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Media Communications

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Program Code: 11681
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Media Communications diploma program is designed to meet industry demands within multi-faceted areas of the communications industry. Students graduate with a diverse range of marketable skills in graphic and motion design, photography, video, web design and XD, strategic media writing, communications, social media marketing, and digital content creation.

In this program, you will learn how to:

  • be effective transmedia storytellers across multiple platforms
  • capture professional photo and video content in both the studio and on location environments
  • design, write for and edit effective websites and social media
  • establish, operate and market your business through a course in freelance and project management
  • produce corporate video and audio for the web and other applications
  • research, write and design communications such as media kits, blogs and podcasts
  • strategize, create and edit content using current software applications such as Photoshop, InDesign, XD, After Effect, Illustrator and Premiere Pro

Courses are designed with industry input, ensuring you are learning current and relevant information from industry experts – people who know the trends and effective methods of communications. What's more, you will be working in state-of-the-art labs and professional photo/video studios.

The first semester of this program is shared with the two-year Advertising and Graphic Design diploma, the three-year Journalism advanced diploma, the two-year Advertising and Marketing Communications diploma, and the three-year Public Relations advanced diploma programs, allowing the flexibility to continue in any of these five programs in second semester.

Work-Integrated Learning  

Students will participate in a mandatory in their final semester of study. After completing a field experience preparation course, students will be supported in marketing themselves to prospective employers in order to find a field experience that aligns with their personal career goals.

two people looking at portfolios

Creativity on Display at Portfolio Show

Acha Patandjila, international student from the D.R Congo, doing an interview

Meet Acha

Kat Quitevis, student from the Philippines, speaking during interview

Meet Kat

Luana Colnago, student from Brazil, doing an interview

Meet Luana

Lama Alnaem, student from Syria, doing an interview

Meet Lama

Jesse Jan Javier, student from the Philippines, doing an interview

Meet Jan

sade taei

#PASTICHE
Students in Humber's Media Communications program celebrated the opening of their graduate exhibit showcase at North Campus.

One Common Semester

The Communication Platform offers a shared first semester between five programs giving you the freedom to change your area of study in the second semester to any of the five.

Core Skills Gained in Semester 1

  • Innovative Design
  • Web Design
  • Presentation Skills
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Digital Imaging
  • Visual Communications
  • Intro to Media Studies

Vote for the future video

Media & Creative Arts Students Vote for the Future

Students from more than eight Media & Creative Arts programs worked with Villamedia to test the company's AI-driven generative art project, Vote for Peace, and to learn how the technology may be used in the future.

Expert Faculty

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Farid Ghasem Asad

Toronto Star head of UI/UX design between 2005 to 2018. Video game designer. CEO of Pixelmanmarketing.ca.
Metro News senior graphic designer.

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Cathy Bidini

Cathy Bidini is an award-winning photographer, professor and creative image-maker based in Toronto. She has been shooting and teaching photography for over two decades and is currently co-ordinator of the multidisciplinary Media Communications program at Humber. As a leader in education, she is responsible for inspiring and mentoring students as they find their way in the creative economy. Cathy has worked in the industry shooting both editorial and commercial gigs with an emphasis on interior design and architecture photography. Her work has appeared online and in print world-wide. She continues to inspire and be inspired by her students as she develops her photographic practice.

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Johann Bona

Johann Bona is a portrait, beauty and fashion photographer whose approach relies on the foundations of strong portraiture. His work assembles the revelatory elements of an image by tying in clean, graphic compositions and lighting with the mood and expressions of his subjects. There is an elegance in his visual language that highlights the beauty that otherwise might be overlooked, giving space for the stories of the subjects he is working with.

With many years of industry experience under his belt, Johann fell in love with sharing this knowledge, finding joy in teaching the craft to young aspiring image-makers. He teaches at Humber College, one of the leading creative colleges in Toronto, and conducted lectures at Seneca College and the University of Toronto. A cum laude graduate with a Master in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management from Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Johann worked largely as a fashion photographer after graduating, shuffling his time between Canada, Italy, and the Philippines. His work has since appeared in international editions of Esquire, L’Officiel, Town & Country and Tatler, among others, and he has amassed a notable clientele for commissioned work. In 2013, he was signed by the artist management agency Jed Root, presently the Artists & Company Manila. He currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada.

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Vince J. Ciarlo

Vince J. Ciarlo has been a communications professional for over 20 years and has been teaching in Humber College’s Faculty of Media & Creative Arts since 2008. He has worked in an agency environment, as well as an entrepreneur, with a variety of clients in a variety of industries, including arts, culture, lifestyle, and non-profit. In 2017, his boutique-style agency was nominated for the INSPIRE Awards’ LGBTQ Positive Business of the Year. Vince has sat on a number non-profit boards and continues to be an active volunteer. He graduated in 2003 with a BA in Sociology from York University, holds a Public Relations Certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University, and is currently working on a master's degree in adult education from Central Michigan University.

