MASTERS OF DIGITAL MEDIA PROGRAM VIEWBOOK 2013
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Educating Innovators And Leaders In Digital Media
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Messages From Our Academic Partners
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Academic Programs 7 Program Curriculum: Learning By Doing
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Course Descriptions 11 The Centre For Digital Media
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Our Students 17 Our Faculty 19 Our Academic Partners
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Our Industry Partners 25 Vancouver: Digital Media Hub
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How To Apply 31 Tuition and Fees 31
EDUCATING INNOVATORS AND LEADERS IN DIGITAL MEDIA Message from Dr. Richard Smith Director, Masters of Digital Media Program I am extremely proud to be part of the team at Vancouver’s Centre for Digital Media, directing the Masters of Digital Media, a professional graduate degree growing in reputation worldwide. The following letters from our academic partners attest to one of the great strengths of the program: a degree granted by all four major research and teaching institutions in Vancouver. Our industry-sponsored projects and internships are other strengths: students graduate with hands-on experience and valuable professional connections. Vancouver is one of the world’s important gathering places for a growing number of major and emerging players in digital media: games, animation, visual effects, mobile applications, and networks. Join us, and then join them. Or start your own digital media company, as several of our graduates have done!
About the Director Dr. Richard Smith has over two decades of academic and directorial experience at Simon Fraser University. A professor at the School of Communication at SFU for over fifteen years, he has also served as Director of SFU’s Centre for Policy Research on Science and Technology (CPROST) for the past ten years. His active engagement with local, national and international media on issues related to his research into the contemporary world of technology, social media and public surveillance has also made him a recognized public commentator. His service to the university through public affairs and media relations earned Dr. Smith the 2009 SFU President’s Award.
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MESSAGES FROM OUR ACADEMIC PARTNERS Professor Stephen J. Toope President and Vice-Chancellor The University of British Columbia Create it. Produce it. Master it. The first of its kind in Canada. Jointly accredited by four exceptional post-secondary institutions. Outstanding industry partners. The Masters of Digital Media (MDM) program will provide you with the highest possible standard of professional education; a curriculum that trains you for the full range of industry opportunities; and the chance to work with leading thinkers and innovators locally, nationally, and internationally. Learn, discover, contribute ... in your own way. In return, you will be required to draw on every one of your unique experiences and talents in order to succeed. To hone the leadership skills and creative abilities every sector of the industry demands. To hold true to your own vision so that the contribution you make is distinctly yours. At UBC, we say, Tu um est: "It's yours" and "It's up to you." If digital media is your path, this is your program.
Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Simon Fraser University At Simon Fraser University, we know a thing or two about turning big ideas into bold success stories. Dubbed the “instant university” when we opened our doors in 1965, SFU is now one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities, widely recognized for its student-centred, research-driven and community-engaged approach to higher learning. SFU is proud to be an integral part of the unique educational collaboration represented by the Centre for Digital Media and the Master of Digital Media program. When the new centre opens its doors in 2012, it will welcome more than 100 of the best minds in digital design and media— five times the size of the inaugural cohort in 2007. As part of this highly creative academic family, you can be confident of your future as a leader in the rapidly growing digital media community.
Yours sincerely,
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Dr. Ron Burnett President Emily Carr University of Art + Design Emily Carr has been a primary partner in the creation and development of the Masters of Digital Media program, and continues to foster its model of professional, multidisciplinary and practice-oriented education. The MDM program also shares in Emily Carr’s academic vision for higher education: to develop students that add value to both society and the economy. The program achieves this through a challenging and experiential curriculum that engages students’ imagination, skills and creativity through real world, teambased projects. In this approach, students learn how to use their knowledge and creativity to expand and enhance our experiences with digital media; MDM graduates leave with the knowhow and confidence to put these skills into practice.
