Media Arts

FEATURES:

• Two fourth-year project courses working with community organizations provide opportunities to build your portfolio
• Program eligible for financial aid

UFV's Bachelor of Media Arts prepares you for creative production in digital and interactive media, one of the fastest growing industries in B.C. today.

The program is designed to equip you with computing and digital design skills, as well as the skills to work in creative teams. In addition to learning the traditional techniques and strategies of the creative disciplines, you also develop the ability to master new software and technologies independently. The ability to learn on your own is key in a fast-paced industry where emerging jobs may not yet have occupational titles.

The program emphasizes the need for practical experience. As part of your degree, you get to complete a professional practices course to know how to identify and market your skills in an industry where teamwork and creativity are at a premium. In your last year, your studies culminate in two large project courses where you put your skills to work for a community organization, under the supervision of a faculty member.

Within the degree, you have the flexibility to focus on your personal interests and career goals by selecting from one of five Media Arts Concentrations:

1. Applied Interactive Media
2. Digital Art
3. Interactive Media Leadership
4. Media and Performance
5. Screen Studies

View program outline in the UFV academic Calendar

According to Creative BC, British Columbia is home to one of the world’s largest and most advanced interactive and digital entertainment cluster. It is also becoming known in Canada as a hub for virtual reality content creation. In fact, the interactive and digital media sector is one of the fastest growing industries in B.C. at a rate of 11% per year. The industry features average salaries of $84K and $2.3 billion in sales.

The main challenge of the industry is to attract and retain skilled talent. As a result, many opportunities exists for young content creators and creative entrepreneurs, either working as freelancers, or for a company or clients.

Employment opportunities exist for programmers, UX, web, and graphic designers, illustrators, writers, multimedia and special effects artists, project and production managers, video producers, performers, marketers, and animation and video game designers.

Because a wide range of companies need the services of talented content providers, media arts grads can choose the type of company that has the most appeal, whether it is a start-up, an  agency, a non-profit, or a multinational. 

Entrance to this program is competitive, and based on a combination of grades, prior academic experience, prior workplace experience, and a portfolio.

View entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

When your application has been processed, you will receive information on a program orientation and portfolio submission dates and a copy of the portfolio guidelines. The portfolio is not due at the time of application, but will be submitted online and reviewed in May for the Fall intake and in October for the Winter intake.

Students applying for the Bachelor of Media Arts through the Vancouver Film School pathway are required to submit a letter of intent. The letter of intent, as well as any questions, should be emailed to the Director of the School of Creative Arts, Heather Davis-Fisch (heather.davisfisch@ufv.ca)

This program is open to international students

• How to apply
• Apply now

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements can upgrade in order to meet prerequisites for university classes.

Book an appointment with the Upgrading and University Preparation department to discuss your upgrading needs.

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Media Arts, you will:

1. Develop work that engages interdisciplinary creative practices
2. Use digital technologies to create work that integrates existing and new forms of knowledge, practice, and production
3. Situate digital media within historical and theoretical contexts
4. Identify the drivers of change in the digital media industry
5. Evaluate their role as content creators, and analyze the social impact of their work
6. Employ the basic skills required to run a small or self-employed business in this sector, including skills in project management, labour management, client relations, marketing and financial planning
7. Pitch ideas to funders using oral or written presentations
8. Apply knowledge of media law to discern legal issues, protect their own intellectual property, and respect the intellectual property of others
9. Make ethical choices within the framework of digital media collaboration and information sharing.
10. Contribute constructively as part of a creative team
11. Develop networks with other content creators to initiate and develop future projects
12. Communicate with a high level of proficiency using digital media
13. Demonstrate adaptability in learning and using digital media technology

Phone: 604-864-4674
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441, ext. 4674
Email: advising@ufv.ca
Book an appointment with the Fine Arts advisor