Bachelor Programme
Media Studies
The Bachelor of Media Studies at UBC Vancouver is a four-year, cohort-based degree that combines media theory, research and hands-on production, drawing on art history and visual art, creative writing, journalism, cinema and film production, computer science, information studies, English and German studies. Students take program-only MDIA studio courses with community partners and specialize in one focus area (information design, visual or narrative), with co-op and study abroad possible in third year. This is a direct-entry program with limited seats: students apply to UBC with the BMS as their first choice and submit a supplemental application with two original media works, or transfer into the Year 2 cohort.
University
University of British Columbia
Country
Canada
Level
Bachelor
Field
Media Studies
Duration
4 years
Language
English
Campus
Vancouver
Degree
Bachelor of Media Studies (BMS)
Intake
September
Application Deadline
January 15, 2027 for the UBC application (international scholars: November 15, 2026); BMS supplemental application by January 17, 2027
Tuition Information
2026/27 first-year tuition: CAD 51,530.40 per year for international students (Media Studies rate, CAD 1,717.68 per credit x 30 credits) and CAD 8,252.40 for Canadian students (Media Studies rate, CAD 275.08 per credit x 30 credits). Fees for students starting in 2027/28 have not yet been published. Tuition only; student fees, health insurance and housing are extra.
Admission Requirements
- Supplemental application (November 2, 2026 to January 17, 2027): two self-produced media works in different media and a written response of up to 1,200 characters; the BMS must be your first choice on the UBC application
- Year 2 entry needs three first-year core courses (such as ARTH 101, CINE 100, CPSC 100 or MDIA 100) plus the Arts writing component
- BC high school: English Studies 12 (or English First Peoples 12)
- IB: no specific courses beyond UBC's general admission requirements; IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL/HL or Applications and Interpretations HL strongly recommended; portfolio (two media works) required
- English language proof, if required, is due February 15, 2027 (see English Language Requirements below)
English Language Requirements
International applicants must satisfy UBC's English Language Admission Standard.
IELTS Academic
6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
90 overall
PTE Academic
65 overall
Duolingo English Test
125 overall
CAEL
70 overall
Cambridge English
180