Be ready to tell your story
Become a multi-faceted media and communications professional and gain skills across varied areas of journalism, communications, video, audio and photography. You’ll learn how to research and write for media, audio and video writing, create social media content and more through hands-on assignments and a 150-hour practicum so you can communicate effectively across today’s media landscape.
Be a Student for a Day
Why should you study Digital Communications and Media at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Be ready to jump into a career working for TV or radio broadcasters, newspapers, magazines, corporations and as a media entrepreneur or freelancer anywhere in the world. Digital Communications and Media students manage their own website, television news, newspaper, radio station and social media channels right here on campus. Students will gain real-world experience through a 150-hour practicum and a chance to receive the coveted Troy Reeb internship. This internship allows one student a chance to work side-by-side with Corus Entertainment co-chief executive officer, and Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni, Troy Reeb.
150 hours
dedicated to a digital media practicum
1 Troy Reeb internship available annually
2 weeks work experience in a major market newsroom, available only to Lethbridge Polytechnic DCM students
Student media brand
our DCM students manage their own website, television news, newspaper, radio station and social media channels
Career Opportunities
Your diploma in Digital Communications and Media will prepare you for a wide range of positions working independently or as part of an organization. These careers include:
- Digital/broadcast journalist
- Freelance/entrepreneur
- Graphic and information design
- Magazine/newspaper content creator
- Marketing and advertising
- Media production company owner
- Media/public relations
- Photographer/videographer
- Podcaster
- Radio host/producer/scriptwriter
- Social media content manager
- Story editor
- Video editor
- Video producer/director/scriptwriter
69%
of our DCM grads had a related job less than six months after completing the program
$63,030
the average annual salary of a producer for film, radio or television and theatre
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Digital Communications and Media diploma.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication StudiesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal Justice | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal JusticeGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal Justice. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human ServicesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of CommerceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour RelationsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Griffith University, Australia | Bachelor of Communication and Journalism | Outgoing |
July 2021 - June 2026
Bachelor of Communication and JournalismGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 65% are eligible for transfer credit towards Griffith University's Bachelor of Communication and Journalism. Students will be provided an approved course completion pathway at time of offer of admission. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Griffith University or visit their website for more information. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Technology | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of TechnologyGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma, who have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and meet all other competitive admission and selection requirements, are eligible for admission into NAIT's Bachelor of Technology. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication | Outgoing |
October 2021 - October 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Professional CommunicationGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Digital Communications and Media Diploma, who have a GPA of B (3.00/4.33) or higher and meet all other entrance criteria, are eligible for block transfer into the third year of Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication at Royal Roads University. Students should contact Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information. |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| DCM-1150 | Research and Writing for Digital Media | 3 |
| DCM-1160 | Media History and Regulations | 1.5 |
| DCM-1161 | Communication in Media | 1.5 |
| DCM-1162 | Introduction to Video Production | 3 |
| DCM-1164 | Introduction to Design Software and Photography | 3 |
| DCM-1166 | Introduction to Audio Production | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| DCM-1159 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 |
| DCM-1167 | Marketing Fundamentals for Media | 3 |
| DCM-1169 | Audio Writing and Production I | 3 |
| DCM-1172 | Video Writing and Production I | 3 |
| DCM-1173 | Publishing, Photography and Design I | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| DCM-2258 | Promotions and Marketing | 3 |
| DCM-2261 | Professional Media Communication | 3 |
| DCM-2262 | Video Writing and Production II | 3 |
| DCM-2266 | Publishing, Photography and Design II | 3 |
| DCM-2269 | Audio Writing and Production II | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| DCM-2268 | Media Freelancing | 1.5 |
| DCM-2278 | Social Media and Communications | 3 |
| DCM-2279 | Audio Writing and Production III | 1.5 |
| DCM-2282 | Video Writing and Production III | 1.5 |
| DCM-2286 | Publishing, Photography and Design III | 1.5 |
| Electives (Students take two of three)* | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term III | ||
| DCM-2280 | Practicum | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 63 | |
Approved Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DCM-2284 | Advanced Video Writing and Production | 3 |
| DCM-2289 | Advanced Audio Writing and Production | 3 |
| DCM-2296 | Adv Publishing, Photography and Design | 3 |
Practicum Experience Requirements
There is a required practicum component to this program. Lethbridge Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the practicum experience.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$5,550.00
|
$1,952.00
|
$2,900.00
|
| Year 2
|
$6,105.00
|
$2,115.00
|
$500.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$17,550.00
|
$1,952.00
|
$2,900.00
|
| Year 2
|
$20,246.00
|
$2,115.00
|
$500.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Students in this program are required to purchase their own mobile learning device. Check your letter of admission or contact your program office or check the admissions tab for details – there are minimum requirements.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Digital Communications and Media program is available through on campus delivery.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Nicholas Rabl
"I truly can’t imagine a more fulfilling and rewarding post-secondary experience than what I had at Lethbridge College.
My instructors were amazing—they unlocked my creative potential, boosted my confidence, and gave me the tools I needed to land a job and thrive in it. They went above and beyond to promote a safe environment where I could be myself.
Best of all, there’s something for everyone in DCM: from producing on air broadcasts, to graphic and information design, to writing news and comms pieces.
Opportunity is waiting for anyone who enrols!"
Robin Dee Galang
“My experience at Lethbridge College was filled with so many unforgettable experiences. When I first joined this program, I wanted to be a graphic designer. But after graduating from the program, I felt I left with more skills than what I expected to have. Not only did I find passion in different areas through this program, I got to meet some incredible people in my community.”
Rachel Gelowitz
"DCM helped me hone a range of soft and hard skills that I think will allow me to be successful in any related career I choose. There’s a fair amount of flexibility with assignment options (particularly in second year), which enables your learning journey to be more useful and align better with your career and personal goals.
Partially thanks to DCM and Lethbridge College, I'm a very different person post-graduation than I was when I first joined the program (that's a good thing). DCM shoved me out of my comfort zone and gave me many opportunities and experiences that I otherwise wouldn’t have had."