Don Wright, PhD President British Columbia Institute of Technology The Masters of Digital Media program provides a learner experience based on the combination of academic courses and industry experience. This model of both contextual and experiential learning is consistent with BClT's model of education and provides what we know to be the best pathway to rewarding careers. The continued evolution of this program to reflect both the local and international Digital Media industry ensures that students remain up to date with the latest industry requirements. The dedication of the faculty, students, four academic partner institutions and all those involved in the Masters of Digital Media program, clearly shows a passion for the program which is reflected in our students and the skills they demonstrate in the works they produce and upon graduation. Sincerely,
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS At Vancouver BC’s Centre for Digital Media, we offer a professional graduate program in digital media designed for students from a wide-range of fields. The first such program in Canada, the Masters of Digital Media program (MDM) was created through a unique partnership of four leading academic institutions – UBC, SFU, ECUAD and BCIT – and leaders from the digital media industry. Through this partnership, a curriculum was developed that corresponds to industry needs and prepares students for high-level roles in new and expanding digital media markets. We currently offer an intensive 16-month full-time, master’s program (MDM). The program offers a challenging, experiential curriculum that draws upon students’ imagination, skills and creativity. Guided by top-level faculty and industry mentors, students work in teams on industry-supported projects for clients, which have included top companies like Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Zynga, and Microsoft. Team members learn how to collaborate across disciplines, communicate their ideas, and apply their knowledge and skills to produce results. Our graduates leave with a degree jointly awarded and accredited by all four academic partners, and a business network to serve them throughout their careers. They have the experience and confidence to work as leading creators, producers, innovators, or entrepreneurs. And as the digital media industry continues to flourish worldwide, our MDM graduates are increasingly in demand.
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PROGRAM CURRICULUM: LEARNING BY DOING Team-based project learning is core to the MDM curriculum. Following intensive foundational course work in the first semester, students work in cross-disciplinary teams with expert faculty and industry professionals on independent, semester-length projects. Each student also completes a full-time internship. Through this project work and internship, students gain valuable management, technical and design experience specific to the digital media industry, and graduate with the ability to: - Collaborate and communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams - Create comprehensive business plans and manage development projects - Design and deliver innovative, high-grade products to clients on time and on budget In addition to games and interactive entertainment, past industry projects have explored e-learning, social media marketing, web media, data visualization, and interactive advertising. And in some cases, projects have spawned student start-ups. Check out some of our featured projects at theCDM.ca/projects
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS The MDM and EMDM programs share the same curriculum base, and require internships. Please check our website for current course offerings. DMED 500 Foundations of Digital Media (3 credits) DMED 501 The Visual Story (3 credits) DMED 502 Interdisciplinary Improvisation (3 credits) DMED 503 Foundations of Game Design (3 credits) DMED 520 Projects I (6 credits) DMED 521 Projects II (12 credits) DMED 522 Projects III (12 credits) DMED 530 Internship (6 credits) In addition students must take one 3 credit elective offered at the Centre for Digital Media or an approved graduate level course at one of the academic partners. Elective topics include: The Business of Digital Media, User Experience, and Advanced Seminar in Social Media. For a list of electives currently being offered check theCDM.ca/curriculum DMED 500-3 Foundations of Digital Media Business, technological, social and ethical issues and realizations of digital media are introduced and framed. The emergence and ongoing development of digital media industries is discussed through a historical exploration and critical analysis of the economics, technical innovations, social demands and ethical constraints that define them. Outcomes include exploration of and a critical perspective on digital media, which will act as a common basis for all subsequent discussion and collaboration between students with artistic, technical or interdisciplinary backgrounds. A key theme of the course is the development of a framework to critically analyze as well as participate in the future of digital media and technology.
