Overview
Our Communication programs at Simon Fraser University offer graduate students rigorous training in the critical foundation of communication theory, political economy, policy, the study of culture and media, and technology and data studies.
Features
- Committed to social justice and innovative collaborations with NGOs, social movements, community groups, government, industry, cultural institutions, policy makers, artists and media producers, we offer graduate students the opportunity to work with faculty members who are leaders in the field.
- The School of Communication's Graduate Program Committee recognizes the academy's historical entanglement with colonial power, including its contribution to hegemonic knowledge and cultural production, which has legitimized dominant forms of knowledge at the expense of others.
- We acknowledge that these expressions of power often contribute to harm experienced by Indigenous communities and many other groups who have been immiserated, subjugated, and marginalized in order to uphold colonial power relations.
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- Big Data;
- Cyberwars;
- Documentary Media Studies and community-based media and art;
- Indigenous Media Studies;
- Media campaigns.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- TOEFL iBT: 93
- PTE Academic: 65
- IELTS: 7
Other requirements
General requirements
- a master's degree in communication or an equivalent degree in a social sciences or humanities program.
- a clear description of the applicant's proposed PhD research project accompanied by documentation (transcripts, reference letters, writing samples, etc.) that demonstrates the applicant's capacity to complete their proposed research.
- a strong fit between the applicant's proposal and the research and teaching interest of the School's faculty (admission is contingent on the availability of a suitable Supervisor for each applicant).
- applicants whose qualifications do not meet SFU's minimum University requirements may be admitted when they possess significant experience relevant to their proposed area of study.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 4,313 AUD / year (≈ 4,298 CAD / year)
- Domestic: 4,313 AUD / year (≈ 4,298 CAD / year)
Living costs
Burnaby, Canada: 1,605-2,709 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting September 2027
- Apply before Jan 2027