Computational Media Design

Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis-based program

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Are you a creative thinker with a passion for art and technology? Do you refuse to be bound by convention? Computational Media Design is a leading-edge program designed for students innovating at the intersection of art, music, dance, drama, design and computer science. This research-based degree is offered jointly through the Department of Computer Science, the Faculty of Environmental Design, the Department of Art, and the School of Creative and Performing Arts. In the expanding world of multimedia and design, there is an increasing need for graduates who are equipped to handle complex projects that combine computing expertise with the creative energies of artists and designers. The CMD program prepares students to answer this emerging need. Admission is highly competitive, and only the most promising applicants are selected.

Completing this program

Research Methodology Course: This course can be in Computer Science, Environmental Design, Art, Dance, Drama or Music.
Additional Courses: One graduate courses in Art, Dance, Drama, Environmental Design and/or Music, and two additional graduate courses.
Computer Science: A graduate course in Computer Science (in addition to the research methodology course).
Thesis: Students are required to submit a research proposal, and submit and defend an original research thesis.

Outcomes

Companies whose primary business is game design and development, film, TV, web design, simulation, training, networking, interactive media, public displays, and mobile and wearable computing. Interest in our graduates also comes from the creative fields of dance, music, theatre and the visual arts.

A master’s degree in computational media design will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Courses

Five courses

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Two years full-time; four years maximum

Supervisor

Co-Supervision is required

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

Usman Alim

Accepting Inquiries

Visualization and Computer Graphics
John Aycock

Accepting Inquiries

Systems
Bruce Barton

Accepting Inquiries
Mario Costa Sousa

Accepting Inquiries

Interactive Computer Graphics and Visualization
Patrick Finn

Accepting Inquiries

Performance, Technology, Drama & Story, Area Studies (English and Drama), Research Methods & Media, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning / Collaboration, Creativity
Denis Gadbois

Accepting Inquiries

Photography, Design,
Christian Jacob

Accepting Inquiries

Data Science with Virtual and Augmented Reality, Simulations of Biological Systems using Game Engines, LINDSAY Virtual Human
Thomas P, (Tom) Keenan

Accepting Inquiries

Social Implications of Technology, Privacy and Security, Smart Communities, Technocreepiness, Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare, Non-financial Applications of the Blockchain
Frank Maurer

Accepting Inquiries

Engineering immersive analytics applications
Lora Oehlberg

Unavailable

GPA

A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

Four year baccalaureate degree, preferably in Computer Science, Art, Dance, Drama, Design, or Music. Background in two areas is preferred.

Work samples

A portfolio of up to 10 examples of research and creative work. Any combination of academic publications/reports, images, video, audio, musical scores, documentation of installations, written works. URL can be provided if upload isn't possible via application system.

Documents

One-page statement of interest (not a research proposal) in an area of interdisciplinary research of computer science alongside art, dance, drama, design, or music
A C.V.

Reference letters

Two reference letters from within the 12-month period prior to application.

Test scores

None

English language proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based). Our institution code is 0813
IELTS score of 7.5 (Academic version)
MELAB score of 86, or higher
Tier 3 of the International Foundations Program with minimum grades of A,A,A (Writing & Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency)

Deadlines

For admission on September 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: Feb. 1 application deadline
International students: Feb. 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements