Full-time Diploma of Technology 610bdiplt

BCIT Broadcast Radio Diploma

Radio. It’s a unique career choice; creatively blending elements of business, performance art, personal drive, and teamwork skills. The specific job choice is wide and your potential location vast:

  • Have you imagined spinning tunes and sharing your view on music and entertainment with Victoria listeners?
  • How about performing the news in Vancouver or researching an important story vital to the local Vernon community?
  • Perhaps you can see yourself getting creative selling commercial time in Kelowna…
  • …or living far from the bustle in Castlegar, writing the commercials to be produced, or working innovative magic behind the production board?
BCIT’s Radio Program is cutting edge with a long history of graduating professionals into media careers across Canada. Our students operate ‘Evolution 107.9’, a fully-licensed FM radio station in the greater Vancouver market. Why not consider joining our dynamic team for the September term start?

BCIT's Broadcast and Media Communications department is affiliated with:

  • The British Columbia Association of Broadcasters (BCAB)
  • The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB)
  • The Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA)
  • Canadian Women in Communications (CWC)
  • The Broadcast Educators Association of Canada (BEAC)
BCIT BROADCAST RADIO DIPLOMA
BCIT Credential: BCIT Diploma of Technology
Program Length: 2 years, Full-time
Program Start: September
Number of Courses: 29 courses, 143.5 credits
Total Tuition/Cost: Learn about Tuition & Fees
Internship/Practicum: 4 weeks, 5 days a week
Job Rotations: Work at Evolution 107.9FM
(news, sports, documentaries, production)
1st Year Entry: View Requirements
*Advanced Placement: View Requirements
*Subject to change

Program Entry

Entrance Requirement overview

Applicants must pass an entrance exam that evaluates English literacy, current events awareness, general knowledge and computer literacy. Normally, only qualified applicants will be interviewed. Programs may or may not hold interviews, at their discretion.

If an on-campus interview is not possible, please contact the program head and an interview in the field may be arranged.

In each of the programs, students are graded against industry and professional standards and must achieve these standards during their terms of study in order to graduate.

Students must participate in a series of industry work experience assignments and field trips to local and provincial broadcast and related operations facilities during their tenure in all Broadcast and Media Communications programs. Students with part-time employment require flexible hours to accommodate the work schedules of the various programs.

Entrance requirements

All applicants for any Broadcast and Media Communications program must successfully complete an entrance examination that evaluates English literacy, current events awareness, general knowledge, and broadcast industry awareness. Applicants must successfully complete the exam prior to being considered for selection. Proficiency in keyboarding and applied computer skills is essential for program success. Applicants should apply early in the calendar year and ensure their application is complete with all required documentation in order to be considered.

*Applications must include a short essay (approximately 500 - 1000 words) detailing personal history, career goals, and reasons for choosing broadcasting as a career. The application must also contain all pertinent documents, letters of reference, recommendations, school and university/college transcripts, and details of related experience. The Radio and Broadcast Journalism programs require applicants to successfully complete a vocal audition as part of the entrance process.

Applicants are encouraged to attend information seminars which are held on the last Monday of August and the first Monday of each month during the school year (September to June) at 1730 in the Broadcast Centre, Building SE10 on the Burnaby campus. (When the first Monday of a month is a holiday, the meeting is held on the second Monday.)

All applications may be enhanced through BCIT Broadcast and Media Part-time Studies, varied field experience, and post-secondary education.

The prospective applicant is expected to have high proficiency in oral and written English. Previous studies in political science, history, psychology, business, law, computer science, and other humanities, as well as an up-to-date awareness of current events, will prove valuable.

Advanced Placement

Entry into the start of the second year may be possible. View the Advanced Placement section for details.

