Overview

The Masters of Digital Media Program is a limited, competitive entry program. The admission requirements listed below constitute a minimum standard of achievement and fulfillment of them does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Standard Entrance Requirements for the MDM degree

1. The academic equivalent of a four-year baccalaureate degree acceptable to all four GNWC Partner Institutions in a field related to the proposed program of study. For example:
   • B.Sc. Computer Science, BASc. Engineering (Electrical, Communications, Computer Engineering), BA or B.Sc.. in Education, Management, Economics or Communications, BFA in Art, Design or Performing Arts, BA in Art, Art History, Architecture, Linguistics, Psychology or Philosophy, BArch, BLArch, BBA, BTech (Electronic Engineering or Computing).

     OR

   • An undergraduate degree acceptable to all four GNWC Partner Institutions in another, related discipline. Applicants under this category are required to make the case from (a) the relationship between the discipline in which they hold their previous degree or degrees and this program; and (b) how they would benefit from this program.
2. A portfolio of previous work. This may include exhibited art, designs, film or video, computer software or engineering designs.
3. Demonstrated ability in computing. (* see note)
4. Demonstrated ability in academic writing. Applicants are­ to submit one sample of written work done as part of their undergraduate studies.
5. Minimum undergraduate grades:
   • a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% or higher) in third- and fourth-year courses, or:
   • academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year courses in the A grade range (80% or higher) in the field of study, or:
   • applicants who hold a four-year baccalaureate degree acceptable to all four GNWC Partner Institutions, who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience to offset such deficiencies, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Master of Digital Media program. Prior learning assessment will be conducted based on the principle that appropriate learning that can be identified, described and documented can be considered for recognition.
6. A suitable letter of intent (a) explaining the applicant's motivation for selecting this degree program, (b) summarizing relevant skills, training and experience; (c) describing proposed interests within the program and (d) indicating how the course of study would contribute to the applicant's future intellectual or professional growth. All of the above four points should be explicitly addressed in the letter of intent.
7. Three reference letters, each from a suitably qualified person.
8. A resume of previous work experience and academic history.
9. These requirements are intended to equal or exceed the general graduate admission requirements at all partner institutions.
10. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an oral interview with an applicant either face-to-face, online or by telephone.

* Note that applicants lacking demonstrated ability in computing may be admitted on the condition that they take one or more suitable courses (e.g. SFU's IAT 800 Foundations of Computational Art and Design) but this course cannot be counted for credit towards the MDM degree.

Additional Requirements

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language through one of the following means:

1. A previous undergraduate or graduate degree completed at a university where English is the applicant's primary language of instruction.
2. A minimum cumulative score of 86 on the internet-based TOEFL test with scores not less than 14 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 20 in Writing and 22 in Speaking. (Students with marginally acceptable English skills may be required to take a customized test designed by the MDM program committee to assess skill level, regardless of official test scores.)
3. A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS test.
4. Other standardized tests may be considered, please contact the Student Recruitment Coordinator to discuss.