Overview
The Master of Digital Media program is a professional graduate degree in Vancouver, Canada. Guided by top-level faculty and industry mentors, students learn management and collaboration skills, working in teams on industry-supported projects. Students graduate with the skills to work in the top jobs in digital media as producers, designers, managers, technical artists and entrepreneurs.
The MDM program offers a way for students to realize their vision by providing a learning environment that fosters bold creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration in a realistic industry-based work setting. Our students come from around the globe, and from many different undergraduate and professional backgrounds, including art, design, natural and social sciences, business, computer science and engineering.
Industry projects and team-based learning are the core of the MDM curriculum. In the second and third semesters, teams of three to six students work on industry-sponsored projects to develop prototypes or applications from concept to deliverable. Students get hands-on experience working with teammates who are from different backgrounds and disciplines, as well as valuable experience working with clients. Students must also secure a four-month internship, reflect and report back on how their MDM experience is applied in the real world. Through this, students gain valuable management, technical and design experience in the digital media industry.
What makes the program unique?
The MDM program was created through a unique partnership of four leading academic institutions - University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Emily Carr University of Art + Design and British Columbia Institute of Technology - and leaders from the digital media industry. Through this partnership, a curriculum was developed that corresponds to industry needs and prepares students for high-level roles in new and expanding digital media markets.
The core differentiator of the Master of Digital Media program and other comparable Masters programs is the emphasis of experiential learning through project courses. In fact, 65% of MDM coursework is project-based.
Students enjoy the benefits of living and working in Vancouver, a dynamic city and international digital media hub. Vancouver has one of the top video game clusters in the world, has the world's largest VFX and animation hub and is a world leader in virtual and augmented reality.
Quick Facts
Program Enquiries
Research Information
Program Components
An internship is a requirement of the MDM Program. Students must secure a 4-month internship related to their career objectives. The internship semester starts in the fall, following 3 semesters of course work. Students have the option to extend their internships to 8 months.
The MDM Program provides guidance and support for students to secure their own internships with digital media companies, non-profit organizations, or any business or organization needing an application of digital media technologies.
The program also supports venture internships for students to develop start-up ventures. In all cases, students gain industry experience and learn to use their skills and knowledge in developing real applications.
Research Facilities
The Master of Digital Media program is housed at the Centre for Digital Media on Great Northern Campus. In addition to the graduate program, there are industry studios on campus and industry and professional development events that happen year-round. Furnished studio apartments are located upstairs and are available to rent for MDM students.
Tuition & Financial Support
Financial Support
Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options.
Program Funding Packages
There are many scholarship opportunities available to students in the Master of Digital Media program. 50% of students received a scholarship or other financial assistance throughout the program in 2018-2019.
Employer support
Organizations may provide their employees with tuition benefits as part of an employment package to support lifelong learning of their workforce.
Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)
Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. Some programs may offer bursaries.
Financial aid (need-based funding)
Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans.
All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.
Foreign government scholarships
Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.
Working while studying
The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.
International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.
A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement.
Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals
Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.
Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.
Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.
Cost Calculator
Applicants have access to the cost calculator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.
Career Options
Further Information
Specialization
Digital Media develops six core competencies: design process, self-awareness, time management, articulation, information literacy, and teamwork.
Program Website
Faculty Overview
Academic Unit
Program Enquiries
Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update the application inquiries contact details please use this form.
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