Media Studies (BA)

Program Length
4 Years
Credential
Bachelor Degree
Options
Minor
Fully Available at
Nanaimo
Partially Available at
Cowichan, tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)

If you are excited by a future in the entertainment arts, digital industries, TV and radio broadcasting, alternative and activist media, social media strategy and marketing, public service and policy work, film and documentary production, web design, the gaming industry, or any combination of the above, then this program is for you.

Media Studies is the communications program of choice for digital communicators. Digital Media Courses will help you develop the most marketable, transferable skills out there – critical thinking, collaboration, communications and research skills. Consider adding Media and Communication Studies to your Bachelor of Arts.

Program Overview

Media Studies explores the convergence of communication, culture, and technology. Courses are designed to encourage students to develop their communication skills — written, oral, visual, multimedia — and increase their critical awareness of the ways various media shape culture. They learn specific technical skills for communicating and researching online, and explore online publishing using hypertext and hypermedia. Existing first- and second-year courses balance theory, discussion, and face-to-face interaction with a strong emphasis on applied skills developed in computer labs and through distance learning strategies. In many respects, students are introduced to what is called the “new media.”

All courses include components to develop strong critical thinking, collaboration, and research skills. Students are supported to research contemporary media, both Canadian and international. Wherever possible, relationships with local media enterprises, broadcasters, and creators are encouraged. Course participants are supported to respond creatively, and in alternate media, to assignments.

Media Studies courses have been on the cutting-edge of online and distance delivery at VIU, and received provincial Innovation, Enrichment, or New Era grants every year since 1996. The department plans to continue this commitment to alternate modes of delivery, providing options for students and practical demonstrations of information technology in the service of learning and research.

Media Studies is multi-disciplinary in nature, with a particular focus on the impact of media on culture and content production. Assignments are designed to integrate insights from literature and popular culture, journalism, policy and regulation, political economy, media analysis, anthropology, sociology, history, gender studies, and art. The curriculum prepares students for a variety of careers: from writers and artists, to teachers, public service workers and entrepreneurs.

Program Outline

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Year 1: Three credits chosen from MEDI 111, 113, 115.

Year 2: Three credits chosen from MEDI 200, 205, 211.

Years 3 and 4: Minimum of eighteen credits of Media Studies courses numbered 300 and above.

Program Fees

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year*	Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit)	4,992.00
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)	199.68
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit)	220.50
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month)	220.80
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)	265.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year	1,500.00
Total	7,397.98

Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

International Fees