Program Overview
The Computational Media Design at University of Calgary is a MSc programme in Arts & Design over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Computational Media Design programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Canada and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7.5
- Tuition: USD 12,695 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,593 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Calgary, Canada
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Computational Media Design programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Computational Media Design Research Methodology (3 units or 0.5 full-course equivalent).
- One Computer Science graduate-level (3 units or 0.5 full-course equivalent).
- One graduate-level from Art, Environmental Design or Music (3 units or 0.5 full-course equivalent), and
- Two additional graduate-level courses (6 units or 1.0 full-course equivalent), for a total of 15 units (2.5 full-course equivalents).
- Additional courses can be required on a case-by-case basis.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
In order to be considered for the program, applicants must fulfil the following requirements:
1. A four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institutionYou must have a minimum grade point average equivalent to 3.0 on a 4.0 point system over the past two years of full-time study. Some graduate programs require a higher grade point average for admission. The degree must include appropriate course content for the graduate program applied for and adequate senior level courses to ensure preparation for graduate work. Any previous graduate work is also considered.
If you received your degree from a university outside Canada, please refer to the country specific degree requirements.
2. English Language ProficiencyIf your primary language is not English you will be required to fulfil the English language proficiency requirement. This may be proven with your scores from an IELTS or TOEFL (internet/written) or if the applicant has successfully completed the Tier 3 of the International Foundations Program (for the latter option, please confirm with the Graduate Program Administrator).
3. Endorsement from the Head of the Graduate ProgramIt is the responsibility of the department or graduate program to ensure that you are, in all relevant respects, acceptable to the program and that your proposed program is aligned with the availability of resources for adequate supervision and research, with departmental research objectives, and with program balance, as appropriate.
There is no general right of admission to graduate programs. Each graduate program determines whether to recommend the admission of a particular applicant to the Faculty of Graduate Studies based on departmental considerations.
4. Program Specific Requirements
a) While applicants from any discipline will be considered, undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Arts, Music, or Design are favoured. Starting CMD with a background in one area is possible, but background in two areas is preferred.
b) A single page statement of interest. This is not a proposal but a declaration of interest in interdisciplinary research in art, design or music and computer science.
c) Applicants must submit a portfolio that provides up to ten examples of their research and creative work. This may include any combination of academic publications and reports, images, video, audio recordings, musical scores, documentation of installations, and written works. Applicants may provide a URL to portfolio items that cannot be uploaded through the application system.
d) A demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research in art, design or music and computer science.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 12,695 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,593 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 12,695 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,593 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 7.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Calgary directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Calgary, Canada
public research university located in Calgary, Alberta
University Profile- Application Deadline Feb, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
