Master of Digital Media Program

Master of Digital Media

A sixteen month internationally recognized, research informed and industry relevant professional graduate program that engages students in the development of digital media products.

What Is Digital Media?

Digital media is content that is stored in digital formats and usually distributed online. The shift from traditional media has taken place in many industries, including industries that aren’t typically associated with digital media—such as health, government and education.

Digital Media industries are unique in that they are the intersection of art, design, business and engineering.

Why Digital Media?

The digital media industry is growing throughout the world, with Vancouver, BC leading the way. Vancouver has one of the top video game clusters in the world and has the world's largest VFX and animation hub.

$23B

in revenue is generated by BC’s Technology industry

141k

people are working across BC in the Digital Entertainment and Technology industries

8000

Technology and Digital Entertainment companies operate in BC

Why MDM?

The Master of Digital Media program engages students through coursework and projects to develop essential communication, collaboration & leadership skills. The unique curriculum meets the needs of new and expanding digital media markets.

The Master of Digital Media program develops six core competencies. Together they comprise a skill set and an approach to building, managing, and leading digital media projects.

All graduates receive a Masters in Digital Media (MDM) that is designated by our four partner institutions (University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Emily Carr University of Art + Design and British Columbia Institute of Technology). The seal of all four schools is on the credential, and graduates of the program are alumni of all four institutions.

Teamwork Learn listening skills, conflict resolution, making & receiving offers, trust development, managing roles & responsibilities.

Design Process Learn iteration, pipeline creation, rapid prototyping, critique & reflection, context mapping, user experience, ideation, risk assessment, risk mitigation.

Self-Awareness Learn goal setting, self-reflection, learning outcomes, self & peer assessment, documentation—design & blogging, self-initiative.

Time Management Learn role definition, scope—personal & project, management strategies, setting measurable goals, pipeline management, change management.

Articulation Learn elevator pitch; pitch structures; body awareness; expression of ideas—written, drawn & spoken; client management; documentation; research.

Information Literacy Learn creative rights, context mapping, technological trajectories, consumption—genres & audiences, business models.

Learn More

Our Projects

The core differentiator of the Master of Digital Media program and other comparable Masters programs is the emphasis of experiential learning through project courses. In fact, 65% of MDM coursework is project-based.

Krypto Klawz Team Krypto Klawz designed a responsive web application for Finning that converts project fleet information into actionable data.

Brain Bros Team Brain Bros was challenged with building a game to help medical students learn about neuroanatomy.

Digital Circus The team was challenged to rapidly prototype an engaging mixed reality layer to The Fun Palace Event, a mix of AR, VR, and MR art installations.

Immersio, A Student Pitched Project IMMERSIO teaches new languages using Immersive technology to offer an active learning experience.

Our Faculty

Our diverse faculty are leading thinkers and professionals with decades of experience in their fields.

Larry Bafia

Larry Bafia is the MDM Program Director. He was the Head of Animation at VFS before joining the CDM in 2009.

Laura Ballay

Laura Ballay has worked at the intersection of human-centered design and technology for the past 15+ years.

Jason Elliott

Jason is a digital media expert with +20 years of development experience. Previously, he was a game designer and artist.

Dr. Rachel Ralph

Rachel has been an educator for over a decade and has worked as a digital media and curriculum consultant.

Dr. Dave Fracchia

Dave is a Professor of Professional Practice at the CDM. Previously, he was the Studio Head at Radical Entertainment.

Bill Zhao

Bill Zhao is a Unity Certified Lab Instructor who provides technical support and runs workshops for students.

Dr. Aida Elisabeta Osian

Aida is currently spearheading the technical language and communication section of the Pre-MDM program.

Dr. Patrick Pennefather

Patrick is a designer of interactive experiences working as a sound designer, composer, live performer and educator.

Our Industry Partners

Our industry partners provide students with internships, employment opportunities and work with students on collaborative projects to develop ideas and prototypes.

Microsoft Vancouver

The Microsoft Corporation is a multinational computer technology corporation.

Finger Food Advanced Technology Group

Archiact Interactive

Archiact Interactive is a full service virtual reality studio.

View All Partners

Students and Alumni

Master of Digital Media students come from all over the world and from all professional and educational backgrounds, such as engineering, fine arts, design, architecture, film, history and business.

Learn More

Take the Next Step

Apply Request Info Contact Us