Learn how to master a range of digital skills through diverse arts and computing courses. You’ll gain the tools to create images, sound, digital animations, virtual worlds, creative writing, simulations, games, and more, preparing you for a flexible career in digital media.
This program is also offered at UBC's Vancouver Campus
Find out moreWhy this program?
- Explore media-related courses in multiple disciplines, including digital art, media studies, digital humanities, cultural studies, and creative writing
- Learn from experts, including software engineers, interactive animators, sound artists, multimedia artists, and computing technologists
- Train to be a leader in innovation and social entrepreneurship
Program information
Send details- Campus: Okanagan
- Faculty: Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
- Degree: Bachelor of Media Studies
- Length 4 yrs
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Co-op
Yes
You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
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Honours
No
You can study intense specialization in a single field.
The Media Studies program on UBC’s Okanagan campus is a computational arts program that combines digital media arts, visual art, media studies, social science, and humanities. You will develop the artistic, technical, and analytical skills you need to understand new media and the impact of technological innovation on our interactions and in our society. You’ll graduate a creative, articulate, culturally informed, critically reflective, and socially engaged citizen.
Experiential learning and research
As a Media Studies student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in research and work with local organizations on projects related to your coursework. You can also:
- Apply for a Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies Undergraduate Research Award.
- Take on media-related co-op positions or gain work experience through the Work Study program.
- Build your portfolio with The Phoenix, UBC’s student newspaper on the Okanagan campus.
- Volunteer abroad with the International Education Travel Subsidy.
- Connect with industry partners and community members through the Capstone@BMS course in Year Four of the program.
Your future
The program is designed for students looking towards a future in creative and cultural industries, and to continue their education in design, art, and academics as postgraduates. As a Media Studies graduate, you’ll be equipped to work with still images, sound, moving images, digital animations, virtual and data worlds, simulations, and games. You’ll also be adept at interface and interactive design, the application of encoded media practice, and the construction of networked environments and communities.
UBC stories
“[UBC Okanagan's Bachelor of Media Studies program is] a very interesting degree because it takes a lot of practices from visual arts and computer science and blends them together... it exposes you to so many different things and later it allows you to narrow things down and specialize in a certain digital field.”
Kai H., BMS Read the full story
Program requirements
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Media Studies
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
- Portfolio submission
- Letter of intent
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts