Media and Communications
Overview
Make the stories you want to tell happen. Create powerful messages through audio or visual productions and gain the technical skills to bring those narratives to life.
Are you always asking questions? Do you enjoy telling stories in unique and creative ways? The Media and Communications two-year diploma program gives you the opportunity to excel in a hands-on career in television, radio or film. Learn all facets of the industry and then specialize in what you like best. Our experienced instructors push you to develop your narrative craft, tackle news reporting, and master technical skills.
Learn how to communicate compelling stories—multiplatform journalism can be found here. Write a story from start to finish, but have the ability to put it into a range of audio and visual formats, including podcasts, documentaries and broadcasts. Develop your passion for television or radio, and hone your craft across a wide range of audiovisual environments. Learn to write, announce, shoot, record, edit and produce. In your final term, focus on an area most interesting to you and develop your niche interest.
There’s no sitting in a classroom day after day here. Be a college radio personality, produce documentary films, do live television broadcasts on our Westman Newsline television show, and push yourself to find creative ways to showcase your ideas. Every assignment connects you to our broader communities and gives you hands-on opportunities to try new things and gain new skills. During your Capstone project, choose an area of interest and be mentored by a field specialist.
This flexible and comprehensive program will prepare you for entry-level broadcast roles within a team. Graduates have gone on to work with major news and entertainment networks, production houses and digital agencies. An eight-week work practicum at the end of your second year of study helps build on your strengths and gives you the opportunity to make industry connections before graduation. Past practicum partners include Bell Media, CBC, CTV, Global Television and Westman Communications Group.
Admissions
- A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
- English 40G/40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 65%
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.
International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Applicants prior to applying to this program.
Careers & Connections
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Media and Communications find exciting and challenging entry level opportunities as camera operators, news and sports journalists, cinematographers, editors, VJs, radio DJs, film industry technicians, audio producers, live production operators, live sound engineers and content creators. Prospective employers include: media production houses, news outlets, film companies, radio stations, in-house production teams of large companies, audio-visual companies and live event venues. Entrepreneurs may find additional options with freelance contracts.
Connections
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit assiniboine.net/registrar.
Tools & Supplies
Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. The most current textbook info for the spring and summer terms are available on the Bookstore website.
2022-23 Lists:
Program Checklists:
Supplies List:
Technology Requirements
Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech, Creative Media programs for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
Credits | Tuition | Course fees | Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) | Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Media and Communications (YR 1) | 60 | $3,310 | $1,570 | $450 | $4,430 |
Media and Communications (YR 2) | 61 | $3,360 | $1,630 | $460 | $670 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International students)
Credits | Tuition | Course Fees | Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) | Required Health Insurance | Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Media and Communications (YR 1) | 60 | $15,200 | $1,570 | $450 | $750 | $4,430 |
Media and Communications (YR 2) | 61 | $15,450 | $1,630 | $460 | $750 | $670 |
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.
Courses
To graduate with a Media and Communications diploma, students must successfully complete 120 academic credits and 1 practical credit. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.
