| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Media & Mass Communication | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Media & Mass Communication | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
1. Program Offered
Master of Digital Media (MDM)
16-month full-time program
Includes coursework, team-based projects, and a paid industry internship
Focuses on real-world collaboration with companies and startups in digital industries
2. Institutional Partnership
The Centre for Digital Media is a joint initiative of four leading academic institutions:
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Simon Fraser University (SFU)
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD)
Graduates receive a joint master’s degree issued by all four institutions
3. Campus and Location
Located at the Great Northern Way Campus in Vancouver
Features state-of-the-art facilities: collaborative studios, labs, production rooms, and student housing
Close to the city’s tech and digital entertainment industry hubs
4. Industry Integration
Strong connections with industry partners in gaming, film, AR/VR, and technology
Students work on projects directly with companies like EA, Microsoft, and local startups
5. International Student Friendly
Open to students worldwide with diverse academic backgrounds (design, computer science, business, engineering, etc.)
Fully eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Offers on-campus student housing and support services
6. Admission Requirements
A recognized undergraduate degree
Portfolio or work samples
Statement of intent
Resume and references
English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent)
Key Features of the MDM Program
Offered in partnership with:
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Simon Fraser University (SFU)
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD)
Program Structure:
Core courses in digital media production, design thinking, and project management
Multiple industry-sponsored team projects
Internship or major project in the final semester
Career Outcomes:
Digital product manager
Game designer or developer
UX/UI designer
AR/VR specialist
Digital strategist or producer
Eligibility for PGWP: Yes — students are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada after completing the MDM.
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Digital Media |
16 months (Full-time) |
$29,000 – $30,500 |
1. Globally Recognized Joint Degree
The MDM is awarded by four leading academic institutions:
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Simon Fraser University (SFU)
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD)
Graduates receive a joint master’s degree, highly respected in the digital media industry.
2. Industry-Focused Learning
The program includes real-world projects with companies such as EA, Microsoft, and local startups.
Final semester offers a paid internship or applied research project, often leading to job offers.
3. Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
As an accredited program through public universities, international students are eligible for a PGWP, allowing up to 3 years of work in Canada after graduation.
4. Multicultural and Inclusive Campus
The student body is highly international, with students from over 30 countries.
The campus fosters collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds (e.g., design, computer science, art, and business).
5. Modern Facilities and Housing
CDM is located at the Great Northern Way Campus in Vancouver.
Offers purpose-built student housing right on campus, exclusively for MDM students.
Access to collaborative studios, editing labs, and presentation spaces.
6. Student Support Services
Help with visas, academic advising, job search, and settling in Canada.
Orientation, career fairs, and ongoing workshops provided throughout the program.
7. Language Requirements
English proficiency is required:
IELTS: 7.0 overall
TOEFL iBT: 100
Duolingo: Not accepted (as of most recent updates)
1. Choose the Program
CDM offers one program: the Master of Digital Media (MDM), a 16-month full-time professional master's degree.
2. Review Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (from a recognized institution, any discipline)
Strong interest or background in digital media, design, tech, or business
English proficiency (if applicable):
IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in each band)
TOEFL iBT: 100
No GRE/GMAT required
3. Prepare Application Documents
You will need to submit the following:
Academic transcripts
Degree certificate
English test results (if required)
Statement of intent (why you want to pursue MDM)
Resume/CV
Portfolio (design, programming, writing, or any creative/technical work)
Two letters of reference (academic or professional)
4. Apply Online
Submit your application through the.
Pay the application fee (approx. CAD 95)
5. Attend an Interview (if shortlisted)
Selected applicants are invited for a video interview to assess fit, communication skills, and team compatibility.
6. Receive an Admission Decision
If accepted, you will receive an offer of admission and later a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to apply for your study permit.
7. Accept Offer and Pay Deposit
Pay a non-refundable deposit (applied to tuition) to secure your place in the program.
8. Apply for a Study Permit
Use your LOA to apply for a Canadian study permit through IRCC.
9. Plan for Arrival
Arrange housing (on-campus or off-campus) and participate in pre-arrival orientation sessions. CDM provides support for international students with visas, housing, and settlement.
Intake Session |
Start Month |
Availability |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake |
September |
Primary and only intake for MDM |
Applications typically open in October and close around February–March for international students.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Bachelor's degree (any discipline) from a recognized institution |
|
GPA Requirement |
Competitive GPA (varies by country, usually equivalent to 3.0+/4.0 or B average) |
|
English Language Proficiency |
IELTS 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5), TOEFL iBT 100, or equivalent |
|
Portfolio |
Required — can include design, art, programming, writing, or digital projects |
|
Statement of Intent |
Required — outlining goals, motivation, and fit for the program |
|
Resume/CV |
Required — detailing education, work experience, and relevant skills |
|
References |
Two letters (academic or professional) |
|
Interview |
Required for shortlisted candidates (conducted online) |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Value (USD Approx.) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Centre for Digital Media Scholarship |
All MDM applicants (domestic & international) |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
Based on academic merit, portfolio quality, and financial need |
|
International Student Tuition Grant |
Non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents |
Up to $10,000 |
Automatically considered during admission process |
|
Women in Digital Media Award |
Female applicants pursuing careers in digital media |
$2,000 – $5,000 |
Promotes gender diversity in tech/design fields |
|
Indigenous Student Award |
Indigenous students from Canada or abroad |
N/A |
Must self-identify and meet program criteria |
|
Industry-Sponsored Scholarships |
Applicants working on specific industry projects during the MDM |
N/A |
Offered in collaboration with partner companies |
|
Entrance Awards (General) |
Top-ranking applicants based on full application package |
$2,000 – $7,500 |
No separate application required |
Facility/Service |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Great Northern Way Campus, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
|
Campus Type |
Urban, specialized graduate school shared by UBC, SFU, BCIT, ECUAD |
|
Facilities |
Digital media studios, team rooms, editing labs, classrooms, event space |
|
On-Campus Housing |
Yes – CDM Student Residence |
|
Residence Type |
Furnished 4-bedroom apartments (shared kitchen/living), private bedrooms |
|
On-Campus Housing Cost |
Approx. $800 – $1,000 USD/month (includes utilities, Wi-Fi) |
|
Off-Campus Housing Options |
Yes – apartments, shared rentals in Vancouver area |
|
Off-Campus Rent Estimate |
$1,000 – $1,500 USD/month (varies by location and amenities) |
|
Housing Support |
Assistance provided with on-campus housing and off-campus resources |
|
Proximity to Downtown |
~10 minutes by public transit or cycling |
1. Interdisciplinary, Team-Based Culture
MDM students come from various backgrounds—design, programming, business, art, writing, and engineering.
Students work in multidisciplinary teams on real industry projects, simulating a studio or agency environment.
2. Industry Integration & Exposure
Regular workshops, networking events, and mentorships with professionals from companies like EA, Microsoft, Unity, and local startups.
Students present their work to industry sponsors and may secure internships or full-time roles directly through these relationships.
3. Creative Collaboration Spaces
CDM provides cutting-edge labs, project rooms, and collaboration spaces where students ideate, prototype, and present.
Student work is often showcased at demo days, exhibitions, and portfolio events.
4. Supportive Community
The relatively small cohort size (~50–60 students per year) creates a tight-knit and collaborative environment.
Students support one another academically, professionally, and socially.
5. Campus and Location
Located at Great Northern Way Campus in Vancouver—shared with UBC, SFU, BCIT, and ECUAD.
Students have access to public transit, food options, parks, and creative studios nearby.
6. On-Campus Housing
CDM has dedicated student housing, making it easy to live, work, and collaborate with fellow students.
Living on campus enhances the immersive experience and builds strong connections.
7. Events and Activities
Hackathons, design jams, game nights, guest speaker events, and alumni panels are common.
Cultural diversity is celebrated through shared meals, international nights, and peer-led events.
8. Career Support
Career workshops, portfolio reviews, interview prep, and job boards are all part of CDM’s commitment to helping students enter the digital workforce.
Placements at the Centre for Digital Media (CDM) in Canada are a key strength of the program, with a strong focus on real-world experience, industry collaboration, and job readiness. While CDM does not offer guaranteed job placements, the majority of students secure employment in their field within a few months of graduation, often through internships, capstone projects, or industry connections.
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Internship/Capstone |
Final semester includes a paid internship or major industry project |
|
Industry Project Sponsors |
Companies like EA, Microsoft, Unity, Blackbird Interactive, and startups |
|
Employment Rate |
Over 90% of graduates find work in their field within 6 months |
|
Job Titles |
UX/UI Designer, Game Designer, Digital Producer, Project Manager, Developer |
|
Career Services |
Resume support, portfolio reviews, mock interviews, job search workshops |
|
Employer Networking |
Frequent industry nights, demo days, and company pitch events |
|
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
Eligible — allows graduates to work in Canada up to 3 years |
Electronic Arts (EA)
Microsoft
Amazon Games
Unity Technologies
Slant Six Games
Archiact
Ubisoft
Startups and media agencies across Canada and abroad
The Centre for Digital Media (CDM) in Canada has a moderately selective admission process, with an estimated acceptance rate of around 30% to 40% for the Master of Digital Media (MDM) program. This is due to the program’s competitive nature, small cohort size, and emphasis on both academic and creative/professional potential.
Factor |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Estimated Acceptance Rate |
30% – 40% |
|
Program Capacity |
~50–60 students per intake (one intake per year) |
|
Selection Criteria |
Academic qualifications, portfolio, creativity, teamwork potential |
|
English Language Requirement |
IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 100 (if applicable) |
|
Interview Requirement |
Yes – shortlisted applicants are invited to a video interview |
|
Backgrounds Considered |
Design, tech, business, art, communications, engineering, media, etc. |
A well-crafted portfolio (design, development, writing, etc.)
Clear statement of intent showing goals and passion for digital media
Relevant academic background and/or professional experience
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Feature |
Information |
|---|---|
|
Institution Name |
Centre for Digital Media |
|
Address |
685 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC, V5T 0C6, Canada |
|
City |
Vancouver |
|
Province |
British Columbia |
|
Campus Type |
Urban, graduate-only, interdisciplinary |
|
Shared Campus |
Yes – shared with UBC, SFU, BCIT, and Emily Carr University |
|
Nearby Areas |
Mount Pleasant, Downtown Vancouver, and the Vancouver Tech Corridor |
|
Transit Access |
Easily accessible via bus, SkyTrain, and bike routes |
