Training students for success in the digital economy is the goal of UBC’s new Bachelor of Media Studies (BMS) program.
The innovative four-year professional degree launches in September 2015. It will combine theory and research with hands-on experiences including an exchange program with European universities and co-op job opportunities.
“We’re reimagining the arts degree for the 21st century,” says Janet Giltrow, senior associate dean for the Faculty of Arts. “The media studies program will give our students the skills needed to prosper in today’s digital and creative industries, and enable them to capitalize on Vancouver’s reputation as a burgeoning digital hub.”
The BMS takes an interdisciplinary approach. Core courses include computer science, creative writing, journalism, visual art and art history, information studies, film studies and production, and critical theory.
BMS graduates may choose to pursue a wide-range of career paths, including social media, graphic and digital design, imaging and film production, audience research, data analytics, media consulting and more.
Students can apply to enter the BMS program directly from high school, and will proceed through the degree’s four years as a group.
There will be an option in the program’s third year to study abroad at two prestigious European institutions. Students may opt to attend the University of Copenhagen, renowned for its offerings in film studies and production. The other option is the Free University of Berlin, which has a strong media studies program with an emphasis on political communications.
Students will also be able to gain valuable work experience placements through the UBC arts co-op program.
“If students forego the co-op option, they’ll find plenty of other community and industry experiences in other aspects of the curriculum,” says Giltrow.