Year One Courses
Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
---|---|---|---|---|
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Digital Audio & Radio 1 (MEDP-0083)This course introduces students to essential audio theory while orienting them to audio equipment used to create audio content for multiple platforms. The focus is on acquisition and editing of professional quality audio for basic single-waveform and multitrack projects. A portion of this course is also dedicated to the rules and regulations of radio broadcasting in Canada and on-air performance techniques. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Digital Audio & Radio 2 (MEDP-0084)Prerequisite: MEDP-0083 Digital Audio & Radio 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Digital Toolkit 1 (COMP-0617)This course provides an introduction and overview of the industry standard software tools used to create and distribute media content. Students select appropriate strategies and tools to develop digital content. Best practices in production collaboration & management methods are emphasised. The art and craft of photography is introduced here along with the techniques required to acquire technically correct and aesthetically pleasing photographs. Students gain skills in the foundation of still image post production techniques. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Digital Toolkit 2 (COMP-0618)Prerequisite: COMP-0617 Digital Toolkit 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Digital Video (MEDP-0086)This course prepares students for the challenges of pre-producing, filming and editing video productions. Focus is on the professional details and fundamental skills necessary to successfully acquire, sequence and presentation video for multiple delivery methods. Students recall and use video production terminology to communicate effectively as members of a production team. Students demonstrate best practices in the use of camera, lighting and video monitor systems and evaluate video productions and production values according to industry standards. Students identify and describe the underlying technical theory and the functions of basic equipment used in video production facilities/studios. Students master finished video productions for a variety of delivery methods. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Film and Factual 1 (MEDP-0087)Prerequisite: MEDP-0086 Digital Video |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Multiplatform Journalism 1 (MEDP-0111)Prerequisite: COMM-0398 Storytelling |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Production Lab (MEDP-0093)This course allows for specific training on specialized equipment with a rotating schedule. Students receive instruction in smaller groups on industry-standard equipment and software such as cameras, audio boards, microphones, audio equipment set-up, radio automation software, etc. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Storytelling (COMM-0398)Since before the birth of civilization, human beings have used stories to understand and explain the world. Today, stories are incorporated into many forms of informational communication including podcasts, documentaries, news and sports reporting, and so on. This course provides students with the foundational skills to craft original, compelling, and informative stories. This course also exposes students to aspects of indigeneity by exploring the history and importance of oral storytelling. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Unscripted Video Production 1 (MEDP-0094)Prerequisite: MEDP-0086 Digital Video |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Year Two Courses
Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Radio (MEDP-0081)Prerequisite: MEDP-0085 Digital Audio & Radio 3 |
6 credit(s) | Yes | No | No |
Business Marketing & Branding (BUSN-0193)This course gives students an understanding of basic small business practices. In the era of the gig economy, it is essential that students have practical entrepreneurship skills. Students engage in business communications such as production proposals, formal letter writing, small production budgets, tracking production hours, costing of rentals or capital expenditures and follow established invoicing practices. They become familiar with the forms of small business and what is entailed in establishing their own small enterprise. They work on developing a brand for their business operation and learn about the various ways they can market themselves. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Capstone (MEDP-0082)Prequisites: MEDP-0088 Film and Factual 2, MEDP-0112 Multiplatform Journalism 2, MEDP-0085 Digital Audio and Radio 3, COMP-0619 Digital Toolkit 3, MEDP-0095 Unscripted Video Production 2 |
18 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Digital Audio & Radio 3 (MEDP-0085)Prerequisite: MEDP-0084 Digital Audio & Radio 2 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Digital Toolkit 3 (COMP-0619)Prerequisite: COMP-0618 Digital Toolkit 2 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Film and Factual 2 (MEDP-0088)Prerequisite: MEDP-0087 Film and Factual 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Film and Factual Production (MEDP-0089)Prerequisite: MEDP-0088 Film and Factual 2 |
6 credit(s) | Yes | No | No |
Live Multi-Cam (MEDP-0090)Prerequisites: MEDP-0086 Digital Video, MEDP-0095 Unscripted Video Production 2 |
6 credit(s) | Yes | No | No |
Live Sound Reinforcement (MEDP-0091)Prerequisite: MEDP-0085 Digital Audio & Radio 3 |
6 credit(s) | Yes | No | No |
Multiplatform Journalism 2 (MEDP-0112)Prerequisite: MEDP-0111 Multiplatform Journalism 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Photography (MEDP-0092)Prerequisite: COMP-0619 Digital Toolkit 3 |
6 credit(s) | Yes | No | No |
Practicum - MDCOM (PRAC-0294)Prerequisites: Cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater, MEDP-0082 Capstone |
1 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Unscripted Video Production 2 (MEDP-0095)Prerequisite: MEDP-0094 Unscripted Video Production 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Video Journalism (MEDP-0110)Prerequisites: MEDP-0086 Digital Video, MEDP-0112 Multiplatform Journalism 2 |
6 credit(s) | Yes | No | No |