Re-admission Requirements

Where a student fails a term in the Broadcast and Media Communications program, and where that failure requires the student to leave the program, the following conditions will apply for re-admission:

  1. The student must apply for re-admission by submitting an application to the Admissions department. An additional application fee must be paid.
  2. Courses previously taken at BCIT do not automatically qualify for course credit. BCIT reserves the right to require the applicant to re-take any course within the program. This may include courses that have already been successfully completed, and/or courses where transfer credit may have been previously granted.
  3. Re-admission is conditional upon space availability. Where more applicants apply than there are seats available, BCIT reserves the right to select those applicants deemed to have the best chance for success in their chosen program.

Please refer to the Broadcast and Media Communications Readmission information sheet [PDF] for further details.

BC provincial exams

Provincial exam marks are required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12. BCIT does not require applicants to write provincial exams for Grade 12 Math and Science courses.

Apply to program

Candidates who wish to apply to this program must declare their option/specialization at the time of application.

Indicate your 'first choice program' as Broadcast and Media Communications and Radio as the option.

Submit an application: online or by mail [PDF].

You can check the status of your application online at any time using the Student Information System.

Scheduled intakes

September each year.

Application processing

October 1* of the previous year until the program fills.

Applications are considered for a specific intake.

*Or next business day

Early submission of applications is strongly encouraged. Formal review of applications will take place beginning each February. Broadcast and Media Communications programs fill early, so it is in the applicant's best interest to submit an application and supporting documentation as early as possible. Sections in the Broadcast and Media Communications generally close applications in late spring. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.

myCommunication

Within 2 to 3 weeks of applying to a program, you will be sent a letter in the mail confirming receipt of your application. The letter will identify your student number, BCIT e-mail address and instructions on how to login to your myBCIT account.

All official BCIT correspondence will be sent to your myBCIT account. Check myCommunication often during the application process and throughout your studies at BCIT.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within 2 to 8 weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Tuition fees

Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.

Books and supplies

Student spending above and beyond tuition depends largely on individual preferences and practices. The following estimates provide a range of spending:

Radio
Level 1: $1,380; Level 2: $331; Level 3: $200; Level 4: $300

(General estimated cost, and subject to change)

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

BCIT's two year full-time diploma program covers all aspects of radio broadcasting. We offer training that can be applied not just to radio, but radio industry related careers, such as: advertising agency copywriter; audio producer; public relations; promotions; marketing; and television on-camera work.  Please see our course matrix below for detailed course listings.

Our live broadcast studios are located on campus and anchor the program.   We have replicated the infrastructure found in most private radio stations and designed a weekly rotation, enabling each student to move from one job position to another. This means you have the opportunity to apply your classroom theory to a lab setting with regular instructor feedback. The lab – ‘Evolution 107.9fm’ – is licensed by the CRTC, which means we are required to fulfil the same regulatory requirements as any other radio station. Evolution 107.9fm is a Triple A (Album Adult Alternative) rock music format and is heard 24/7/365 via an on-air signal (107.9fm), streaming audio at www.evolution1079.com, and on cable (104.5fm).

BCIT Presents:  Evolution 107.9


Program matrix

Level 1 (15 weeks) Credits
  BCST 1101 Technical Introduction 3.0
  BCST 1103 Copywriting 1 3.0
  BCST 1110 Radio Programming and Operations 1 8.0
  BCST 1111 Radio Announcing 1 6.0
  BCST 1112 Contemporary Issues 1 2.0
  BCST 1113 Introduction to Radio News 1 2.0
  COMM 1112 Communication for Broadcasters 1 3.0
  ORGB 2500 Interpersonal Skills 2.0
 
Level 2 (16 weeks plus four-week practicum) Credits
  BCST 2203 Copywriting 2 3.0
  BCST 2209 Practicum 1 11.5
  BCST 2210 Radio Programming and Operations 2 8.0
  BCST 2211 Radio Announcing 2 6.0
  BCST 2212 Contemporary Issues 2 2.0
  BCST 2213 Radio News 2.0
  BCST 2215 Online and Social Media 2.5
  BCST 3312 Radio Marketing and Promotion 2.0
  BLAW 3300 Broadcast Law 3.0
  COMM 2212 Communication for Broadcasters 2 3.0
 