In addition to teaching at Humber, during the fall semester, Vince continues to work in the communications industry and seeks out unique and interesting projects that feed his curiosity and makes life interesting.

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Peter Conrad

Peter is a writer, filmmaker and educator based in Toronto.

His documentary On the Road to Virtue chronicles the relationship between a Canadian social justice advocate and refugees from the 1980s civil war in El Salvador. It was recently added to the permanent collection of the Museum of the Word and Image in San Salvador. Earlier documentaries include Guarding A Musical Treasure, a journey into the world of Baroque culture in Bolivia, as well as the science docs The Challenge of Quantum Reality and The Mystery of Dark Matter for Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He also produced, shot, and edited English for Yu, a 1994 Hot Docs finalist, which followed three women who fled the Bosnian civil war for new lives in Canada. Previous scripted projects include the comedic short Dear Bear and the irreverent web series Turning Intern.

Peter was also a visual effects designer on several successful multimedia musical revues for Drayton Entertainment including Twist & Shout: Music of the British Invasion, Legends: A Salute to Musical Pioneers, You’ll Get Used to It: The War Show! and Canadian Legends.

Peter is also the author of the 1987 historical monograph Caring On The Grand: A History of the Freeport Hospital, and the memoir essay “Terrazzo,” published in the 2004 American anthology Walking Higher: Gay Men Write About The Deaths of Their Mothers.

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Ken Dyment

Ken began working as an environmental graphics designer in sports marketing and event management for clients such as the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, and General Motors. He transitioned to senior design and art direction roles with marketing and design agencies prior to opening a design business in 2003.

Having obtained a Bachelor of Design from OCAD University, Ken practices in various segments of design including visual brand development, publication design, package design, and copy writing/editing. 

Ken maintains an active clientele that includes publishers, boutique wine and commercial food producers, municipalities, and public relations agencies. His design business is focused on prioritizing inclusive, accessible, and sustainable design practices while working with clients who share and practice similar values within their organizations. 

Ken began teaching at Ontario colleges in 2010 and deems it the most rewarding aspect of his career.

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Farid Ghasem Asad

As an executive member, I played a crucial role in the development and approval of a new course for the University of Yorkville's video game design diploma program. I am well versed in the process of obtaining approval for new programs from the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities.

I possess a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the creative digital industry, having served as a member of the 3D design team for acclaimed games such as Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed.

Between 1997 and 2004, I held a leadership position where I successfully managed the marketing and sales team at Sabir Dam Company, in collaborationwith Liebherr and Caterpillar companies. During my tenure, I achieved impressive results, including a 19% increase in sales of Dam-Engineering machines and a 23% increase in sales of engineering services.

Since 2018, I have been leading and managing the design, marketing, and sales teams for Can-Technologies and Entelegies in Cambridge, Ontario. Through my leadership, we have achieved a significant 33% increase in sales.

I had the privilege of leading and overseeing the design team responsible for the development of the Toronto Star's advanced mobile and tablet applications. I worked closely with the Toronto Star newsroom and content marketing team, providing guidance and leadership to ensure the success of the project.

I possess full mastery of the execution operations and details involved in graphic design, web design, and motion graphics, with a particular focus on achieving marketing goals. Additionally, I have extensive experience in hands-on design for a wide range of creative technology products.

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Jennie Grimard

Jennie is a freelance graphic designer, specializing in illustration, print and front-end web design for various clients since 2008. She has had the opportunity to create illustrations for the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority, design training manuals for Spinal Cord Injury Ontario and marketing materials for several local businesses.

As an educator, Jennie has been teaching design at Humber since she graduated from the Graphic Design for Print and Web program in 2008. Her passion for design and helping others find their creative voices led her to complete a master’s degree in Inclusive Design from OCAD University. Creating communications that are approachable and accessible to diverse audiences is an important aspect of her practice as an educator and designer.

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Brian Hastings

Brian is an experienced content creator with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. He is skilled in broadcasting, video editing, print journalism and social media. He is a graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University where he earned a bachelor of Journalism degree and a master of arts focused in Media Production. Brian joined Humber College in 2018. Before that, he worked at TSN Sportscentre. His first editorial position was an archivist at The Score Television Network.

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Cobi Ladner

Cobi Ladner had her eye on a career in television after graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Radio & Television Arts program; however, the writing was on the wall for her to work in print. She landed her first job at Chatelaine magazine, then moved on to Canadian Living and eventually House & Home magazine where she enjoyed a special connection with Canadian homeowners through her role as editor-in-chief for 15 years. Cobi was a key contributor to building the H&H brand in all areas from product with The Bay, to television with HGTV and daily morning shows, to an online presence, books, and special interest publications.

