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Media Studies (MA)

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Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Thesis, Course-based
Primary campus
Loyola (LOY)
Duration
2 years
Credits
45 credits
Start term
Fall

Program overview

The MA in Media Studies will deepen your command of contemporary media culture, history and theory. Emerging technologies and media platforms affect the way that we perceive the world and our place in it. As producers and consumers of different forms of media, we are actively participating in an environment that gives agency to certain individuals and groups over others. Now more than ever, we need academic researchers and creators to examine the social, political and cultural dimensions of various forms of media. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach that combines elements of the humanities, liberal arts, social sciences and fine arts. Our students benefit from an active research culture led by a multitude of faculty research initiatives and creations, and pursue their own interest on topics such as video games, feminist media and Indigenous art.

Program structure

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.

Please see the Communication Studies Courses page for course descriptions.

Media Studies MA Thesis (Option I)

12

credits of Required Courses:

COMS 600 Communication Theory (3.00)
COMS 605 Media Research Methods I (3.00)
COMS 610 Media Studies Seminar (3.00)
COMS 694 Thesis/Research-Creation Thesis Proposal (3.00)

12credits of Elective Courses chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor and approved by the department’s graduate studies committee. If approved by the department’s graduate studies committee, and with the permission of the department concerned, up to 3 of these credits may be taken in cognate graduate courses offered by other departments in the university.
21

credits:

COMS 695 Thesis (21.00)

Media Studies MA Courses (Option II)

9

credits of Required Courses:

COMS 600 Communication Theory (3.00)
COMS 605 Media Research Methods I (3.00)
COMS 610 Media Studies Seminar (3.00)

36credits of Elective Courses chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor and approved by the department’s graduate studies committee. If approved by the department’s graduate studies committee, and with the permission of the department concerned, up to 9 of these credits may be taken in cognate graduate courses offered by other departments in the university.

Media Studies MA Research-Creation Thesis (Option III)

12

credits of Required Courses:

COMS 600 Communication Theory (3.00)
COMS 605 Media Research Methods I (3.00)
COMS 610 Media Studies Seminar (3.00)
COMS 694 Thesis/Research-Creation Thesis Proposal (3.00)

12credits of Elective Courses chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor and approved by the department’s graduate studies committee. If approved by the department’s graduate studies committee, and with the permission of the department concerned, up to 3 of these credits may be taken in cognate graduate courses offered by other departments in the university.
21

credits:

COMS 697 Research-Creation Thesis (21.00)

Media Studies MA Major Research Paper (Option IV)

9

credits of Required Courses:

COMS 600 Communication Theory (3.00)
COMS 605 Media Research Methods I (3.00)
COMS 610 Media Studies Seminar (3.00)

21credits of Elective Courses chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor and approved by the department’s graduate studies committee. If approved by the department’s graduate studies committee, and with the permission of the department concerned, up to 9 of these credits may be taken in cognate graduate courses offered by other departments in the university.
15

credits:

COMS 698 Major Research Paper (15.00)

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in communication (or equivalent in a cognate area) with a minimum of 3.00 GPA.
  • Experience in media or a media-related field is an asset.
  • Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Application deadlines

FALL

January 15 (all applicants)

WINTER

n/a

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

Out-of-province students

Get up to $9,251 in special funding for master's programs. Learn more

Other programs of interest

Communication Studies (GrDip)

Join a diverse body of young scholars and professionals working to expand their personal qualifications with an intensive and hands-on introduction to the field of communication.

Department

Faculty

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