Media Studies (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Offered by:Department of Communication Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science
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 Details
- 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 Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
Thesis (Option I)
12 credits – Required Courses
COMS 600 - Communication Theory (3 credits)
COMS 605 - Media Research Methods I (3 credits)
COMS 610 - Media Studies Seminar (3 credits)
COMS 694 - Thesis/Research Creation Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
12 credits – 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 – Thesis
COMS 695 - Thesis (21 credits)
Courses (Option II)
9 credits – Required Courses
COMS 600 - Communication Theory (3 credits)
COMS 605 - Media Research Methods I (3 credits)
COMS 610 - Media Studies Seminar (3 credits)
36 credits – 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.
Research-Creation Thesis (Option III)
12 credits – Required Courses
COMS 600 - Communication Theory (3 credits)
COMS 605 - Media Research Methods I (3 credits)
COMS 610 - Media Studies Seminar (3 credits)
COMS 694 - Thesis/Research Creation Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
12 credits – 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 – Research-Creation Thesis
COMS 697 - Research-Creation Thesis (21 credits)
Major Research Paper (Option IV)
9 credits – Required Courses
COMS 600 - Communication Theory (3 credits)
COMS 605 - Media Research Methods I (3 credits)
COMS 610 - Media Studies Seminar (3 credits)
21 credits – 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 – Major Research Paper
COMS 698 - Major Research Paper (15 credtis)
You may choose one of four options:
Option I
Research and thesis: an independent, supervised thesis project of 20,000 to 25,000 words in length and submitted in written form at the end of the second year.
Option II
Course work only: for students interested in advancing their professional or vocational development.
Option III
Research-creation project: students with significant media production experience can undertake a research-creation project deploying one or more media forms, comprising an original media production or prototype in any genre and a 10,000 word document. The program does not provide media training.
Option IV
Major research paper: an extended 10,000 word essay or project on a topic chosen in consultation with a full-time faculty member.
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose (5 pages, double-spaced) and should:
- provide a brief overview of your undergraduate studies and what courses, professors, or scholarly work and theorists were the most influential and/or the most challenging
- detail briefly the type of potential research (thesis or project) you would like to undertake
- identify courses in our program which are of particular interest to you and professors you feel might support your research interests
- recount any work experience (paid or voluntary) that is relevant to your application
- Writing sample (e.g. a research paper or essay from a senior undergraduate course)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Media Studies | MA | Jan. 15 | n/a | n/a |
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
