Media Studies (MA)

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Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

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 (45 credits)

45	credits chosen from one of the following options: Media Studies MA Thesis (Option I) Media Studies MA Courses (Option II) Media Studies MA Research-Creation Thesis (Option III) Media Studies MA Major Research Paper (Option IV)

Media Studies MA Thesis (Option I)

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)

credits 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.

credits:

• COMS 695 Thesis (21.00)

Media Studies MA Courses (Option II)

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)

credits 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)

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)

credits:

• COMS 697 Research-Creation Thesis (21.00)

Media Studies MA Major Research Paper (Option IV)

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)

credits 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.

credits:

• COMS 698 Major Research Paper (15.00)

Consult the Graduate Calendar for the complete list of courses

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

Review these four steps before applying

Make sure to check for program specific requirements

Application deadlines

FALL

January 15

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 fees

The tuition fees of the program may differ depending on your student status. To estimate the cost of your education at Concordia, go through five (5) easy steps.

Use the tuition fee calculator

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.

Learn more about entrance awards

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.

Consult the list of awards available

Other programs of interest

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

Department of Communication Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

View program details

Media Studies (MA)

Program overview