Diploma in Media Communications

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Humber’s Bachelor of Digital Communications degree program explores the dynamic media environment and the cultural, social, economic and political implications of digital innovation. Communications studies are becoming recognized as one of the most significant social sciences in the 21st century. Increasingly, worldviews are shaped through messages received from television, film, the internet, social media and a host of media arts, with profound impacts on how the world and the self are viewed. The construction of everyday lives and identities are negotiated through digital media and social networks which influence how we live, the products we produce and consume, and how we connect.

This program is rigorous and innovative, developing digital storytellers who are skilled in writing, visual communication, web applications and social media. You will build significant business acumen while working in an environment where creative ideas and methods cross-pollinate. As you gain technical competency, you will collaborate and innovate with peers, faculty and visitors, building personal communication and networking skills. Intensive lectures and labs provide direction and practical experience, sharpening technical skills and stimulating critical discourse, using student work as a starting point. Access to studios and computing spaces enables reflective and collaborative project work. Historical, legal, ethical and theoretical considerations are built into the creative process.

As part of the program, you will engage with an array of courses designed to deepen your awareness of your roles as a citizen conscious of the social, political, environmental and cultural contexts of their work. Senior students in this program specialize in advanced communication theory and techniques. A culminating capstone project showcases their abilities and learning, and serves as a platform for launching a career in digital and social media co-ordination, media relations, and many other mass communications fields. Graduates may also choose to further their studies at the master’s level.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Employ distinctive communication styles grounded in a thorough understanding of communication theories, and historical and contemporary trends in visual design and media technologies.
• Create effective media strategies based on insightful audience analysis, principles of branding and marketing and revenue generation and media law and ethics.
• Critically analyze and interpret media messages, comprehending the historical, social, commercial and cultural impact of representational, explanatory, abstract and symbolic images.
• Gather, review, evaluate, interpret and express information using a range of well-developed analytic and creative methodologies.
• Operate as informed producers and consumers of media communications recognizing the aims of commercial business, nonprofits, government, and community enterprise.
• Apply innovative media strategies to effectively analyze and express themes and issues from a range of contexts and perspectives.
• Interpret and apply theoretical and ethical frameworks to identify and solve communication problems in a variety of contexts.
• Present ideas and information accurately and creatively using written, oral, audio-visual and web-based formats.
• Reflect on communication strategies and practices from a range of perspectives and willingly adapt, revise, edit, and develop improvements.
• Manage communication projects effectively, employing a professional attitude towards responsibility, initiative, collaboration, adaptability, accountability and ethical use of resources.
• Integrate leadership and influence skills with accountability in media content creation.
• Direct own continuous learning, pursuing opportunities for constant renewal of skills and knowledge.

Work Placement
Students will participate in one mandatory work placement in the summer between Semester 6 and 7. The placement provides students with an opportunity to gain experience and meet professionals in the digital communications sector. Many of the placements are offered in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), a hub for the communications industry in Canada and home to numerous media, non-profit, marketing, public relations and other private sector companies.

Humber’s International Development graduate certificate program is designed for individuals who want to see the world and make a difference within it. This program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge required to manage, develop and grow international development and disaster relief projects anywhere in the world. Graduates may find themselves in some of the most difficult environments in the world, or they may work in developed countries changing policies to make a difference in the Global South. Faculty are chosen for their field expertise and experience in international development – most continue to work with numerous international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or United Nations agencies while teaching at Humber part time.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Contribute directly to project planning and the articulation of project goals having national or regional objectives, including the preparation or modification of proposals and bids, and the negotiation of program/project elements and budgets.
• Implement strategies to secure project funding.
• Establish administrative systems and procedures relating to program approval processes, reporting systems, technical assistance requirements, procurement, international travel and project termination/evacuation.
• Assist in the co-operative management with partners of specific program and project elements, including the development of implementation plans and strategies, in-course project monitoring and evaluation, and project modification as required.
• Assume responsibility for the management of key financial and physical resources associated with projects, including planning, procurement, monitoring and reporting on progress, reviewing and revising initial plans based on in-project performance, and preparing reports for further analysis and review.
• Demonstrate effective human resource management and labour relations skills relating to projects, including the recruitment and supervision of project personnel and effective interaction with external specialists or consultants acting under contract.
• Perform statistical analysis in a business environment.
• Interpret and apply national and international regulations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of individual and corporate ethics in a business environment, and the importance of effective leadership and team-building in joint ventures based on international co-operation.
• Communicate and work effectively in cross-cultural environments.
• Use industry specific language to describe challenges, solutions and opportunities across the ID arena.

