Media Studies and Professional Communication Diploma

Main Campus

The Program

If you are fascinated by the words and images that we see every day in traditional mass media and social media, and you’re looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced career that requires maturity and excellent writing skills, consider the Media Studies and Professional Communication diploma at RDC.
 
In this program, you’ll study how mass media such as television, advertising and even video games influence, and are influenced by, society; you’ll also gain valuable knowledge to help you succeed in a variety of careers that require superior strategic communication skills. The combination of media studies and professional communication will allow you to adapt to an ever-changing job market by giving you strong critical thinking skills, and the tools to create effective messaging for your employer.

Completing the diploma program will open doors to employment in corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations; graduates can also transfer to several universities to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies or another discipline.

Our program offers:

• Small class sizes with dynamic learning activities
• A blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills
• An interdisciplinary approach that equips you to evolve in your career
• Dedicated instructors who will help you succeed
• A practicum placement that will give you experience in the communications field

Program Outcomes:

• Demonstrate the oral and written skills necessary to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively while adapting to different audiences and purposes.
• Employ current qualitative and quantitative research methods in addressing both complex theoretical questions and concrete professional challenges.
• Explain the history and application of communication theories related to topics such as mass media production, new media literacy, intercultural and interpersonal relations.
• Identify historical and contemporary trends and implications of various forms of mass media and technology.
• Apply critical media theory to oral, written and audiovisual communications in order to appraise sociocultural messaging, power dynamics, and bias.

Program Content

Year 1

COMM 271 Introduction to Communication Studies

COMM 383 Introduction to Public Relations

ENGL 219 Essay Composition and Critical Reading

MSPC 105 Interpersonal and Group Communication

MSPC 110 Visual Design Principles

MSPC 115 Basic Photography

COMM 371 Critical Media Studies

COMM 369 Classical Persuasion

COMM 313 Research Methods

COMM 363 Professional and Technical Communication

MSPC 120 Online Communication and Social Media

 

Year 2

COMM 381 History of Communication

COMM 375 Mass Communication in Canada

MSPC 205 Document Design and Editing

MSPC 210 Marketing and Branding

COMM 341 New Media, Technology, and Society

MSPC 215 Introduction to Project Management

MSPC 220 Issues in Communications Studies: Politics, Economics, Culture and Organizations

MSPC 225 Entrepreneurship and Professionalism

MSPC 230 Practicum Experience

MSPC Options (6 credits):

Any 3 credit college or university-transfer course

Any 3 credit college or university transfer course

Minimum 50% in ELA 30-1 and 50% in one 30-level course from Group A or C.
OR
One year of full-time post-secondary study (minimum 24 credits) with a minimum GPA of 2.0

Note: Students admitted to the program based on successful completion of one year of full-time academic study at the post-secondary level, but without ELA 30-1 or equivalent, will need to complete English upgrading during their first year of admission. As a result, it may take longer than four terms of full-time study to complete the MSPC diploma.

Note: Students intending to transfer to a university program are advised to ensure they have met the entrance requirements for that program (e.g. ELA 30-1, Social Studies 30, etc.) before taking the university transfer courses that are part of the MSPC program. Students may choose to take the 30-level requirements while completing the requirements of the MSPC diploma program, though as a result, it may take longer than four terms of full-time study to complete the diploma.

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Note: Government requires people who work directly with young children to have a current immunization record and a Police Information Check. While not an admission requirement for the program, some practicum agencies and field placements may require Police Information Checks of students working in their organizations. Information about obtaining Police Information Checks will be provided to students after they have been admitted to the program. Some programs may require medical examinations, as well.

Note: Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.

Successful completion of three terms of coursework or permission of Associate Dean prior to practicum placement.

Students must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

A diploma in Media Studies and Professional Communication provides the skills and knowledge required to begin a career in the multi-faceted Communications field. Students can expect to be performing roles including, but not restricted to, the following:

• Communication Specialist
• Writer/Editor
• Technical Writer
• Digital and Social Media Specialist
• Communications Marketing Generalist
• Digital Marketing Assistant
• Public Relations/Website Support Administrator
• Community Relations Specialist
• Public Affairs Assistant
• Community Relations/Sponsorship Specialist