Media Foundations

Program Overview

The Media Foundations program at Conestoga College is a one-year certificate program that provides students with a comprehensive foundation in media production, including photography, video, writing, and social media. The program emphasizes creativity, technical skills, and communication, preparing graduates for careers in various media fields, such as photography, content creation, and marketing.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Media Foundations program at Conestoga College is a one-year, full-time Ontario College Certificate program designed to equip students with a broad skillset for success in online and broadcast media. It helps individuals explore diverse career paths, including photographers, multimedia content creators, producers, visual storytellers, and marketing & communications experts. The program emphasizes building a solid foundation in these areas:

• Creativity: Engaging students in generating ideas, writing, and presenting various projects.
• Video and Photographic Technology: Providing hands-on experience with industry-standard software and technology.
• Written and Verbal Communication: Developing strong foundational skills in both written and verbal communication.
• Social Media and Web Platforms: Enhancing storytelling skills through effective use of these platforms.
Faculty with current industry experience provides guidance and support throughout the program. Through a combination of individual and collaborative team projects, students build a competitive portfolio showcasing their original work. This program serves as a stepping stone for further education in various Conestoga College School of Creative Industries programs, paving the way for promising careers in the media industry.

Outline:

Fall Semester:

• Introduction to Media Concepts and Technologies
• Visual Storytelling Practices
• Writing for Media
• Introduction to Photography
• Introduction to Video Production
• Digital Media Literacy
• Media Ethics and Law
• Social Media and Web Platforms for Media

Winter Semester:

• Advanced Media Production
• Editing and Post-Production
• Scriptwriting and Storyboarding
• Advanced Photography
• Media Marketing and Research
• Project Management for Media Producers
• Media Portfolio Development
• Current Issues in Media

Assessment:

A variety of assessment methods are used to evaluate student learning, including:

• Individual and group projects
• Presentations
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Portfolios
• Peer feedback
Assessments are designed to measure students' ability to:
• Apply theoretical concepts to practical situations
• Demonstrate technical skills
• Communicate effectively
• Work collaboratively
• Think critically and creatively

Teaching:

The program features a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on projects. Additionally:

• Experienced faculty with real-world industry knowledge provide guidance and mentorship.
• Small class sizes promote individual attention and interactive learning.
• Guest speakers from the media industry share their insights and expertise.

Careers:

The Media Foundations program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including:

• Photographer
• Multimedia Content Creator
• Producer
• Visual Storyteller
• Marketing & Communications Specialist
• Writer
• Editor
• Broadcast Journalist
• Public Relations Specialist
Graduates from this program find employment in areas such as:
• Television and film production companies
• Advertising agencies
• Public relations firms
• Marketing departments
• Social media agencies
• Newspapers and magazines
• Online media organizations
According to Conestoga College, many graduates use this program as a stepping stone to further education while acquiring valuable foundational skills and knowledge before transitioning to advanced programs in the film and media industry.

Other:

• The program is offered at the Waterloo campus of Conestoga College.
• Admission requirements include an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, with English and one other academic course.
• Graduates are eligible to apply for scholarships and awards.
• Virtual tour: https://www.conestogac.on.ca/campuses/kitchener-doon/about/virtual-tour

| Term | Canadian | International | |---|---|---| | Fall 2024 | $2449.19 | $9300.19 | | Winter 2025 | $2019.19 | $8340.19 | | Year Total | $4468.38 | $17640.38 |