Program Structure & Courses

 The PhD in Media Studies program requires the completion of six courses, the Fields Exam, a thesis proposal and a thesis.

Normal Progression

Year Fall Winter Summer
Y1 Coursework Coursework Coursework
Y2 Formation of Supervisory Committee and Qualifying Meeting Fields Exam Fields Essay Submitted
Y3 Fields Exam & Thesis Proposal Thesis Research & Writing Thesis Research & Writing
Y4 Thesis Research & Writing Thesis Submitted Thesis Defense

Courses

Please use the filters below to reset the page to display required, elective, and other types of Media Studies (MS) courses, on a term-by-term basis.

"All Courses" is a list of the entire MS course catalogue. Not all courses are offered in every term or every year.

Student Profile

Santasil Mallik looking down at a camera in his hands.

Santasil Mallik: A Clear Focus

PhD in Media Studies

When Santasil Mallik’s friend invited him to examine old photographs from her family’s shuttered photo studio, he didn’t imagine that evening would inspire a voyage across the globe, changing the course of his life forever. Now a media artist and PhD candidate in Media Studies, Santasil's research takes a critical look at humanitarian crises beyond the camera lens.

Read Santasil's story

Ready to apply?

Enroll in Media Studies at Western and change your perspective

Applications for September 2026 open on October 1, 2025. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.