Pre-Master of Digital Media Program
The Pre-Master of Digital Media Program (Pre-MDM) is a 2 semester program (September to December and January to April) designed to help students whose second language is English prepare for entry into the Master of Digital Media program.
Pre-MDM is comprised of a series of eight courses, ultimately designed to enhance ESL students’ communication skills in the field of Digital Media, both for professional and academic purposes. It offers a selection of practical workshops and lectures with the direct goal of building third-tier language abilities, fluency, coherence and, addressing even more practical skills, teamwork and project management. Learn more about the program directly from past and current Pre-MDM students by visiting their blog.
Why Enroll in Pre-MDM?
- Strengthen communication skills, teamwork capabilities and critical thinking skills, and learn effective presentation techniques.
- Get English tranining for digitial media in an English for Specialized Purposes (ESP) program. Read more about this here.
- Learn methodologies and specific software for rapid prototyping; concept development; pitching, presenting & documentation; pipeline development, integration & asset management; and interaction with industry clients.
- Students admitted into the Pre-MDM program receive a conditional offer to the Master of Digital Media program as qualifying students. Once all conditions have been met, students enter the MDM program the following Fall. No additional English language test is required.
Learn About the Courses
Meet the instructors: Aida Osian and Jason Elliott
Attend a Webinar
Application Timeline
Applications are now CLOSED. Applications for Fall 2024 intake will open in September.
Application Process
To apply to the Pre-MDM program, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Create an account in SFU's application system and select “Pre-MDM” when prompted.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $90 (CAD) for Canadian transcript student applicants or $125 (CAD) for international transcript student applicants. This payment must be received and processed before moving on to the next step. As processing can take 3-4 business days, it's important to complete this step early.
- Submit all required documents and forms listed below through the application system. All of the items listed below must be uploaded through the application system before your application will be reviewed.
Please Note: The designated administrator of the program is Simon Fraser University (SFU). Applications are submitted and reviewed through SFU’s application system. All submitted applications are reviewed by the Graduate Program Committee composed of representatives from all four academic partner institutions. While students are completing the program they are full-time registered students of SFU.
Academic Requirements
- Attain a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Test System (IELTS - the academic NOT the general test) with a minimum of 6.0 in all sections, OR attain a minimum score of 78 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum of 16 in all sections.
- Complete a 4-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) acceptable to all four CDM partner institutions.
- Achieve a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% or higher) in your undergraduate degree.
Read more about the admission requirements for Pre-MDM.
Required Documents and Forms
Samples of Your Work
Upload AND/OR link to your online portfolio digital samples or works that best demonstrate your skills in digital media. You can draw from a wide range of items including exhibited art, designs, film or video, computer software code (please include and document original code that you created), engineering designs, or other products or deliverables that resulted from your previous work. Please include a 250-500 word summary explaining how the items in the collection relate to each other and to your strengths. If an item is a collaborative effort, please clearly state your role in its production. Check out these tips for preparing your portfolio.
Intro Video / 30-45 seconds
Upload a short video in which you introduce yourself (your full name and the name you go by), provide a quick description of your skills/capabilities, and briefly explain why you want to join the program. The video should be one single stream with no cuts or edits, 30-45 seconds in length, in 720p or 1080p, and in either landscape or portrait. The video is not expected to be professionally produced and functions as a simple introduction. Check out an example here.
Letter of Intent / Max 750 words
Submit a letter expressing your interest in the program. The following points should be addressed in the letter of intent: (a) your motivation for selecting this program, (b) your relevant skills, training and experience, (c) your proposed focus within the program, (d) how the course of study would contribute to your future intellectual or professional growth.
- Short Formal Essay / Max 750 words
Submit an essay on a topic related to digital media. Demonstrate your knowledge and passion for digital media, and showcase your ability to write at an academic level.
- References
Include 3-5 references you feel can best speak about your capabilities and work ethic. The application system will automatically send out an email with instructions to your references once you add and submit their information. It is encouraged you contact your references before adding them.
Program Survey Form
Complete a brief survey linked from the application system.
- Resume
Submit your up-to-date resume covering your professional achievements.
Official Transcripts
Upload unofficial transcript(s) (scanned, saved, etc.) for each post-secondary institution you have attended and listed in the application form. If you have a degree in progress, submit the transcript to date.
If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to submit official transcript(s). If you fail to submit official transcripts before the program starts your offer will be rescinded.
Please do not send official transcripts until an offer of admissions has been presented.
- English Language Proficiency
International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through at least one of the following: English proficiency testing (requirements listed here) OR completion of a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was in English in a country where English is the primary language. Submit your testing score online to Simon Fraser University (code: 0999).
Tuition and Fees
FALL SEMESTER
Tuition: $6,667
Student Fees: $1,137.08
Equipment deposit (refundable upon return of all equipment): $1,500
Total $9,304.08 CAD
SPRING SEMESTER
Tuition: $6,667
Student Fees: $360.01
Total $7,027.01 CAD
TOTAL: $16,331.09 CAD
Note: Student fees are subject to change. They include an all-access transit pass, extended medical and dental insurance, as well as access to SFU's recreation facilities.
Contact our Admissions Department
+1 778-370-1010 / Toll-free: 1-855-737-2666
For more information, sign up for an online webinar.