Bachelor of Media Arts in New Media + Sound Arts Major
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
About this program
Bachelor in New Media + Sound Arts Major
All our majors commence upon completion of our Foundation Year requirements.
New Media and Sound Arts (NMSA) provides a critical and technical framework within which students master the conceptual and practical skills for producing creative, innovative, and experimental research and projects that employ electronic technologies. NMSA acknowledges the growing interest in expanded opportunities and support for sound art at ECU. Students explore sound practices along with visual, performative, and object-making practices using new technologies. For example, curriculum pathways include: visuals and sound for interactive environments, new media performance, interactive video, sound recording, sound design, instrument design, computer music, web projects, robotics and wearable electronics. As part of the growing culture of indigenization at Emily Carr, NMSA offers aboriginal storytelling and indigenous approaches to new media research and production.
NMSA allows for open-ended inquiry, examining how art and technology can contribute towards positive social change. NMSA proposes critical investigations into making: How can technologies provide new methods of telling stories? How can technologies provide inquiry into the changing roles of artists and publics? Can technologies assist our physical relationship to the world? Can technologies enhance our perceptions, our hearing and seeing? How may technologies help support ecological relations with the earth? Students in the NMSA major are encouraged to develop their artistic voice within a context of contemporary and historical practices, and to develop meaningful engagement with social concerns.
NMSA provides students with links to communities of professionals by forging opportunities with internal practitioners and researchers, and external organizations. The goal is to offer students the potential to be society’s critical makers; able to contribute creative research, engaged practices, and problem-solving skills.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
The minimum academic requirement for admission to Emily Carr University undergraduate programs is graduation from grade 12 secondary school, with five grade 12 subjects, including English 12 with a minimum grade of 'C', two other grade 12 academic courses and two grade 12 elective courses. The minimum overall grade point average required for admission is 2.5 or C+ or 67%. All elective courses must be grade 12 and can be Ministry Approved, Board Approved or Locally Developed. Requirement vary depending on your location. Visit our website to ensure your application satisfies the minimum requirements, and look for “First Year Academic Requirements”.
If English is not your first language you will need to submit an English Proficiency test. We are also pleased to offer a Creative Art Pathway (CAP) program for potential Emily Carr Students who do not meet the English Language proficiency requirements. Learn more on the English Proficiency page on our website.
Whether you are applying for first year Foundation or as a transfer student, all applicants to Emily Carr University must submit a portfolio online through SlideRoom as part of the admission process. Your portfolio requirements may include examples of your work, responses to prompts using a variety of media/materials, and written responses. Find detailed portfolio requirements on our website.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
As a graduate applicant you must apply online using the EducationPlannerBC Application Service. You will only be able to select Emily Carr from the list of BC institutions when applications open. A non-refundable application fee is required for all graduate applications.
If your first language is not English you must submit an official English language proficiency test score.
Lastly, you must prepare and submit your portfolio and supporting documents.
Applicants must submit a portfolio and supporting documents online. Supporting documents include:
• Statement of Intent
• Recommendation Letters
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Video Question
We will contact you with a decision about your application via email. We will also mail you the selection process results. For detailed admissions requirements and application information, please visit our website.
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Learn moreProgram content
FOUNDATION
15 Credits Per Semester
- FNDT 108 Creative Processes (3)
- FNDT 165 Core Interdisc Studio (6)
- Foundation Studio Elective (3)
Choose ONE Of:
- FNDT 160 Core Media Studio I (6)
- FNDT 161 Core Design Studio I (6)
- FNDT 164 Core Visual Arts Studio I (6)
- HUMN 100 Academic Core I (6)
- HUMN 101 Academic Core II (6)
SECOND YEAR
15 Credits Per Semester
- NMSA 200 NMSA Core I (6)
- NMSA 210 NMSA Core II (6)
- NMSA/ SOUN 200 level (6)
- Elective, any Subject 200 level (6)
- MHIS 207 Technocultures (3)
- Critical Studies Elective 200 Level (3)
THIRD YEAR
15 Credits Per Semester
- MDIA 300 MEDIA Thematic (6)
- MDIA 300 MEDIA Thematic (6)
- FMSA/MDIA/NMSA/SOUN 300/400 level(3)
- Studio Elective 200/300/400 level (6)
- SOCS 301 Meanings of New Tech (3)
- Critical Studies Elective 300/400 Level (6)
FOURTH YEAR
15 Credits Per Semester
- MDIA 400 Media Arts Core Studio I (6)
- MDIA 410 Media Arts Core Studio II (6)
- FMSA / NMSA / SOUN 300/400 Level (6)
- Studio Elective 200/300/400 level (3)
- MHIS 407 Themes in Electronic Media (3)
- SOCS 411 Professional Practice (3)
- Critical Studies Elective 300/400 Level (3)
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the institute website for more information.
Qualification
Your studies will focus steadily in this field over the last three years of your four-year degree. Upon completion, you will achieve the undergraduate degree and designation, Bachelor of Media Arts, Majoring in New Media + Sound Arts (BMA, New Media + Sound Arts).
The Bachelor of Media Arts, New Media +Sound Arts program aims are:
- Individual expression: NMSA promotes individual expression and creative confidence amongst our students, encouraging students to find their own practice.
- Critical making: NMSA faculty believe in the potential of our students, and encourage them to make work informed by research, exploration, and critical enquiry relevant to the concerns of the 21st century.
- Experimentation and innovation: NMSA faculty are committed to contemporary art and value students who grow the field through creative ideas and making.
- DIY/ diverse technical proficiency: NMSA faculty and technicians are experienced practitioners who are able to support students’ mastery of materials and means.
- Breadth and depth of program offerings: NMSA students have the flexibility to explore and discover their own path through the diverse curriculum pathways.
- Blending of curriculum with professional experience: NMSA promotes student immersion in professional opportunities with practitioners and organizations.
- Year by year curricular philosophy: Second year courses focus on key concepts in electronic art and an introduction to technical skills; third year offers breadth of learning combined with exploration of personal interest, opportunities for collaborative modes of production, and opportunities with professionals; fourth year is the capstone year, when students dig deeply into their research and project production in preparation for professional practice.
Continuing studies
We offer flexible continuing studies programs for anyone that wants to learn new creative skills, build their portfolio, and advance their career path. Choose from dozens of individual courses and workshops, or sign up for one of our full or part-time certificate programs.
Undergraduate students are also welcomed to expand their breadth of learning by taking Continuing Studies courses outside their degree program. To get started, browse our available programs online today.
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About this institute
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU)
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) is a world-class university dedicated to art, design and media education. ECU was ranked the top art and design university in Canada, and among the top 50 universities world-wide by QS Rankings...
Why study at Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a school of students, teachers, thinkers and makers unlike any other – at once laser-focused and infinite by practice and nature. Established in 1925, we are the only specialized, accredited, public, post-secondary university in British Columbia solely devoted to education and research in the creative sector and its associated knowledge economy. We merge research, critical theory and studio practice in an interdisciplinary environment, strengthening our work by the integration of our personal and professional practices. Our strategy, facilities, partnerships and resources are intentionally student-centred to foster dialogue, expression and open connections in support of the next generation of creative and cultural leaders.
Our home base in Vancouver – a young, vibrant city, known for its verve, beauty and unparalleled livability – reflects our core belief: Creativity will always be our greatest natural resource, individually and collectively. Inspired by this belief, our programs offer undergraduate, graduate degrees, and applied research in the fields of visual arts, media arts, and design, as well as professional certificates, pre-university, and lifelong learning in these areas.
Contact info
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
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