General Information
The essence of Broadcasting is communicating effectively with images, words and sounds. Whether it is telling a story, providing information about a product or service, delivering entertainment, or covering a live event, media content has to be conveyed in a manner that meets the needs of diverse audiences. Industry professionals have to be able to adapt to rapid changes in trends and technology and be well versed in producing for traditional broadcast media, networks and production houses, as well as for the online demands of corporations, government and non-profits.
The Broadcast Media Studies curriculum includes communication theory, a media focus on ethics and inclusion, the use of statistics in disseminating information on digital platforms, incorporating design theory and rhetoric for media content, on-air performance, news, sports and current affairs reporting and presentation, technical operations, audio production and podcasts, multi-camera mobile production, single-camera on-location shooting, lighting, editing and graphics creation. In addition, General Education courses and electives provide the opportunity to study a range of subjects, and to concentrate on a particular discipline and earn a minor.
Student Conduct
Broadcast Media Studies students must adhere to MRU’s Code of Student Conduct as well as the expectations of professional industry organizations such as the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, the Ads Standards Council’s Canadian Code of Advertising, and the Association of Electronic Journalists’ Code of Ethics. Any deliberate breaches will result in disciplinary action with transgressions being equated to academic dishonesty, and with consequences as outlined in the Mount Royal Code of Student Conduct.
Work Experience
Between the third and fourth years of the Broadcast Media Studies program, students are required to complete a non-credit, semester-long supervised work experience (a minimum of 12 weeks of full-time work) in the industry. This is an opportunity to further develop their skills in a media-related environment alongside professionals.
To be eligible, all students must complete a range of prerequisites. Because the work involves professional placements, the program chair can, for a fixed period, deny eligibility for the placement to any student who has acted in an inappropriate and unprofessional manner during the preparation phase or during the work experience placement.
Any student who exhibits professional misconduct before or during the placement may be required to withdraw from the program subject to terms of the Student Code of Conduct.
General Admission Requirements
All students must meet the general admission requirements for Mount Royal University programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants must also satisfy the following criteria:
Academic Course Requirements
The following specific courses (or equivalencies) with the specified minimum grades are required for admission into the Bachelor of Communication - Broadcast Media Studies program:
- English Language Arts 30-1 - 60%
- Social Studies 30-1
Although Conditional Admission may be granted in advance of receipt of final/official transcripts, confirmation of the achievement of specified minimum grades will take place after all final/official transcripts have been received by the University. Applicants who do not meet these minimum grade requirements will be denied admission.
Indigenous Student Admission
Each year 7% of the seats in the Bachelor of Communication Studies - Broadcast Media Studies will be reserved for Indigenous applicants through an Indigenous admission target. To be considered for admission under the Indigenous Admission target, the applicant must:
- self-identify as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission
- meet the definition of an Indigenous Applicant
- meet the minimum admission requirements as indicated in the general admission requirements for Mount Royal University as well as any program level admission requirements
Designated seats for this special consideration target will be filled by Indigenous applicants on a competitive basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply during Early Admission. Any unfilled designated seats will be released on June 15 to students applying under the general admission requirements.
Program Continuance
Students accepted into the Bachelor of Communication program are subject to Mount Royal policies and regulations relating to baccalaureate degrees and continuance.