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Trent University

Computing Systems and Media Studies

Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Campus

    W Bank Drive Peterborough ON K9J 7B8

  • Intl. Tuition

    CA$35,632 (2026-27)

  • Home Tuition

    CA$6,241 (2026-27)

  • Intake

    September 2027

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Course Overview

Computing Systems and Media Studies at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Computer science graduates enter careers as software engineers, data scientists, product managers and systems architects at technology companies, financial services firms and consultancies. Typical employers include major tech companies, investment banks, AI startups and public sector digital teams.

Student life (indicative)

Peterborough offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community. A great base for exploring the surrounding province.

The University at a Glance

Student Population

11,896

Staff Ratio

19.0:1

International

22.6%

Career Prospects

Avg Starting Salary

£31,600

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

CA$35,632

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

CA$6,241

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

City & Location

Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Computing Systems and Media Studies
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Computing Systems and Media Studies topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Computing Systems and Media Studies
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

11,896

Total students

Staff Ratio

19:1

Students per staff

International Students

23%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Four seasons

Safety Index (indicative)

8.5/10

Transport

Moderate (coach or indirect connections)

Social Scene

Friendly community

Student Life & City (indicative)

Peterborough offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community. A great base for exploring the surrounding province.

  • Peterborough offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community.
  • A great base for exploring the surrounding province.

What Students Love

  • Thriving student social scene
  • Outdoor & nature activities
  • Great café culture
  • Parks & green spaces

University Stats

Total Students11,896
Student-to-Staff Ratio19:1
International Students23%
Safety Index (indicative)8.5/10

Career & Outcomes

Avg Starting Salary

£31,600

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Computer science graduates enter careers as software engineers, data scientists, product managers and systems architects at technology companies, financial services firms and consultancies. Typical employers include major tech companies, investment banks, AI startups and public sector digital teams.

  • Computer science graduates enter careers as software engineers, data scientists, product managers and systems architects at technology companies, financial services firms and consultancies.
  • Typical employers include major tech companies, investment banks, AI startups and public sector digital teams.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Environmental Science
  • Business
  • Indigenous Studies

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

CA$35,632

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

CA$6,241

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Total Programme Cost

CA$142,528

For full 4 years

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

MEDIUM

This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.

Estimated Annual Costs

Tuition (International)CA$35,632per year, 2026-27 Official fee page
Tuition (Home)CA$6,241per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£692/mo
Food & Groceries£276/mo
Transport£63/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,189
Annual living costs£14,276/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

One of Canada's more affordable student cities — a $1,506/month budget (housing $876, food $350, transport $80) covers everything comfortably. Affordable by Canadian standards — a comfortable student lifestyle at a reasonable price.

  • One of Canada's more affordable student cities — a $1,506/month budget (housing $876, food $350, transport $80) covers everything comfortably.
  • Affordable by Canadian standards — a comfortable student lifestyle at a reasonable price.