How to apply for graduate studies

Get onto the path to your next degree in Communication and Media Studies with these steps.

Getting ready

Follow these steps before you apply for grad studies. Admissions to graduate programs are highly competitive, as there are a limited number of spaces. There is no general right of admission, so it's best to be as prepared as possible.

Before you start

Ensure you meet admission requirements for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and your program.

Preparing

Plan 2 to 6 months to prepare required documents. International students may need longer.

Deadline

Your online application is due December 1 and all application components must be received by December 15 to be considered for September admission.

Department requirements


Master of Arts (MA)

The Department of Communication, Media and Film offers potential graduate students a thesis-based Masters program.

View program requirements

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Department of Communication, Media and Film offers potential graduate students a thesis-based Doctor of Philosophy program.

View program requirements


English language proficiency

Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs at UCalgary. If your first language is not English, you may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways, before being admitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

TOEFL

By writing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and obtaining a minimum score of at least 560 (written test) or 86 (internet-based test) with no section less than 20. Apply via the TOEFL website. When requesting official test results be forwarded to UCalgary, indicate the institution code 0813 and the code appropriate to the graduate program, as listed on the TOEFL website.

Visit TOEFL website

IELTS

By writing the academic test format of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and obtaining a minimum score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0
 

Visit IELTS website

IFP

By successfully completing Tier 3 of the University of Calgary's International Foundations Program (IFP) with minimum grades of:
B in writing and grammar
in reading comprehension
C in listening comprehension and oral fluency.

Visit IFP website

PTE

By completing the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and obtaining a score of at least 59, or higher.

Visit PTE website

MELAB

Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) score of 80, or higher.

Visit MELAB website

Exemptions

Students who have degrees from universities where the primary language of instruction was English are exempt from having to prove English language proficiency. Your degree certificate and/or transcripts should specify that the language of instruction is English. 

Online reference forms

Online reference forms

The Department of Communication, Media and Film requires two academic online reference forms. We recognize references are supplied in confidence. Referees will not be notified until you submit your application. References are valid for one year from the date on reference.

Ready to apply?

Have you made your final decision and you're ready to apply?

What you'll need

The Faculty of Graduate Studies has detailed instructions about the application process.

Read admission steps and requirements

Do you have everything?

You are responsible for ensuring your application is complete and all documents are received by the deadline.

Graduate supervisor

Applicants are not required to find a supervisor at the time of application.  Should applicants be admitted, an interim supervisor will be assigned to them until they secure a thesis supervisor after completing coursework.

Contact us

Begin your application

First create an eID. You must have one to access the online application.

Once you begin, remember to click 'Save & Continue' often to ensure your application is saved.

Online application

Questions?

Graduate Program Advisor

Ask me about graduate program advising

artsgradsc@ucalgary.ca

Director of Graduate Programs

Ask me about graduate degree requirements
Tamara Shepherd 
403-220-6729

cmfGPD@ucalgary.ca

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