English (Critical Media Studies) - Master of Arts (MA)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 1 yearDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of ArtsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Master of Arts (MA)Awards
- $23,088Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Explore the creative and critical processes provided by digital media with the Master of Arts in Critical Media Studies program. Taking a lab-based, hands-on approach, you’ll learn how to use digital media as a critical tool, combining theory and practice in the production of objects-to-think-with.
Read more
The program operates out of the English program's Critical Media Lab. You can choose from a coursework-based option or a master’s research paper option. The program's rich mix of theoretical and practical study will prepare you for a variety of careers in media industries, as well as in digital/social media positions within more traditional fields— private industry, government, educational organizations, and non-governmental organizations. You'll also be prepared to pursue further study at the doctorate level, taking the creative methods and theories of the program with you to craft innovative PhD projects.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.5
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
• An honours bachelor's degree in English, or its equivalent, with an average of at least 78% in English courses, and at least 75% overall. || • Those with honours degrees not in English may apply to the program but may be required to take as many as 10 undergraduate courses in English to prepare them for graduate-level study in the discipline. Additional courses will be chosen in consultation with the Graduate Officer and will generally correspond to the minor program in English. || • Statement of interest || • Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • Please provide a statement of interest (maximum 500 words) explaining your reasons for applying to the English (Critical Media Studies) program at the University of Waterloo. || • || Transcript(s) || • References || • Three references are required; at least two academic. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$23,088 CAD / year≈ $16,976 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsWaterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: • February 1 (for admission in September)
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does English (Critical Media Studies) - Master of Arts (MA) cost?
CAD 23,088 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1 year, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
• An honours bachelor's degree in English, or its equivalent, with an average of at least 78% in English courses, and at least 75% overall. || • Those with honours degrees not in English may apply to the program but may be required to take as many as 10 undergraduate courses in English to prepare them for graduate-level study in the discipline. Additional courses will be chosen in consultation with the Graduate Officer and will generally correspond to the minor program in English. || • Statement of interest || • Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • Please provide a statement of interest (maximum 500 words) explaining your reasons for applying to the English (Critical Media Studies) program at the University of Waterloo. || • || Transcript(s) || • References || • Three references are required; at least two academic. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
Is there a scholarship?
Waterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. Source View scholarship page
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