Carleton University
Communication and Media Studies
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Colonel By Drive Ottawa ON K1S 5B6
Intl. Tuition
CA$41,384 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
CA$7,624 (2026-27)
Intake
September 2027
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Course Overview
Communication and Media Studies at Carleton University in Ottawa, 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)
Arts and humanities graduates develop transferable skills in critical thinking, communication and research valued across the civil service, media, law, education, publishing and the creative industries.
Student life (indicative)
Ottawa offers a uniquely enriching student experience — free access to the country's best national museums and galleries, a vibrant Byward Market food scene, excellent cycling infrastructure, and a safe, clean, well-organised city.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
23,806
Staff Ratio
21.0:1
International
12.3%
Career Prospects
Avg Starting Salary
£37,130
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
City & Location
Large city (500k-1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Communication and Media Studies
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Communication and Media Studies topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Communication 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
23,806
Total students
Staff Ratio
21:1
Students per staff
International Students
12%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Large city (500k-1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
8.0/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Ottawa offers a uniquely enriching student experience — free access to the country's best national museums and galleries, a vibrant Byward Market food scene, excellent cycling infrastructure, and a safe, clean, well-organised city.
- Ottawa offers a uniquely enriching student experience — free access to the country's best national museums and galleries, a vibrant Byward Market food scene, excellent cycling infrastructure, and a safe, clean, well-organised city.
What Students Love
- World-class museums & galleries
- Historic city & heritage
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Great café culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Avg Starting Salary
£37,130
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Arts and humanities graduates develop transferable skills in critical thinking, communication and research valued across the civil service, media, law, education, publishing and the creative industries.
- Arts and humanities graduates develop transferable skills in critical thinking, communication and research valued across the civil service, media, law, education, publishing and the creative industries.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Journalism
- Technology
- Business
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
CA$165,535
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
Above-average costs for a Canadian city — expect around $1,948/month (housing $1,168, food $415, transport $115). A fair price for a capital city — excellent museums, green spaces and a safe, welcoming student environment.
- Above-average costs for a Canadian city — expect around $1,948/month (housing $1,168, food $415, transport $115).
- A fair price for a capital city — excellent museums, green spaces and a safe, welcoming student environment.