Your degree in Media Studies

Skills you’ll develop

During your Media Studies degree, you’ll develop important skills to help you understand new media and the impact of technological innovation on our interactions and in our society.

These skills may include:

Analyzing and interpreting media, drawing upon visual art, critical media theory, journalism, English, creative writing, film, information studies, and computer science
Critically thinking about and assessing various mediums including radio, television, cinema, blogs, data, social media, books, interactive media, photographs, and more
Collaborating on projects that question the nature and effect of various means of communication
Exploring cultural phenomena while developing your artistic and creative ability
Designing, organizing, and completing projects grounded in research and media theory
Effective written and oral communication skills used to express opinions and perspectives related to new media
Innovating new applications through hands-on development experience
Technical skills in digital media production and development

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including technology or software development, graphic design, interactive media, gaming, web design, communications, consulting, government, non-profit, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Advertising designer
Advertising specialist
Animation programmer
Archives manager
Art critic
Art director
Communications manager
Communications policy researcher
Community arts coordinator
Copywriter
Content developer
Curator
Editor
E-learning specialist
Event planner
Festival organizer
Filmmaker
Fundraiser or Grant writer
Graphic designer
Interactive media consultant

Journalist
Marketing specialist
Market research analyst
Media relations officer
Multimedia developer
Multimedia manager
Online marketing manager
Product design
Photographer
Public relations manager
Production assistant
Social media account management
Media campaign manager
Software development manager
UX designer
Videographer
Video games project manager
Visual effects producer
Web developer

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.

UBC Media Studies Student Association
Meet other UBC students in your program through events and programs.
Departmental events
Network with Media Studies students and faculty members at a variety of events.
Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
Media Studies co-op success stories
Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program.
The Ubyssey
Volunteer to write articles for this weekly online student paper, no previous experience required.
Discorder Magazine
Submit articles, illustrations and photographs to amplify independent and underrepresented voices.
PRISM International
Contribute contemporary writing or participate in a fiction, poetry, short form, or creative non-fiction contest.
Cinephile, UBC’s Film Journal
Write research papers, book reviews, and reports that engage with debates appropriate to film, media, and cultural studies.
The Garden Statuary
Share your essays, poetry, photographs and other work in UBC’s English Undergraduate Journal.
Undergraduate Journal of Art History and Visual Culture
Showcase undergraduate research, artwork, and writing in a peer-reviewed journal.
National mentorship program
Find mentorship programs for aspiring media producers with the Canadian Media Producers Association.
Arts funding opportunities
Apply for grants from professional associations, corporations, non-profits, and government organizations.
BC Alliance for Arts + Culture job board
Browse part-time and full-time opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and accessing job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Media Studies graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.