverages
  • Pomp & Circumstance PR
  • SickKids Hospital
  • Special Olympics Ontario
  • Walt Disney Studios Canada

Sample Careers & Further Education

  • Campaign Strategist
  • Brand Manager
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Content Creator
  • Editor
  • Experiential Marketer
  • Fundraising Coordinator
  • Photographer/Videographer
  • Podcaster
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • VR/AR Creator
  • Publicist
  • Art Director
  • Radio/TV Broadcaster
  • Social Media Strategist
  • Media Buyer/Analyst
  • Web Developer
  • Master of Arts in Communications
  • Master of Journalism
  • Master of Arts in Media Production
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Law School

Note: Some careers and entry into further education may require additional study.

Opportunities

Tools of the Trade

On campus, access the latest media technology, including a virtual reality studio and multimedia production facilities (e.g., podcast suites, soundstage, HD multi-camera setup, switchers and editing suites). Use industry-standard software for composing, editing and publishing.

Plus, sign out full-frame photo cameras, 4K digital cinema cameras and professional studio lighting.

VR lab

Capstone projects

In your fourth year, you choose one of two capstone projects: a publishable undergraduate thesis involving primary research, or a multiplatform project in which you deploy skills acquired throughout your studies.

Past projects have included award-winning multimedia magazines, turnkey marketing campaigns for major clients and public events that explore industry trends.

Emerge event

A future in law

Graduate ready for Canadian law school or take advantage of our partnerships in England. Earn a senior status law degree (LLB) with The City Law School  in just two years without an LSAT requirement or a Master of Laws (LLM) through distance learning with University of London  in one year (full-time) or up to five years (part-time). Both with reduced tuition.

The Graduate Entry LLB (Hons) program attracts students from all over the world—many from Canada. Follow in the footsteps of renowned alumni such as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.

London Bridge

Research as an undergraduate

If research interests you, get to know the many research opportunities inside and outside of class. Get paid and conduct research as a Research Assistant with instructors funded by the University’s Research Grant Fund.

  • Apply classroom knowledge
  • Develop skills in conducting experiments, research and data collection
  • Contribute to research publications
Professor and assistants doing facial research
Naba

“The course range was diverse and offered many opportunities to cross-specialize and customize my learning experience."

Learn About Naba
 

Global Learning Opportunities

Through instructor-guided study tours, you experience concepts discussed in class. Because these courses are partially subsidized by the University, the opportunities are within reach. You may also be eligible for a travel grant, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.

Past highlights include:

Denmark
Visiting outdoor classrooms in Odense where children interact with nature: an example of Denmark’s unique contribution to child development

Japan
Learning about Soka education — a philosophy of well-being and global citizenship in Japan

New Zealand
Exploring the interplay between sport, health and culture in New Zealand’s Australasian society

 

Italy
Immersing in the Italian food experience from production to consumption in Italy, including a visit to the world's first food theme park

Ecuador
Heading to the Galápagos Islands and inland Ecuador to study "eco-psychology" — the attitudes, perceptions and behaviour of people toward the environment

Study Abroad photo from Singapore by Dylan Cunanan

Get Involved

Societies

Societies are related to our seven academic programs and offer activities outside of class. They can help you develop leadership skills and gain professional experience. Check out our Clubs and Societies page.

Your media interests could get you involved with:

  • Advertising & Marketing Association
  • Business Council
  • Consulting Association
  • Entrepreneurs Society
  • GuHu Media
  • Pre-Law Society
  • Women in Business
GuHu

Agora Fellowship

Be a part of the Agora Fellowship: a select group of students who discuss ideas and themes from renowned books in a regular forum led by Dr. George Bragues. Build your extracurricular experience. Every year, the Fellowship takes a trip related to their current topics; destinations have included Boston, Montreal, New York and Washington.

Discussion

Soka Education Research Centre on Global Citizenship

Join the Soka Education Research Centre on Global Citizenship: a global undergraduate research project—the first of its kind in the world—led by Community Social Services Program Head Dr. Paul Sherman. Explore how to nurture human potential and happiness for the greater benefit of humankind through the study of Soka (value-creating) education and global citizenship. Travel as a Research Assistant to present study results at professional symposiums.

Soka