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Media and Communication Studies
*Information for prospective students. For current student info click here. for more information
Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media and Communication Studies
+
Diploma in Media Communications
Why study Media & Communications at UofGH?
Degree + Diploma
Transfer Credit for previous post-secondary Education
Focused Program
Close-Knit Community
Industry Connections
One Location
Located in Toronto
Live & Study in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Study In + Explore Toronto
Toronto is a dynamic place to live and learn. The Greater Toronto Area is home to approximately 6.8 million people, one-sixth of Canada’s population; nearly half of that population is made up of residents from around the world.
3 million people live in the City of Toronto
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world
More than 140 languages & dialects are spoken in Toronto
Attending university in Canada’s cultural, economic and business centre will play an essential role in your program opportunities.
Our campus is serviced by four transit systems that link you to urban and rural destinations.
Explore Toronto and get to know its 140 neighbourhoods! Visit local tourist attractions including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Kensington Market, Scotiabank Arena, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto Zoo, St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District and Niagara Falls (two hours away).
Where else can you experience festivals celebrating food, music and people from other countries within a few city blocks? Your choices for recreation off campus are unlimited with large- and small-scale facilities and venues for sports, music, theatre and art.
Focused Academic Program
Our Media program is evolving! Newly named Media and Communication Studies (formerly called Media Studies), the program is changing to deliver even more impactful study, reflect the industry and meet demands in the workplace.
You will be introduced to key media disciplines and study the communication theories and perspectives that form the foundation of effective media practice. Study governance, policy, legal and ethical issues. Build a range of hands-on skills and learn to think critically and to work in a team environment.
Following your second year, you will choose one of five specializations to direct your studies. As you further 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.
Specializations
Digital Marketing & Social Media: Learn the fundamental principles of marketing, combined with evolving practice of social media, and how organizations use them to influence behaviour and attitudes.
Media Management & Analytics: Learn how media enterprises, organizations and departments are developed and operate and the principles of strategic communication and the use of data analytics in crafting promotion, advertising and content strategies.
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.
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.
Prepare to plunge into a rapidly changing industry. Concentrate on developing essential media skills. Learn the historical, social, cultural and ethical contexts of media and explore emerging trends. You'll tackle: The history and principles of journalism, marketing and public relations; Transmedia storytelling and visual communication; Writing and researching within both academic and industry contexts; Ethical issues in media; and Impacts of technology, culture and policy on media practice and communication.
Note: Senate has approved updates to the Media Studies program for fall 2021, including the name change to Media and Communication Studies and revisions to the specializations offered (all referenced on this page).
First-year Courses
Check out the list of first-year courses recently announced as part of the Media and Communication Studies program.
Note: First-year courses and the Media & Communication Studies program overview may be subject to change.
Transfer Pathways
If you have any postsecondary education and you wish to apply to the University of Guelph-Humber, then you are a Transfer Applicant.
College Block Credit Transfer Pathway
Our college block credit transfer pathways allow you to move seamlessly with your college diploma into our honours program.
If you have completed one of the following two- or three-year diplomas from a recognized Ontario college, with a minimum cumulative average of 75%, you are eligible to receive block transfer credit:
- Advertising and Marketing Communications/Management
- Broadcasting
- Digital Communications
- Image Arts/Photography
- Journalism
- Media Communications
- Public Relations
General Transfer Applicants
If you are not eligible as a College Block Credit Transfer applicant, you are considered a General Transfer Applicant.
Coming from a diploma program: If you have completed coursework or a diploma from a college diploma program, you must have a minimum cumulative average of 75% to be considered for admission.
Coming from a degree program: If you have completed a degree or degree-related coursework from a recognized college or university program, you must have a minimum cumulative average of 70% to be considered for admission.
Program Overview
Take a look at the courses that make up the Media & Communication Studies program. Course scheduling is subject to change.
Experiential Learning
More than 0 hours of workplace experience
Internships have included:
International internships are another exciting course opportunity.
Sample Careers + Further Education
Note: Some careers and entry into further education may require additional study.
Opportunities
Tools of the Trade
You have access to the latest industry technology such as a virtual reality studio, multimedia production facility equipped with a soundstage, HD multi-camera setup and switcher and editing workstations. Full-frame photo cameras, 4K digital cinema cameras and professional studio lighting are available to sign out.
Individual Thesis
Complete an undergraduate thesis in year four. Increase your knowledge and applied research skills in a specific area of media studies; learn research principles and project coordination; and build your presentation skills. You will conduct your own study, analyze the data and write a thesis paper.
Teamwork
Create and execute exciting media capstone projects that bring together all fourth-year media students from multiple specializations. Projects typically include print, online and social media magazines; multimedia productions and newsworthy public events that explore industry trends.
The City Law School (LLB)
The University of Guelph-Humber and The City Law School, City, University of London have partnered to offer you a prime law school opportunity. Earn a senior status law degree in only two years following completion of your honours degree.
- Eligible for admission with a competitive average
- No LSAT
- Reduced tuition
Study in London, England, where the largest law firms in the world are located. 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.
Research as an undergraduate
If research interests you, get to know the many research opportunities inside and outside of class. Get paid and do 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
Study Abroad
Through instructor-guided study tours, you experience concepts discussed in class. Because all study abroad courses are partially subsidized by the University, the opportunities are within reach. You may also be eligible for a study abroad travel grant, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.
Past highlights include:
Get Involved!
Societies
Societies are related to our seven academic programs and offer a realm of activities outside of class. They can help you develop leadership skills, gain professional experience and network. Check out our Clubs and Societies page.
Your media interests could get you involved with:
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 Interim Vice-Provost 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.
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 Family and 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 Associate to present study results at professional symposiums.