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DMED 501-3 The Visual Story The structures and techniques of linear storytelling, specifically as demonstrated in Film, will be analyzed and discussed though a series of lectures and discussions based on assigned films. While many elements of structure will be touched on, specific attention will be paid to Character and Themes and the relationship of Theme to both structure and Character. Use of story in selected Video Games will be analyzed and the potential, and dangers, of including Story and/or its various elements in Video Games will be discussed. The possibilities of Story, or any of its major components, being applied to other forms of interactive media will be touched upon. DMED 502-3 Interdisciplinary Improvisation The digital media industry depends and thrives on the interdependence, collaborative ability, and adaptability of its team members. The tools and exercises in DMED 502 are drawn from improvised comedy, music, clown, design thinking and visual design, and will introduce students to common team based industry practices. They will be able to improve various aspects of their creative and collaborative design skills, assess their ability to collaborate under pressure, become more adaptive, and determine what areas they can continue to develop. DMED 503-3 Foundations of Game Design The Foundations of Game Design is a seminar and project-based course that teaches the mechanics and processes of game design. The principles learned in this class apply equally well to any interactive design discipline. Students analyze many types of games and design many games of their own, alone and in groups, using these principles. DMED 520-6 Projects I All MDM project courses are group independent studies, where teams of three to six students work on a focused project(s) during that semester. The first of these three courses, Projects I, focuses on designing and creating a digital media product in a constrained environment. This rapid immersion into a group problem-solving environment is designed to engage a student in project planning, management and execution. The goal of the course is to provide a solid foundation of problem solving and methodologies that will apply to future projects. DMED 521-12 Projects II DMED 522-12 Projects III Building on the skills developed in Projects I, Projects II & III continue providing hands-on experience working with teammates from different backgrounds and disciplines. The course objectives include project management, managing client relationships, resource management, scope management and developing and articulating innovative solutions for digital media production.
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The requirements for a project are as follows: - Each team is made up of students from both technological and non-technological backgrounds. Students will be encouraged to develop additional skills they may not currently have. For example, a software engineer may develop design or user interface skills. - The teams must both prototype and produce a tangible result (not a paper). - A faculty member approved by the MDM program for this project must oversee the work.
All project courses have an explicit role in teaching business aspects of team based projects – project management and creation of a business plan by going through a ‘green light’ approval process. Students are also encouraged to pitch their own project in the final project course, DMED 522. These final projects must be team projects and can also lead to the creation of a “start-up” digital media company. DMED 530-3 Internship This required internship places the student in full-time work related to digital media or entertainment technology business, and provides real-world experience. Students learn first-hand the importance of effective communication, collaboration, project management, and team cooperation to achieve a specific goal. In addition, students who want to start their own companies will be allowed to intern in their own start-up endeavours. The MDM program will provide inexpensive space and mentorship for these entrepreneurial internships.
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THE CENTRE FOR DIGITAL MEDIA The Centre for Digital Media (CDM) currently resides in two buildings: CDM|577, the original home of the MDM program (a renovated Caterpillar tractor factory) and CDM|685, a brand new 51,000 square foot facility that has just opened next door. CDM|685 houses the majority of the learning spaces and 76 student apartments above. It features student-centered designed specifically for students, MDM students have a unique opportunity to create and re-create their learning space as they move through the program. The building boasts 15 high-resolution projectors, 9 HD TVs to display student work and a building wide digital signage system. CDM|577 is the home of our interactive lab, faculty offices, editing facility and the 8000 square foot multi-purpose facility called “the hangar.� Other resources available to students include the instruction resource centre (IRC) that boast a large collection of video games and DVDs, as well as all the materials needed to support the curriculum. There is also communal kitchen and social areas perfect for collaboration as well as relaxation. Apartments @ CDM Furnished apartments are available to rent for MDM students and graduate students of the partner institutions. For more information go to theCDM.ca/place/centre-digital-media
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OUR STUDENTS Our students come from around the globe, and from many different undergraduate and professional backgrounds – including the arts, design, computing science, natural and social sciences, business, and engineering. As in the industry, this diversity is essential to the success of project teams, which require the joint input of technical, business, and artistic talent and experience. Students choose our program because they have a passion for digital media and a vision for how to turn that passion into something great. The MDM program offers a way for students to realize their vision by providing a learning environment that fosters bold creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration in a realistic industry-based work setting. Hear more from our students directly at theCDM.ca/perspectives
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OUR FACULTY MDM faculty members are experts in their respective fields, and due to the program’s high faculty-to-student ratio, students interact closely with instructors in the classroom and through each stage of their projects. Students also benefit from program affiliates and guests from our educational and industry network who engage with the Centre as mentors, consultants, and guest speakers. To learn more visit theCDM.ca/faculty  
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OUR ACADEMIC PARTNERS The Masters of Digital Media degree is jointly accredited and awarded by four leading Canadian post-secondary institutions: The University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Find out more under “Our Academic Partners.”
