Communication Simon Fraser University

Overview

The Communication programme at Simon Fraser University offers a comprehensive graduate experience focused on critical scholarship and social change. Students are trained to design and execute original research projects that address urgent political and social problems affecting contemporary societies. This curriculum ensures that graduates possess the analytical skills required for high-level academic and professional success.

Why Communication at Simon Fraser University?

The School of Communication is renowned for its 50-year legacy of excellence in the field, providing a vibrant research environment that encourages students to challenge established paradigms. With access to specialised facilities and a diverse faculty leading impactful research in areas like digital democracy and acoustic ecology, the institution offers a unique platform for scholarly growth. Students benefit from a community that values solidarity and anti-racist action, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for exploring complex cultural and social narratives.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 2150 per semester
• National fee: CAD 2150 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme structure is flexible, offering four distinct pathways including a thesis, a project with a paper, extended essays, or a standalone project. Students typically complete 30 units, including core theoretical and methodological training. Modules may include:

• Design and Methodology in Communication Research
• Contemporary Approaches in Communication Studies
• History of Communication Theory
• Advanced Communication Theory
• Project
• Extended Essays
• Thesis

Careers with Communication

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional trajectories in both academia and industry. Many alumni have secured influential roles in public relations, digital marketing, and journalism, working for major organisations such as the CBC, Telus, and various healthcare marketing firms. The research-intensive nature of the degree also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing doctoral studies or leadership positions in social activism and cultural preservation. Former students have successfully transitioned into roles as authors, entrepreneurs, and strategic consultants, applying their advanced understanding of media and power dynamics to solve real-world challenges.