Broadcast - Television

  Canada

• Ottawa: 
Ottawa

Description: This two-year diploma program provides students with the formal training needed to become leaders in the television production industry. Curriculum covers all aspects of the production process and is focused on making graduates job-ready. Equal weight is given to the creative side of production and technical operations. The program follows a hands-on approach to learning and stresses the importance of teamwork. Passing grades must be achieved in all core subjects to be promoted from one level to the next. Many projects are completed outside of class hours and significant time is spent working evenings and weekends. Students should be self-starters and able to adhere to strict deadlines. Some courses require the physical ability to carry cameras and other production equipment.

Graduates may find employment in television stations, media centres, production houses and community cable systems as studio and field crew members, editors, motion graphic artists, directors, researchers and producers. Opportunities also exist for graduates wishing to freelance or start their own production companies.

Highlights: This is a pretty intense program," says coordinator Michel Barrette, a veteran of the television industry. "This is the type of program that suits those individuals who are creative, hard working and outgoing."

The two-year program will prepare the student for a variety of opportunities in the work force.

"Our grads are everywhere," says Barrette, "local TV stations, TV networks, production houses, government.

"They are producers, directors, hosts, anchors, video journalists, editors, technical producers, camera operators. You name it. And the skills they walk away with ensure they are not limited to the Ottawa job market, they find work all over North America, and abroad. We believe in multi-tasking. It makes the student more versatile and marketable anywhere."

This program has the reputation for having a leading-edge television facility for students to learn and work on.

Says Barrette: "We're constantly upgrading because we figure if we train students on what is being used in the industry it benefits them once they start their job hunt. Again, it makes them more marketable."

He added that the program is in the process of converting a studio to a fully digital, wide-screen facility.

"Some people say 'nice toys'. We say we provide the right tools to do the job".

There is a wide variety of courses on the curriculum and Barrette says: "All full-time faculty are specialists in many areas. We do, though, rely on some part-time teachers who are industry professionals with specific expertise.

"Some of the teachers are graduates of the program," Barrette says with a grin and adds "in fact, I get calls all the time from graduates looking to hire my students.

"I think that says a lot, they know to come to the source."

The program has a good reputation in the industry based on its faculty, curriculum, facilities and the quality of its students.

"Our greatest asset is our students and what they bring to the party," Barrette says. "In screening applicants I look for those who have researched the industry, I look for those who are prepared to make the commitment and I look for those who are willing to put in the work required to succeed.

"When that happens they graduate and get a job. That's what we're all about".

Famous alumni of this program include 2006 Emmy Award Winner, Jon Casar, Director and Co-producer of the television series "24".

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 22,000 - USD 23,000

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Canada Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is 1-2 weeks

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Algonquin College's Mission Statement: Algonquin College is one of Canada's leading public insitutions providing quality education for the past 40+ years. Our graduates are found worldwide. The college has over 16,000 full-time students from over 70 countries. Algonquin continues to expand and provide superb facilities to students. 90% of all Algonquin graduates are employed within six months of graduation! This is due to the focus on applied learning and skills. Algonquin College programs offer education for the "real" world. Students participate in industry work placements and study in an environment which helps them prepare for the world of work! Our succes is in our graduates!

Year Founded: 1967