In 2008, Cobi struck out on her own to create a home decor and media brand embodying her personal style and spirit. In five short years, cobistyle grew to be a nationally recognized brand with products available in over 1,000 stores across Canada. She authored a best-selling children’s book called Why is an Orange called an Orange? A firm believer in lifelong learning, Cobi completed her master of ducation in 2020 with a focus on adult education.

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Paul Minstrell

Paul Minstrell is a college professor with more than 20 years' teaching experience in technology. Early in his career Paul recognized the need for trainers in the design and multimedia fields and began teaching part time. He has received teaching awards from Humber College for his excellence in the classroom.

He began his career as a freelance graphic designer while working at a print shop in the 1990s. Not allowing himself to be limited to strictly print design, he also developed multimedia presentations and websites for various clients.
 
Gradually, Paul transitioned to teaching full time in 2011. He has been a faculty member of Media Communications at Humber College since its inception in 2009.

Study Abroad

We offer many global opportunities for you to explore during your time at Humber! We live in a very interconnected world and by participating in a global opportunity, not only will you gain new skills, but you may also be eligible for academic credits and/or co-curricular record (CCR). Some of the global opportunities at Humber include Summer Abroad, Semester Exchange, faculty-led trips, Humber Global Summer School, and many others! To learn more, please visit Humber Global Opportunities.

Your Career

The skills you learn in our program will prepare you for a career in this innovative and expanding field. As a media communications specialist, you will help organizations better engage clients, partners, employees and reporters by developing compelling external and in-house communications that inform, persuade and motivate.

With broad-ranging skills and knowledge in multimedia, marketing, web design, writing, social media, graphic design, photography and video, graduates find work in the marketing and digital communication departments of businesses, agencies, organizations or government departments, and as freelance communications professionals.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Block-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Block-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Block-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Upcoming Recruitment Events

Open House   Book a Tour  

Can't make it to campus? Visit Experience Humber Virtually  

Ask questions in live virtual Q&A chats with Ask Humber  

Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

About the Humber COIs  

Media Communications Through an International Lens

Kat Quitevis sitting at a computer

Watch the video to find out why students chose the Media Communications program at Humber.


News Feed

Senior Dean Update: Media & Creative Arts Anti-Racism Action Plan

Senior Dean Update: Media & Creative Arts Anti-Racism Action Plan

Fri, October 15, 2021

In June 2020, I committed the FMCA to seven action items to address the attitudes, behaviours and structures that act as barriers for students from Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.

Read More
Update: Humber Music Solidarity One Year On

Update: Humber Music Solidarity One Year On

Fri, October 15, 2021

In June 2020, Humber Music faculty pledged to address systemic racism and gender discrimination in the music programs by working with students, alumni, administrators, and industry experts

Read More
A Message from the Senior Dean: Music Degree Update

A Message from the Senior Dean: Music Degree Update

Tue, April 27, 2021

Over the past few months, the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts began a review of our Bachelor of Music program delivery.

Read More
Meet the Faculty: Trever Johansen

Meet the Faculty: Trever Johansen

Wed, January 27, 2021

Trevor is an instructor in the 3D Modelling and Visual Effects Production program and is an alumnus of the 3D Animation program.

Read More
Maria Saba Wins 2020 Writers-in-Exile Scholarship

Maria Saba Wins 2020 Writers-in-Exile Scholarship

Mon, October 26, 2020

Meet thethe recipient of the 2020 PEN Canada-Humber College Writers-in-Exile Scholarship, Maria Saba.

Read More

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Cathy Bidini, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 75496
cathy.bidini@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Equipment Requirements

Upon acceptance to the program, you must have access to the following:

  • Camera: DSLR or Mirrorless with kit zoom lens (additional lenses are recommended but not required)
    • Recommended cameras: Nikon Z50, Z30, Z5, D7500. Canon EOS M50 Mark II, Rebel T8. Sony Alpha A 6100, Sony a7 Mk2, Sony a7 Mk3. Please note: some Canon Rebels are not suitable for this program as some models do not have hot shoes that sync with studio transmitters.
  • External storage devices: A USB flash/thumb drive (16gb) and an external USB hard drive 1TB. 
  • Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. All required software can be purchased through the college. Instructions on how to do so will be shared with students at the beginning of the semester. 
  • Web hosting is required for second-year students for presentation of their portfolio website. 

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1, 3

Details and Specifications Minimum Specs Additional Details
Requirements MacBook Pro with 16gb of ram or equivalent Windows PC with a minimum of 16gb ram. Camera with Manual mode capability, interchangeable lenses, hot shoe, sync port, audio in port, 4K Video (preferred). See list of recommended cameras under Post-Admission Requirements. Students are required to have a Laptop and entry level or higher DSLR or Mirrorless camera (as indicated on website under Post-Admission Requirements) and a subscription to the Adobe CC suite. More information on software will be provided at the beginning of the semester.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Cathy Bidini, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 75496
cathy.bidini@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $3,985.24
  • international: $17,589.38

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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