Media and Communications
Overview
Assiniboine’s two-year Media and Communication diploma program prepares graduates for a career in television, radio or film.
Media and communications graduates who specialize in television, radio, or film can work in a variety of roles in these industries. They may be involved in the creative process of producing television shows, films, or radio programs, such as writing scripts, directing, or editing footage. Alternatively, they may work in technical roles, such as operating cameras, sound equipment, or editing software. Media and communications graduates may also work in marketing, advertising, or public relations roles, promoting and distributing media content to audiences. The specific job opportunities for media and communications graduates in television, radio, or film may vary depending on their area of expertise, experience, and industry trends.
Classes for this program are taught at Assiniboine's Centre for Creative Media - a cutting-edge, multi-functional space with state-of-the-art equipment.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Perform technical skills including camera operation, audio recording, lighting, editing and post-production for television, radio, film, digital, and audio content creation.
- Develop and execute effective storytelling techniques.
- Analyze audience and client needs in order to develop content that is relevant and engaging to their intended demographic.
- Communicate and collaborate creatively, meaningfully, and respectfully with team members.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to independently address challenges and develop solutions in a fast-paced media environment.
- Complete work to meet industry standards and best practices, including legal and ethical considerations and social responsibility.
- Maintain professionalism, attention to detail and quality of work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
- Adapt to changing technologies and trends, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow as a professional in a dynamic and evolving industry.
Examples of what graduates from this program can do:
- Produce, write, and develop compelling narratives for various audiovisual mediums including television, radio, film, podcasts, social media, documentaries, and digital platforms.
- Conduct research, gather information and verify facts to create compelling news and story content.
- Conduct interviews with subjects and produce content including news/sports/entertainment stories for broadcast and digital media.
- Use technical skills to write, shoot, edit, record, and produce high-quality content for broadcast and digital platforms.
- Collaborate with team members to create and produce live broadcasts, live event coverage, programs, and documentaries.
- Develop creative and feasible ideas for multimedia production using a range of tools and technologies.
- Work with clients to produce sponsored content or brand-specific media products.
- Set-up, operate, troubleshoot and maintain media equipment for optimal performance.
- Attend places and events to meet people, and conduct interviews to produce stories relevant to the local community.
Success Factors
You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy:
- Being curious about the world and eager to learn.
- Talking to people and learning their stories.
- Creating and sharing audio, video and written content.
- Learning and playing with new technology and equipment.
- Working as part of a creative team.
A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement.
The industry and program environment require individuals to:
- Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work.
- Communicate effectively with team members and clients.
- Work a variety of shifts, including nights, evenings and weekends.
- Continually seek and be open to feedback and critiques.
- Listen to direction and act on that accordingly.
- Maintain professionalism, attention to detail and quality of work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
- Manage projects and time effectively, meeting deadlines and delivering work within industry standards and best practices.
- Perform static tasks, such as sitting and using a computer.
- Perform physical tasks, such as operating and maintaining equipment of various sizes in a variety of environments.
- Use and keep up to date with changes in technology, and be willing to continuously learn and adapt.
- Work in a collaborative team environment or independently as the situation requires.
- Take ownership of your work and be accountable for meeting deadlines, communicating progress, and solving problems independently as they arise.
Interested in exploring similar program options?
We've got you covered! Here are some other great program options to consider.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
- English 40G/40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 65%
If you received your education outside of Manitoba, please review the equivalent admission requirements: Interprovincial or International.
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 requirements.
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DON'T MEET ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
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Careers & Connections
Career Opportunities
- Media production houses
- News outlets
- Film companies
- Radio stations
- In-house production teams of large companies
- Audiovisual companies
- Live event venues
- Entrepreneurs
- Freelance
Connections
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, see Articulation Agreements.
Tools & Supplies
Program Checklists, Textbooks, and Supplies
ASSINIBOINE BOOKSTORE
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.
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. See Technology Requirements for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
Year 1 | Year 2 | |
---|---|---|
Credits | 60.0 | 61.0 |
Tuition | $3,570 | $3,570 |
Course Fees | $1,940 | $1,980 |
Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | $510 | $510 |
Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | $4,560 | $520 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International students)
Year 1 | Year 2 | |
---|---|---|
Credits | 60.0 | 61.0 |
Tuition | $15,710 | $15,710 |
Course Fees | $1,940 | $1,980 |
Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | $510 | $510 |
Required Health Insurance | $750 | $750 |
Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | $4,560 | $520 |
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 Digital Audio (MEDP-0113)Prerequisite: MEDP-0086 Digital Audio & Radio 3 |
6 credit(s) | Yes | No | No |
Advanced Journalism (MEDP-0114)Prerequisites: MEDP-0086 Digital Video, MEDP-0112 Multiplatform Journalism 2 |
6 credit(s) | Yes | No | No |
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 |
Multiplatform Journalism 2 (MEDP-0112)Prerequisite: MEDP-0111 Multiplatform Journalism 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Photography & Cinematography (MEDP-0115)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 |