
Start dates
Fall (October), Winter (January), Spring (April), Summer (July)
Program length
18 months
Program Delivery
On-campus, Online* (*based on program availability)
Awards and Scholarships
More than $15 million in 2025
What is the Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications?
In a world shaped by information, storytelling and technology, effective communication has never been more essential. The Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications at UNF is designed to equip students with the insight, tools and critical thinking required to lead in digital-first environments. The program combines theory and practice to explore how messages move across borders, influence culture, and shape global narratives. This master’s in digital media and global communications helps you craft strategic, socially conscious content with international reach.
The global media landscape is rapidly evolving and the need to communicate clearly is more important than ever. With a Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications, you will learn to use your voice to direct global conversations and tell stories that resonate deeply with your intended audience.

Career highlights
As the world becomes more digitally connected, strong digital communication skills that transcend boundaries are more important than ever. This Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications will allow you to effortlessly navigate a variety of industries as a thought leader in the digital media world.

Marketing

Public Relations

eSports

Gaming
Talk to a Student Advisor
Course highlights
Year 1, Term 1 courses
Foundations of Digital Media
This course explores the history and future of digital media, examining its business, technological, and social impacts through ethical and legal lenses. Students will learn foundational concepts of interactive media, web design, video game design, and current industry trends, including AI, accessibility, and digital stewardship. Theoretical topics include new media's formal qualities, political dimensions, genre, narrative, history, and preservation.
Elective – Choose two of the below courses
Intercultural Communication
We live in an increasingly globalized world. Technology enables us to communicate just as easily with our local associates as with clients, stakeholders and colleagues thousands of miles away from us. This course introduces intercultural communication theories, exploring their evolution and application in today's digital world. Students learn foundational and contemporary concepts, critical analysis methods, and barriers to successful intercultural communication, including digital accessibility.
Data Stewardship: Ethics, Privacy, and Digital Communication
The growth of e-commerce, e-services and social networking sites mean that technology developers, service providers, consumers and policymakers are reconsidering what privacy means in everyday life. What does privacy mean in our digital world? This course focuses on issues relating to data privacy in the context of digital communications and artificial intelligence including journalism, surveillance, facial recognition, and biometrics.
Ethics and Etiquette in Digital Communications and Artificial Intelligence
Explore ethics and etiquette in digital communication and AI. This course covers ethical principles, their application online (including privacy and intellectual property), AI ethics (bias and societal impact), digital citizenship, and relevant regulations like GDPR. Through case studies and practical exercises, students develop skills for ethical navigation of the digital world.

Year 1, Term 2 courses
Interactive Communications
Explore new media's impact on marketing, emphasizing e-commerce, social media, and digital content. Students learn to identify and leverage key platforms, building targeted communication strategies. Focusing on audience engagement, data analysis, and ethical considerations, they develop skills to maximize ROI and cultivate brand awareness and loyalty in a user-centric, 24/7 environment.
Choose two of the below courses
Research Methods in Digital Media & Communications
Digital media research methods matter to a critical study of digital environments. The course introduces the range of research methods appropriate for understanding scholarship in the fields of communications, information, and media studies. Students will study specific methods in the context of the media-related topics that various research methodologies have been used to address.
Design Thinking and Digital Media
Design Thinking is a user-focused, hands-on approach to innovation and problem-solving applicable across disciplines. Emphasizing user involvement, problem framing, experimentation, visualization, and diversity, it uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. This course applies Design Thinking principles specifically to digital media products and services.
Interconnected World
This course examines television, cinema, journalism, and radio, exploring their evolution, economic structures, and cultural impact. Students analyze content production, distribution, regulation, and media influence through case studies, preparing for careers in media production, analysis, and journalism.
Year 1, Term 3 courses
Design and Tools for Digital Media
Today’s digital media and communications careers require a digital mindset. This course introduces students to visual design theory, applications used in developing multimedia, graphic design, and technology skills that are foundational to content creation across various technological platforms. Social media trainings include Twitter Flight School Certification, Hootsuite Qualification course, and the Google Analytics Individual Qualification course (Beginner or Advanced).
Choose two of the below courses
International Advertising
This course examines international and cross-cultural advertising, emphasizing persuasive communication strategies for global markets. Students explore the interplay between global and local forces, addressing cultural, economic, regulatory, and competitive challenges. They'll learn theoretical and practical aspects of campaign planning, including research, objective setting, budgeting, media selection, creative development, ethics, and social responsibility.
Digital Storytelling and Brands
Digital Storytelling takes the traditional craft of telling stories and merges it with new techniques to create diverse digital media. This course includes aspects of advertising, journalism and public relations to better understand online trends and viral content by focusing on three core concepts simultaneously: creativity, production and distribution.
Artificial Intelligence and Media
This course explores AI in media, covering machine learning, NLP, and computer vision for content creation, distribution, and personalization. Students develop AI-driven tools, analyze case studies, and assess ethical implications, preparing for careers in journalism, entertainment, advertising, and social media.
Year 2, Term 1 courses
Data Analytics in Digital Media
This course explores the explosion of digital media (web, social, mobile) and its impact. It introduces data analytics, focusing on processing real-time data (sentiment, buzz, contacts, context) for performance analysis. Students learn the process of transforming data into knowledge and using tools for data-driven decision-making.
Digital Media Entrepreneurship
This course focuses on entrepreneurial strategy in digital media, designed for those starting or wanting to start a digital venture. Students learn to develop business models with sustainable revenue, build value, engage consumers, and access global markets. Key skills include business model analysis, marketing, sales, and strategy, alongside exploring future revolutionary technologies.
Elective – Choose one of the below courses
The present of digital communication: Metaverse, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Neuromarketing
Explore the intersection of technology, communication, and marketing, focusing on the Metaverse, VR/AR, and neuromarketing. Students examine the evolution of digital communication, delve into these emerging technologies and their applications, and study neuromarketing fundamentals. Ethical and societal implications are critically evaluated, and virtual lab exercises provide practical experience.
Digital Visualization
Data visualization is crucial for exploring and presenting information across various fields. It aids in understanding data, providing clear evidence, and telling engaging stories through informative graphics. This course builds a foundation for data-driven decision-making.
Year 2, Term 2 course
Capstone
Developing and executing a digital media strategy requires the integration of skills, strategies, and tactics to create a cohesive, dynamic whole. This capstone project integrates components from previous coursework by addressing topics such as the life cycle of the campaign, selection of appropriate tools, content development and management, campaign management strategies, effective tracking and measurement, data privacy, regulatory frameworks, and making modifications based on data analysis.
These course highlights provide a glimpse into the Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications program. Your actual schedule may vary. There is a scheduled program break between Year 1, Term 3 and Year 2, Term 1. For full course descriptions and schedules, consult the Academic Calendar.

