Overview
The media industry is a fast-paced, dynamic field that encompasses many creative and technical professions dedicated to the production of a wide range of multimedia content. In this program, you explore the ins-and-outs of the media industry by learning how to produce content for TV, radio and the web in a real-world, deadline-driven environment. Throughout your studies, you develop your storytelling and writing skills, produce scripts, practice on-air presentation skills and apply media ethics to your work.
You learn to use the latest industry-specific equipment and software and explore new and emerging areas of the media industry, including podcasting and live-streaming. You develop the skills and approaches needed to succeed in industry.
Freelance work and entrepreneurial opportunities are a fast-growing area in this sector. You are exposed to skills and approaches needed to excel as a freelancer or entrepreneur in the field.
Work experience
- Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
- Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
- This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
- Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
- Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
- Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
- Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
- For more information, visit work experience opportunities.
Choose NSCC
- You learn in a professional studio environment, outfitted with the latest technology and equipment. Modern facilities and industry-standard equipment provide a real-world learning experience.
- You apply the skills you learn by operating the campus radio station (CCKC), live-streaming events, working on TC specials and producing a weekly TV news show.
- You learn from instructors with strong ties to industry.
- Throughout the program, industry experts and guest speakers are brought into the classroom to deliver specialized training.
- During this two-year program, you're introduced to the needs and expectations of this industry and you practise your skills until you're proficient.
- The practical experiences and contacts you make are your edge to a successful entry into this competitive market.
Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
RTVJ 2000 - Journalism I
This course introduces learners to journalism fundamentals including the role of journalists in a democracy, media ethics, principles of fairness and accuracy, critical thinking, research and story development. Learners will develop basic newsgathering skills through a mix of in-class and real world assignments.
RTVJ 2010 - Television Operations I
This introductory course is designed to provide the learner with theoretical knowledge and practical training on how a television studio operates. Using lectures, demonstrations, assignments, workshops and studio productions learners will learn operational techniques, with emphasis on production within the campus studios. Learners will learn television production terminology, equipment, operational practices and personnel responsibilities. All learners in this course will produce a 10 minute studio interview as a final project.
RTVJ 2030 - Radio I
Beginning with a brief history followed by a current look at the radio industry in Nova Scotia and across the Maritimes, this course will introduce the learner to the three main components of radio programming; studio equipment, basic radio show programming and formatics and introductory level Radio Audio production. Learners will be introduced to the role of each piece of radio studio equipment and will learn to operate the audio gear found in most radio stations today along with industry standard radio production and on-air software delivery programs. Learners will also explore the building blocks of radio programming including the relationship between audience demographics and various formats used by commercial, public and community radio stations. Learners will perform their own ‘live’ radio shows and learn the basic methods of audio gathering, recording, editing and mixing of regular weekly audio production assignments.
RTVJ 2040 - Digital Tools I
The purpose of this course is to provide the learner with an introduction to some of the basic digital tools relevant to radio, television and journalism. Learners will work with mobile devices to gather, optimize, and publish content. Learners will be introduced to creating graphics and editing video on a desktop computer.
An emphasis will be placed on developing a logical workflow that focuses on the practical uses of these tools in the fields of radio, television and journalism.
RTVJ 2050 - Mechanics of Media Writing I
This course provides learners with an opportunity to improve writing skills essential for success in the media industry. Learners will practice specific media writing in classroom and computer lab settings. Learners will identify areas for personal improvement and focus on the mechanics of writing. Learners will also develop skills to evaluate and review media writing assignments and apply them to web, TV and radio writing in the form of interview transcriptions, reporter scripts and stories and promotional pieces.
RTVJ 2100 - Journalism II
This course builds on foundational knowledge already acquired. It will enhance the learners’ understanding of journalism fundamentals including the role of journalists in a democracy, media ethics, principles of fairness and accuracy, critical thinking, research and story development. Learners will develop more advanced newsgathering skills through a mix of in-class and real world assignments.
RTVJ 2200 - Television Operations II
This intermediate level course is designed to provide the learner with theoretical knowledge and practical training on how a television studio operates. Using lectures, demonstrations, assignments, workshops and studio productions learners will learn operational techniques, with emphasis on production within the campus studios.
RTVJ 2300 - Electronic News Gathering and Electronic Field Production
This course introduces the learner to single camera production procedures including news gathering with traditional production equipment and mobile journalism equipment. In addition, learners will learn about on-location, multi-camera productions. Learners will be required to participate in multi-camera mobile productions either on campus or on location with designated industry partners.
RTVJ 2400 - Digital Tools II
The purpose of this course is to build on the understanding and skills developed in Digital Tools l. Learners will work with desktop computer applications, including nonlinear editing software, and be introduced to the concepts and skills involved in motion graphics creation. This course provides a foundation in basic concepts fundamental to working with video in a desktop environment.
RTVJ 2500 - Work Experience I
This industry internship will provide the learners with an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, to network for future employment and obtain additional valuable program related knowledge.
RTVJ 2600 - Radio Production Techniques I
This course is designed to teach the learner various methods of audio gathering, mixing and production techniques required for their first radio productions both ‘live’ on-air and in the Production Studio. Learners will learn the foundation fundamentals of producing their own ‘live’ Radio shows as well as creating Show Promos and PSA’s from concept outline to finished audio. Selected learner Radio shows, Promos and PSA’s will be examined along with their role in the overall sound and success of a radio station's operation.
RTVJ 2700 - Sound and Audio Process
This course is designed to instruct the learner in the theoretical basics of sound creation along with recording sound for radio playback and for post-production digital manipulation. In order to excel in this process, a thorough understanding of the complete signal chain of audio recording and reproduction is necessary for effective post production for both Radio and for Audio Production for the web and video. Prominently featured will be the analysis of how sound is created, the Human Hearing Audio Spectrum, studio microphones and the critical role of the audio interface for digital recording. This course explores the basics of sound, the three types of popular audio microphones and the basic theory of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) recording.
RTVJ 2800 - Commercial Writing
This course is designed to teach the basic fundamentals required for creative commercial writing for the radio medium. Analysis of both 'Lytle' and 'Schwartz' commercial writing techniques will be fully explored and applied to commercial radio advertisement campaigns. There will be weekly commercial writing assignments. Writing fundamentals will feature various creative formats used in commercial radio ad campaigns. Proper formatting techniques will also be applied. This course encourages each learner’s unique creative characteristics to surface and actively promotes individuality and imagination.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.