Work Placement

• You will gain industry experience and build your international development network with an eight-week (minimum) work placement within the development/humanitarian sectors. Many students choose to do this placement overseas but it can also be done here in Canada.
• With the program co-ordinator’s support, placements are found through a combination of your interests and contacts with graduates and industry partners. The educational foundation for the work placement includes learning how to optimize resumés, LinkedIn profiles and cover letters, as well as covering the broad set of skills needed to be comfortable and safe working outside of Canada.

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Child and Youth Care advanced diploma program prepares you to promote the optimal development of children, youth and their families. Students are required to develop skills in assessing needs, designing and implementing programs and planned environments, and using daily life events to support and facilitate positive change. The program provides foundational knowledge in infant, child and adolescent development; child and youth care relational practice principles; psychology of the family; evidence-based or evidence-informed intervention strategies; group dynamics; and therapeutic activities.

You will learn that an essential component of professional practice is self-awareness, with many courses emphasizing self-reflection and the classroom being a professional practice environment. Your high energy level and emotional maturity will help you meet the demands of working with children and youth with complex needs.

Our program is delivered by award-winning faculty, renowned in their field, with current, relevant experience and advanced degrees. A key feature of the program is its therapeutic play lab fostering experiential learning.
Work Placement
Field placements with established partnerships are a critical component of this program. There is an exciting variety of innovative and traditional field placements available in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Field placements can also be arranged in your own community and are unpaid.

For the first field placement, opportunities are often school-based and occur two days a week for fourteen weeks. For the final two placements, you will be able to submit four to six placement choices with the school making the final decision. These field placements run four days per week.

Employers in Canada, and around the world, recognize the value of Humber's Public Relations advanced diploma program. Our program provides hands-on training and develops skills in professional media writing, strategic communication planning, presentation, social and digital media content development, social media analytics, media relations, and marketing communications to name a few. Over the course of your studies, you will compile an impressive portfolio of work. Learn from the pros. Humber’s PR faculty has significant work experience and subject matter expertise. At Humber, you are more than a number. Your instructors get to know you by name and offer personalized instruction. To keep the program content current, relevant and leading edge, external industry experts regularly review the curriculum.  

The first semester of the program could be described as a sampler program. You will get a taste of other media disciplines such as advertising and graphic design, journalism, media communications, advertising, and marketing communications. This allows you to keep your options open should you wish to head in a different direction in your second semester.

Students will participate in a mandatory work placement which takes place in the last semester of study. Upon graduation, you will have the knowledge to plan, develop and execute effective public relations plans using social and traditional media. Opportunities include employment in corporations, charities, government, PR firms and many others. Our graduates have landed jobs at high-profile companies in a huge variety of sectors ranging from Corus Entertainment, Molson and Bell to MLSE, RBC and Toronto International Film Festival.

Humber’s Business Management – Entrepreneurial Enterprise graduate certificate program provides the practical skills and knowledge you’ll need to take on a wide variety of leadership roles in innovative entrepreneurial enterprises.

This program covers every area of entrepreneurship from the fundamentals of developing and refining ideas to launching, growing and managing the enterprise. You will be prepared to take on key management roles in entrepreneurial enterprises including operations, marketing and sales, finance, human resources and strategic planning. Plus, you will learn all you need to start and manage your own new enterprise.

Students in this program can participate in Humber’s Business funding competitions for a chance to obtain seed funding for their new enterprise and other contests and progams sponsored by Humber's Centre for Entrepreneurship. Students in this program automatically become members of Humber’s Centre for Entrepreneurship which gives them access to mentorship, coaching, networking events, seminars, workshops, and entrepreneurial facilities and workspaces.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business plan for a new business enterprise.
• Present an executive summary of a comprehensive business plan to potential financial backers.
• Set up and operate a basic bookkeeping and accounting system for a new enterprise that will enable effective financial management.
• Construct, interpret and analyze key financial statements.
• Devise marketing plans encompassing development, implementation, performance monitoring and adjustment using appropriate tools, techniques and applications.
• Execute leadership strategies by modelling ethical practices and corporate social responsibility to enhance a firm’s competitive position and sustainability.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements, tax and other financial requirements, and non-financial compliance requirements and controls systems.
• Apply various selling structures, methods and techniques to generate revenue and effectively manage client relationships.
• Develop and implement an effective human resource management plan to support new ventures and ongoing business operations.
• Build and manage relationships using communication, networking, teamwork and leadership skills.
• Use evidence-based analysis and decision-making in all functional business areas.
• Analyze and realign business strategies to contribute to the operational sustainability of new or ongoing small or medium size enterprise.

Humber’s Public Relations graduate certificate program is recognized by industry as one of Canada’s leading training grounds for public relations professionals. This intensive program is focused on preparing you to launch your degree and getting you ready for your first day of your work placement. You will learn how to plan, develop and execute effective public relations strategies. You will build critical skills in event planning, public speaking and presentation.

