Admissions Process

Admission into the Master of Digital Media (MDM) Program is competitive, so we encourage you to take your time and submit your best work. 

While the application process is straightforward, there are several forms that need to be completed and documents that need to be submitted before your application can be reviewed.

Before you begin your application, carefully review the MDM Admission Requirements. If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, you might qualify for our Pre-MDM program.

Fall 2024 Cohort - Closed 
Admissions closed: January 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST
*Results will be posted by March 2024

Fall 2025 Cohort - Closed 
Admissions will open: September 9, 2024

To apply to the MDM program, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Create an account in SFU's application system, goGRAD, and select “MDM” when prompted. 
2. Pay a non-refundable application fee of $110 (CAD) for Canadian transcript student applicants or $150 (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.
3. Submit all required documents and forms listed below through goGRAD. All items must be submitted before your application will be reviewed.

*Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview within a month of the close of admissions. If you do not hear from the admissions team, your application is still under review.

Great Northern Way Campus Ltd., operating as Centre for Digital Media (CDM) does not endorse third-party admissions services and explicitly prohibits the promotion of applicant services using the CDM name, brand, or the brand of CDM's Shareholders, namely The University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), and Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU). CDM and its Shareholders bear no responsibility for the actions or claims made by third-party admissions services and are not liable for any consequences that may arise from their engagement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to exercise caution with third-party admissions services, particularly any which promise high acceptance rates in CDM’s competitive intake process. 
 
Applicants are required to develop and present authentic application documents and original portfolio materials.  Applicants must understand that the submission of application materials that are not original and authentic works created by the applicant themselves is strictly prohibited. The use of plagiarized or falsified application or portfolio materials, including essays, recommendation letters, or any other application documents, will result in immediate disqualification of the applicant's application.
 
Be aware that by accessing and using the CDM admissions process, you agree to comply with these terms and conditions requirements. CDM and its Shareholders reserve the right to take appropriate action, including disqualification, in cases of non-compliance with these policies requirements.

You will need to include the items below as part of the application process.

•  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/Curriculum Vitae

  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.

  Do not send official transcripts until an offer of admissions has been presented. 

  More information about transcripts can be found here.

•  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.