Level 3 (15 weeks) Credits
  BCST 2214 Music and Programming 2.0
  BCST 3303 Radio Sales 1 3.0
  BCST 3310 Radio Programming and Operations 3 16.0
  BCST 3315 Feature Program Production 1 2.0
  BCST 3316 Audio Production 2.0
 
Level 4 (15 weeks plus four-week practicum) Credits
  BCST 4403 Radio Sales 2 3.0
  BCST 4409 Practicum 2 11.5
  BCST 4410 Radio Programming and Operations 4 25.0
  BCST 4415 Feature Program Production 2 2.0
  BUSA 1200 Business Concepts 3.0
  OPMT 1319 Statistics for Broadcasters 2.0
 
Total Credits: 143.5

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

The Radio curriculum has been carefully designed to offer a challenging environment through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on lab experiences.

Structurally, our program begins in the classroom with introductory concepts in 1st year, moves into on-air simulations, and concludes with live broadcasting in a four-week practicum.

2nd year begins with more advanced concepts such as statistics and business law. The 2nd year offers a continuation of radio station operations along with weekday classes. Evolution 107.9fm operations comprise a thirteen week shift rotation with a different shift for students each week.

Jill n' Joe Show
Thus you might be program director Monday to Friday one week, the 5:30 to 8:30am on-air personality the next, evening newsreader the following weekend, etc.

In the second half of 2nd year you are given the opportunity to focus on your chosen specialty while running Evolution 107.9fm, providing you with real world training in the area your career will initially focus on. At the end of this term you complete a four-week industry internship.


Check this out! Monday mornings in the Radio program come and go a little faster with a yoga class focused on movement and voice.

Additional programs

Additional information

Alterations in course offerings and hours may occur because of adaptation to changing industry conditions and demands. Some classes and practicums operate around the clock and on weekends to emulate industry situations.

Program length

Two years, full-time

The program runs from September to May each year.

Program location

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Graduating & Jobs

Upon completion of your learning, you will be rewarded with a diploma from the Broadcast & Media Communications Department. This diploma can be laddered into a communications degree at several institutions, including Royal Roads University and Athabasca University. We even have an articulation agreement with Murdoch University in Australia!

Premier Campbell with radio students
Your diploma will be highly recognized in the broadcast industry throughout Canada. Most of the radio people you hear in B.C. – and many of the TV personalities you see – are graduates of BCIT’s Radio program.

If full-time studies aren’t a viable option for you, we offer many of our courses – including the entire first year of the Radio diploma program – through part-time studies. The 15 course part-time program earns you a Broadcast Certificate through evening and weekend courses which are offered in the spring, fall, and winter terms.

The first step to your successful media career begins right here.

Job opportunities

Graduates are employed throughout B.C. and the world over, wherever radio, television, cable facilities and audio and video production operations exist. Graduates find employment in entry-level positions including: radio on-air host (disc jockey), commercial copywriter, audio producer, sales/marketing/promotion representative, music programmer, sports reporter, video editor, ENG/EFP camera operator, production assistant, feature editor/reporter, researcher, news reporter, freelance video/film staff, scriptwriter and media relations positions.

Radio
Prepares students for careers in radio and related fields in the media. Extensive instruction is given in on-air performance and operations, interviewing, commercial copywriting, digital and analog production, and news and sports reporting. Full digital facilities provide training on current industry equipment. Business and management issues are also an integral component of the program, including sales, promotion, music programming, human resources, and management information systems. In addition to academic courses, students receive much practical experience via structured simulations in first year and operation of radio station CFML (cable 104.5 FM in Greater Vancouver and on the Internet) in second year.

New media technologies and techniques are being introduced in all programs. A digital focus co-exists with analog technology, as both are found extensively in industry.

