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Credit Requirements and Regulations

Degree, Upper-level, and Arts Credit Minimum

In order to earn their degree, students must complete at least 120 B.M.S.-eligible credits. A minimum of 48 of these credits must be completed through courses numbered 300 and above.

Of the 120 required credits, at least 72 must be taken within the Faculty of Arts, as defined by subject area. Credit completed in subject areas identified in the UBC Calendar course descriptions as being offered by the Faculty of Arts, as well as transfer credit in those subjects, is considered Arts Credit.

Granting of Credit

Credit is granted for all courses completed with at least the minimum passing grade (normally 50%).

B.M.S.-eligible Credit

Credit may be applied toward completion of the Bachelor of Media Studies degree program as follows:

  • Credit from any course in the Faculty of Arts, with the exception of certain MUSC courses, may be applied to the degree.
    • Note that while all courses in music history, music theory, music technology, ethnomusicology, and music composition are acceptable, a maximum of 12 credits from the ensemble courses in musical performance may be applied. Credit from individual lessons, aural skills, conducting and repertoire courses is not applicable to the B.M.S.
  • Credit earned in Arts Co-op Search Term or Work Term courses is not applicable towards the Bachelor of Media Studies. See Arts Co-operative Education Programs.

Course Equivalency and Credit Exclusion

Students may not earn credit for two courses with significant and pre-defined content overlap. Students are fully responsible for their registration, and are advised to check the Course Schedule for course equivalencies and to review the Science Credit Exclusion Lists to avoid unnecessary registration. Note that credit exclusion does not imply that courses are interchangeable, and meeting specialization requirements may necessitate the completion of a specific course. Students registering in courses dealing with probability and statistics should exercise particular caution.

Supplemental Examinations

The Bachelor of Media Studies degree program does not offer supplemental examinations in any courses.

Credit/D/Fail

Bachelor of Media Studies students are permitted to take a limited number of eligible elective credits under the Credit/D/Fail grading scheme. The purpose of allowing this grading scheme is to encourage exploration of subject matter outside the student’s program of study, to emphasize learning and academic exploration of the new and unfamiliar, and to expose students to a broader-based curriculum. See Credit/D/Fail.

Students should be aware that there are strict rules about how credit earned with Credit/D/Fail grading may be applied to a degree. Choosing the wrong grading scheme may result in the need to take extra courses to complete degree requirements. Students considering this grading scheme are strongly encouraged to speak with an Academic Advisor for course planning and to check Degree Navigator after registration. Credit earned with Credit/D/Fail grading may not be applied toward any of the following Degree Requirements:

  1. Bachelor of Media Studies degree requirements;
  2. the Writing and Research Requirement;
  3. the Upper-Level Requirement; and
  4. Requirements for a Minor, if applicable

Transfer Credit

Students entering a degree program within the Faculty of Arts from a college or another university will receive credit for appropriate courses completed there, subject to the provisions in Applicants from a College or University and Admission Requirements.

Once accepted into the B.M.S. program, students are expected to complete all of their coursework at the UBC Vancouver Campus, with the exception of credit completed through a UBC Go Global student exchange experience. Students in a degree program within the Faculty of Arts who wish to interrupt their UBC studies and take courses in other institutions for credit toward a UBC degree must obtain, in advance, a Letter of Permission from Arts Academic Advising. See also Letter of Permission to Study at Another Institution.

Students currently registered in UBC courses may not concurrently take courses for credit toward the Bachelor of Media Studies at other institutions without specific written permission from Arts Academic Advising. See also Letter of Permission to Study at Another Institution.

The Faculty has no obligation to grant transfer credit unless a Letter of Permission has been obtained.


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