Experienced professors will help you develop writing skills, public relations strategies, research and planning abilities, and a high degree of social and traditional media literacy. Practical public relations courses in PR theory, marketing communications, public affairs, media relations, corporate social responsibility, sustainability and change management will provide you with a valuable and useful introduction to the field. Your teamwork, collaborative, and leadership skills will be honed through group assignments.

Work Placement
Many students choose our program because of our outstanding work placement program. After successfully completing two academic semesters, students will complete a mandatory work placement. This experience will allow you to gain valuable job skills and industry knowledge while building your network. Historically, students find work placements in PR agencies, corporations, entertainment organizations, and not-for-profits including arts organizations, hospitals, associations and government. While many placements are located within the GTA, students may also find placements outside the city, province or country.

By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, you will be well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s music world.

Founded in 1972, the program has consistently produced many of the most successful commercial and jazz musicians in Canada and the world. With more than 350 students and a faculty of 18 full-time and 80 part-time teachers, our program is one of the largest, most diverse and highly regarded programs of its kind in the country. Long known for the strength of its professors, Humber offers you the opportunity to study privately, in classroom situations, and in several of the more than 50 ensembles directed by a who’s who of Canadian music. As Toronto is the centre of Canada’s entertainment industry, Humber attracts the top professionals in jazz, musical theatre, television, film, commercials and pop.

After two years of core music courses, you will continue with lessons on your major instrument, as well as take classes in music production and music business while also choosing from electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, music production techniques, songwriting, ethnomusicology or pedagogy.

You’ll develop musicianship and artistry by presenting your own recital, arranging and composing original material, and recording and marketing your own music.
In addition, you will take courses in music history, theory, aural training and improvisation, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles.

All students complete a major recording project/portfolio in their fourth year. The assembled portfolio, which includes a complete press kit and professional-quality recording, as well as other promotional materials, functions as your calling card for entrance into the music industry upon graduation.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform, compose, produce music at a professional level for entry to the competitive, global music industry.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of diverse musical styles and contextualize themselves within contemporary music history: specifically defined as the idioms of African American musical genres, mainstream pop music, country/folk music, Latin music, music for musicals and film, art music and jazz.
• Demonstrate, through performance and composition, a technical and musical mastery of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic structures.
• Demonstrate, through performance, an extensive knowledge of contemporary musical repertoire and apply appropriate performance skills in diverse music contexts.
• Compose and arrange in a broad range of contemporary music styles.
• Prepare and present a portfolio of recorded material reflecting a broad range of styles.
• Record, edit and produce a broad range of contemporary music.
• Apply computer applications/music technology skills in composition, arranging and production.
• Critically analyze and evaluate sound recordings and describe their production characteristics.
• Demonstrate, through production and performance, organizational, project management, and implementation skills.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of contract law, copyright law, intellectual property rights, royalties, and rules of public domain.
• Make use of entrepreneurial music business skills to engage in the competitive contemporary music industry.
• Demonstrate professional “freelance” etiquette relating to job seeking and keeping skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to research and present findings from primary and secondary sources.
• Formulate, articulate and present their own ideas about music, art and society through discussion and writings.
• Demonstrate an artistic awareness and understanding of musical aesthetics.
• Assess personal strengths, musical and business skills, knowledge, artistic vision, interests, and abilities.

Work Placement
You will participate in a work placement designed to mirror the professional music world, which is largely characterized by contract, freelance and part-time employment. You are responsible for accumulating the equivalent of 420 hours of experience which will allow you to establish contacts and relationships with key companies and industry professionals.

Humber’s Business Administration Co-op advanced diploma program allows you to develop extensive knowledge on how businesses work and become competent in the full range of skills needed to facilitate business operations. Courses in operations management, accounting, human resources management, marketing research and much more will give you the opportunity to cultivate key business skills such as communication, teamwork, project management and strategic business analysis. This program allows you to develop your leadership skills. You’ll learn to strategize, negotiate, set priorities, manage time and solve problems effectively. This program is built on a common platform of a solid business education – principles of management, marketing, business law, finance mathematics and microeconomics. The platform is shared with other business diploma programs in year one and is expanded on in year two. Students will then shift their focus and begin working towards their specialization in the third year.

Work placement

With support from an employment placement advisor, you are responsible for finding suitable paid co-op placements. Co-op work placements take place after Semesters 2 and 4. Each placement is 15 weeks (12 weeks mandatory).

Our graduates have the benefit of a high quality, broad-based business education with a strong foundation in accounting, finance, human resources administration, management, operations, business systems and marketing. Upon graduation, you’ll be well equipped to take on a wide variety of positions in areas including customer service, marketing, marketing research and sales, purchasing, HR administration, product and account management, event planning, accounting and financial planning, and budget analysis.