Graduate employment outcomes

The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2009-2011 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2008-2010 Graduates.
Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.

Advanced Placement

Do you have a degree, diploma, or completed a substantial amount of post-secondary courses? You may qualify for advanced placement into the Broadcast Radio program. Students that qualify for advanced placement can enter the program in the beginning of the second year depending on the number of transfer credits received.

Acceptance into advanced placement is dependent on a number of factors including: seat availability, course transfer credits, and the number of applications received. Most applicants are required to complete additional course work before entering their desired program. Early application is strongly recommended.

Entry into the start of Year 2 (September) – Application process opens on October 1st

Advanced Placement is limited and must involve thorough consultation with a faculty member prior to applying.

For more information about eligibility requirements and the application process, please download the Broadcast Radio Advanced Placement Guide [PDF].

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

The BCIT Radio faculty has been preparing students for the many facets of the broadcasting industry longer than any other British Columbia facility. Our enviable track record means you will learn from only the most qualified instructors who possess a unique combination of skill-sets. These skills have been developed not only by working in industry, but also as educators.

There are five full-time faculty dedicated entirely to the Radio Program. They are not paid by the hour on a part-time basis. Each instructor is responsible for specific areas of the curriculum and the program is designed to enable access to any instructor for assistance.

The range of experience our faculty bring to you includes: on-air broadcasting; the music business, audio production; news; programming; freelance production; sales; promotions; and creative copywriting. Each member of the teaching staff has extensive industry experience along with prior training in adult education.

Advisory committee

  • Gord Eno - Chairperson, 93.7 JRFM/600 AM/Pattison Group
  • Brian Adler, Adlercast Productions
  • Joan Andersen, CBC
  • Brian Antonson, Associate Dean, Broadcast, BCIT
  • Shushma Datt, RJ 1200, I.T. Productions
  • Erin Davis, 95 Crave Radio
  • Mike Eggen, Senior Account Executive, 96.9 Jack FM
  • Kelly Grant, Marketing Manager, Hastings Park Racecourse
  • Todd Hancock, CFOX/Corus Entertainment
  • Robin Hemmingsen, Dean, School of Business, BCIT
  • Karen Kuhn Kuhn, CFOX/Corus Entertainment
  • Marcy Mailloux, CFOX/Corus Entertainment
  • Bob Mills, Power 104 FM - Kelowna
  • Dennis O'Neill, Instructor, Radio, BCIT
  • Ciana Parsons, QMFM Radio Vancouver
  • Kevin Ribble, Program Head, Radio, BCIT
  • Don Shafer, Astral Radio Inc. - Kelowna
  • Kathryn (Kat) Stewart, Instructor, Radio, BCIT
  • Randy Taylor, Instructor, Radio, BCIT
  • Mike Whittingham, Team 1040 Radio Vancouver

Contact Us

For further information you use the form below or contact us at:

broadcast@bcit.ca
Tel. 604-432-8863
Fax: 604-432-1792

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Testimonial

Brian Adler

I wanted to get into radio and my high school broadcasting teacher recommended BCIT. I really appreciated being able to hone my skills while working on a live radio crew, and my internship position led to my current position. My advice to those thinking about a career in radio is to listen to as much radio as possible and only do this program if you want to be the best. Brian Adler, Adlercast Productions and Radio grad

Testimonial


When I was checking out my education options, I kept hearing about the BCIT Radio program. I was told it was the best and most respected educational program in the industry, and that students got to run their own radio station, known at the time as CFML, now as Evolution. Being in this program allowed me to develop lifelong friendships with colleagues in the business, and accelerated my career to another level. Dean Robinson, Radio graduate

Testimonial

BCIT was a great place for me. I met amazing people and walked away from my two-year experience with the skills I needed to work in the Broadcast industry. I have great memories of my time spent there, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in a Broadcast career. Tamara Taggart TV personality and Broadcast grad

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