Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
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, Faculty of Science; School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape; and Department of Art, Department of English, and School of Creative and Performing Arts, Faculty of 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 from Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Computer Science, Art, Dance, Drama, English or Music.
- Additional Courses: Two graduate-level courses from Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Art, Dance, Drama, English and/or Music and three additional graduate-level courses.
- Research / Body of Work: The student will prepare original research and/or a creative practice body of work, appropriately scoped for a PhD.
- Computer Science: Two Computer Science graduate-level courses.
- Candidacy: Candidacy requires preparation of an approved reading list, a research proposal and both oral and written exams.
- Thesis: Students are required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Outcomes
Game design and development, film, TV, web design, simulation, training, networking, interactive media, public displays, and mobile and wearable computing, dance, music, theatre and the visual arts. Academic careers as post doctoral fellow, lecturer, professor or researcher.
A PhD in computational media design is usually considered a final degree.
Thesis-based program
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Four years full-time; six 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.
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Accepting InquiriesVisualization and Computer Graphics -
Accepting InquiriesSystems -
Accepting Inquiries -
Accepting InquiriesInteractive Computer Graphics and Visualization -
Accepting InquiriesPerformance, Technology, Drama & Story, Area Studies (English and Drama), Research Methods & Media, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning / Collaboration, Creativity -
Accepting InquiriesConservation in prairie agroecosystems, Landscape connectivity and spatial genetics, Pollinator status, Urban informatics -
Accepting InquiriesPerforming Arts Psychology, Dramaturgy, Performance Generating Systems and Improvisation, Interdisciplinary Research Methodology, Performing Arts Management -
UnavailableSocial Computing, Inclusive Design -
Accepting InquiriesData Science with Virtual and Augmented Reality, Simulations of Biological Systems using Game Engines, LINDSAY Virtual Human -
Accepting InquiriesSocial Implications of Technology, Privacy and Security, Smart Communities, Technocreepiness, Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare, Non-financial Applications of the Blockchain
Admission Requirements
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
A master's degree from a recognized institution.
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 references from within the 12-month period prior to application.
Test scores
None
Additional requirements
Applicants must show a demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research in art, dance, drama, design or music and computer science.
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 105.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 70.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 1 application deadline
- International students: Jan. 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
Learn more about this program
Department of Computational Media Design
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 602
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 4V8
403.220.3528
Faculty of Science
Biological Sciences, Room 540
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
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