Media & Communication Studies - High School Student
Overview
Media and communications are the lifeblood of organizations; it's how they interact with audiences, influence opinion, sell products and help people learn about and live in the world.
As a media and communications professional, every organization needs you. Become proficient in content creation and develop a media skillset invaluable to a range of employers.
Community engagement plays a large role in the projects you'll complete, whether through work experience and/or the fourth-year capstone project Emerge.
Specializations
You can choose to focus on one of three specializations:
- Digital Marketing & Social Media: Learn the fundamental principles of marketing with the evolving study of social media and its relationship to consumer behaviour. Courses include those that focus on search engine optimization techniques and social media analytics.
- Media Business & Management: Learn about organizational behaviour, consumer behaviour and leadership, with a focus on the media industry. Study the skills required to manage a media enterprise, such as data management and analytics, advertising and team-building.
- Visual Communication: Learn about photography (studio lighting, location photography and image capture and manipulation), digital graphic design (still and motion graphics, photography manipulation, marketing and editorial layouts, art direction and production design) and videography (storyboarding, video storytelling, shooting and editing video and sound).
You also have the option not to specialize and pursue a broader path of study.
Technology
On campus, access equipment such as multimedia production facilities (e.g., podcast suites, soundstage, HD multi-camera setup, switchers and editing suites). Use industry-standard software for composing, editing and publishing. Plus, sign out cameras and professional studio lighting. Equipment is available to all media students.
Capstone project
In your fourth year, you choose one of the following:
- Complete and present an undergraduate thesis (after year three) to apply research principles, build your presentation skills and prepare for graduate studies; or
- Take part in Emerge. Imagine working on a six-month communications solution for a community-based organization. Students have partnered with Sunshine Therapy Dogs, Toronto International Film Festival, Women & Children's Shelter of Barrie, Cambridge Food Bank, and Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation and more.
240 hours of workplace experience
After third year, you will complete an internship of 240 hours, either locally or abroad.
Past internships
- Bell Canada
- Canadian Tire Corporation
- Corus Entertainment
- Government of Canada
- Harry Rosen Inc.
- Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- National Ballet of Canada
- Pinch Social
- SickKids Hospital
- Special Olympics Ontario
- Stratford Festival
- Universal Music Canada
- Walt Disney Studios Canada
Popular course: Social Media Strategies
- Journalism & Digital Storytelling
- Marketing & Public Relations
- Crisis Communication & Reputation Management
- Audio Storytelling
- Graphic Design
- Art Direction & Production Design
Note: Courses listed above are a selection from all four years of the program. For a course breakdown by year, click on the Program Overview below.
Get to know us better
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The program exposed me to all the different media sectors. I learned the basics of Photoshop and photography while also understanding how to craft a press release and a news article. One of my favourite classes was learning about the regulations and policies to protect Canadian media, whether TV, film or music.
Options include...
- Campaign Strategist
- Brand Manager
- Communications Coordinator
- Content Creator
- Print/Web/Video Editor
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Account Director
- Podcaster
- Market Researcher
- Graphic Designer
- Communications Consultant
- Social Media Analyst
- Entrepreneur
- Communications & External Relations Director
- Crisis Communications Manager
Graduate school and further education
- Master of Arts in Communications
- Master of Journalism
- Master of Arts in Media Production
- Bachelor of Education (Teachers College)
- Law School
- Master of Marketing
- Master of Management
- Master of Digital Media
Note: Some careers and entry into further education may require additional study.
If you don't see your career goal listed here - talk to us! There are many more options.
Start to finish
Learn how to do an entire project, from the development of a concept to producing the content, distributing it and analyzing the impact.
Instructors in the industry
You are taught by professionals working in the field. Learn from their firsthand experience!
Helping hand
Know that you can reach out to instructors, program staff, student services staff and your classmates to help you figure out tech, assignments and readings, and work through other personal challenges. You’re a name, not a number.
Supported learning
- Your classmates/cohort will move through the program together.
- Your instructors open doors to diverse professional networks. Their mentorship can guide you to new opportunities.
- Your program team is eager to assist you. With everything in one building and a small student population, they’re a footstep or email away. Your team includes your Academic Advisor, Placement Coordinator, Career Coordinator, Librarian and Student Life Coordinator.
Safe spaces
Once you experience it, you’ll recognize it. U of GH creates a tremendous sense of safety through the support of the Chairs, professors and staff. Feel comfortable to share your voice and care for your mental health.
Heading to law school
Graduate ready for Canadian law school or take advantage of our partnerships in England. Earn a senior status law degree (LLB) with The City Law School, City, University of London in just two years without an LSAT requirement, or a Master of Law (LLM) through distance learning with the University of London in one year (full-time) or up to five years (part-time). Both with reduced tuition.
A step ahead
After graduation, take advantage of our partnership for a Master of Science degree with the University of Guelph (in Guelph, Ontario) MSc in Management. Speak with Career and Placement Services for more information.