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The University of British Columbia
Established in 1908, the University of British Columbia has consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world. A research-intensive university with multiple campuses, UBC is home to more than 50,000 undergraduate, graduate and international students and has an economic impact of $4 billion to the local economy. The university holds an international reputation for excellence in advanced research and learning. www.ubc.ca
Simon Fraser University
Ranked by respected national surveys as one of Canada’s top three comprehensive universities for almost 20 years, Simon Fraser University is named after a famous explorer and known for its pioneering spirit. SFU offers more than 100 undergraduate major and joint major programs and more than 45 graduate offerings. Mentored by faculty acclaimed for their research and teaching abilities and coached by dedicated advisors and employers, our more than 100,000 graduates enjoy limitless career opportunities. www.sfu.ca
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Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Emily Carr University of Art + Design was founded in 1925 and is one of British Columbia’s oldest post-secondary institutions. Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Emily Carr is one of the world’s premier arts institutes. The University offers a rich variety of Bachelor degree programs, a Masters of Applied Arts degree program and Continuing Studies programs.
www.ecuad.ca
British Columbia Institute of Technology
BCIT is one of British Columbia’s largest post-secondary institutions with more than 48,000 students enrolled annually (16,600 full-time, 31,600 part-time). We offer practical career credentials designed for the workplace, including degrees, diplomas and certificates spanning Applied and Natural Sciences, Business and Media, Computing and Information Technology, Engineering, Health Sciences and Trades.
www.bcit.ca
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OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS The Masters of Digital Media program was created by the industry for the industry. Our first industry partners recognized a growing need for savvy, creative innovators and entrepreneurs who could lead the booming new media sector. This founding partnership has grown into a broad network of businesses and organizations that work with the Centre and MDM students, including some of the world's leading companies such as Electronic Arts, Disney, Autodesk and Microsoft. Our partners provide students with project and employment opportunities, internships, scholarships, and investment. They also sponsor workshops, offer guest lectures, and even become instructors at the Centre. In return, we connect businesses and organizations with our unique, cross-disciplinary pool of MDM students, faculty and researchers – some of the best up-and-coming talent in British Columbia. Find out more about our industry partners at theCDM.ca/industry
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VANCOUVER: DIGITAL MEDIA HUB Our students enjoy the benefits of living and working in Vancouver, British Columbia – a dynamic city and international digital media hub. Situated between Canada’s Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is the most populous and diverse city in Western Canada – while offering some of the best opportunities for skiing, surfing, hiking, and kayaking in the world. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. British Columbia has more than 1300 digital media and entertainment technology companies (60% in Metro Vancouver) employing more than 22,000 people and generating $3 billion in annual revenue. As well as boasting an established film and TV sector, Vancouver has one of the top video game clusters in the world, with presence from major publishers such as EA (Electronic Arts), Nintendo, THQ, Capcom, Activision/Blizzard, Disney, Sony Entertainment and Microsoft.
“The Centre for Digital Media will help to maintain our province as a global leader in high-tech industries and give the best minds in digital design and media another reason to choose Vancouver and British Columbia,” – BC Advanced Education Minister, Naomi Yamamoto.
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HOW TO APPLY The MDM and the Executive MDM are limited, competitive entry programs. For up-to-date, detailed instructions and information about the admission process and requirements, please visit theCDM.ca/admission-requirements For the latest application deadlines go to theCDM.ca/program/academicdates-and-deadlines Admission requirements are intended to equal or exceed the general graduate admission requirements at all partner institutions. These requirements constitute a minimum standard of achievement and fulfillment of them does not guarantee admission. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an oral interview with an applicant either face-to-face, online or by telephone. Late applications may be considered as resources allow and if space is available.
TUITION AND FEES Tuition costs include a MacBook Pro and access to all required hardware and software, custom course material and group activities. Some courses will require specialized texts not included in this fee. In addition students will pay SFU graduate student fees that will allow them extended medical benefits and access to the universal transit pass (U-Pass). For up-to-date information on MDM and EMDM tuition and fees, visit our website at theCDM.ca/program/tuition-fees
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theCDM.ca 685 Great Northern Way Vancouver BC V5T 0C6 Canada
admissions@thecdm.ca 1.778.370.1010 toll free: 1.855.737.2666 admin@thecdm.ca 1.778.370.1010 toll free: 1.855.737.2669