Digital media and global communications career opportunities
The way the world communicates is constantly evolving, especially in the digital realm. Understanding how and where people access information is important for those who are trying to communicate important messages, whether it be for advertising, news, or governmental purposes.
According to Canada’s Job Bank, new job openings for professional occupations in advertising, marketing, and public relations is expected to total 73,700 between 2022 and 2031, while the number of anticipated new job seekers for these roles will only be 67,200. This is a growing field with plenty of opportunity.
Career path and salary
- Digital marketing strategist - $82,500
- Public relations manager - $91,650
- Social media producer - $87,750
- Intercultural communications specialist - $80,010
- Director of marketing and communications - $104,000
*Source, Talent.com
Hear from our Associate Dean
Digital communications and digital media change on a daily basis, so you have to be ready to learn new things every single day. We provide you with all the digital technology tools you need.
Admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications program

Academic information
Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions for admission:
- Bachelor’s Degree – Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to the four-year honours degree standard identified in the Ontario Qualifications Framework, in an appropriate specialization, or relevant bridging studies, with CGPA of 3.0 (on 4.33 scale) or better.
Document checklist
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all post- secondary institutions attended
- Official documentation confirming professional designations, where applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
International information
Applicants who completed undergraduate studies outside Canada must also submit:
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
- Documentation confirming award of their previous degree(s), if not already indicated on official transcripts
- A credential evaluation from a recognized service, if required by the registrar
Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
Awards and scholarships
The Office of the Registrar had dedicated more than $15 million in scholarships, awards and financial support to students in 2025. Entrance Awards are for newly admitted international and domestic students, while Academic Scholarships are for those entering the second term of their program.
Financial aid options
UNF has partnered with organizations to help newly admitted domestic students finance their education.

$17,505
Domestic tuition
$39,375
International tuition
$15 Million
Scholarship & awards
Frequently asked questions
Will I gain practical experience in the Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications program?
There are several opportunities for you to gain practical experience through this program, including internships, work-integrated learning opportunities and capstone research projects. Attend one of our graduate program webinars to learn more directly from faculty members. Visit our events page to find the date for our next webinar.
Do I need to take the GRE for the Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications program?
We do not use standardized testing as part of the admission process for our graduate degrees. We look at your academic record from your undergraduate studies during the application process. See our admissions page for more information about our requirements.
Who should apply for the MA in Digital Media and Global Communications?
This program is ideal for individuals with a passion for storytelling, global issues, media innovation or strategic communication. Whether you're a recent graduate or a professional looking to upskill, the degree offers a platform to explore digital media through a global lens.
How long does it take to complete the Master’s in Digital Media and Global Communications?
The program typically takes 18 months of full-time study to complete. It is structured to provide a balanced mix of coursework, research, and applied learning.
What skills will I gain from the MA in Digital Media and Global Communications program?
You will graduate with a strong foundation in digital communication skills, including content strategy, media analysis, digital storytelling and cross-cultural messaging. The degree also builds your research abilities and sharpens your understanding of emerging global communication trends. These skills are essential for careers in media, advocacy, public relations and beyond.
Why choose UNF?
UNF is committed to innovative education and research for a digital world. This technology-centred approach puts you, the student, first. Learn from industry leaders and experienced faculty, gain experience through work-integrated learning components, and build a foundation that sets you on the path for success.
Contact your Student Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your dedicated Student Advisor at a time that’s convenient for you.
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting Oct. 14, 2022. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)