Overview

Are you the kind of person who constantly finds themselves immersed in YouTube videos, binge-watching TV shows, or creating captivating content for social media? If so, the Television major within the Radio, Television, and Broadcast News program is the perfect path for you to turn your passion for visual storytelling into a rewarding and exciting career.

This program helps you harness the power of storytelling through television and digital media and prepares you for a dynamic and ever-evolving media landscape.

If you are passionate about storytelling and creating engaging content, this program will give you the tools and knowledge to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences.

In this program, you will:

  • get hands-on experience in simulated real-world production and broadcasting environments, including single-camera or multi-camera setups
  • learn all facets of television production, including the fundamentals of producing, directing, editing, and shooting
  • explore a diverse range of projects, including drama, music videos, and documentaries
  • work collaboratively in teams to produce sports, Esports, news, and talk programs, gaining invaluable teamwork and leadership skills
  • prepare to work with broadcast-quality equipment that includes HD cameras, stabilizers (Steadicam, Dolly, Jib Arm), switchers, digital audio consoles, graphics systems, servers, and computer-based editing systems.

Our Television major is a launch pad for many exciting career opportunities. You’ll have the fundamentals to become a producer, director, or editor for television shows, films, documentaries, or news programs.

Pursue a career in news reporting, journalism, or investigative reporting, or explore roles in media management, including content curation, scheduling, and programming for television networks and digital platforms.

Or, use your skills to create engaging content for social media platforms, streaming services, and online channels or enter the thrilling world of sports and Esports broadcasting, covering live events and providing commentary.

This program involves two years of full-time study, along with an industry practicum in your fourth semester.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for visual storytelling into a successful and fulfilling career, this program is your gateway to media and entertainment.  

Those in broadcasting are innovative, social, and methodical.

You need:

  • curiosity
  • initiative, persistence, and resourcefulness
  • objectivity and integrity
  • creativity
  • an accurate memory
  • communication and interview skills
  • composure and poise
  • research and critical thinking skills
  • physical and emotional stamina to cope with the pressures of competitive, fast-paced work
  • solid news judgment
  • an interest in people and current events.

You should enjoy finding different ways to tell stories, working with many different people, generating interest from others, and methodically compiling information.

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.

There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

In your second year, you’ll complete a two- to three-week practicum placement with an approved media-related employer.

Upon successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Radio, Television and Broadcast News diploma with a major in Television.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 82% graduate employment rate

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 50011, 51120, 52110, 52112, 52113, 52114, 52119, 53111.

Test

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Radio, Television and Broadcast News - Television diploma requires 60 credits (21 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

View classes by semester

Course Credits

This course is an introduction to computer fundamentals with emphasis on skills training. Theoretical components include Internet technology and terminology. Practical skills include file management, basic skills in word processing, spreadsheet applications, and presentation applications. Web applications and webpage design skills will be developed.

1.5

The focus of this course is to develop and assess the writing skills essential for the broadcast industry. Topics include scriptwriting fundamentals, grammar, styles, script formats, research, and development of interview questions.

3

This course provides emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The participant gains an understanding of leadership, articulates a personal philosophy of leadership, and applies various leadership skills. Involvement is accomplished through assigned readings, discussion, role playing, experiential activity, use of multimedia, journal writing, and extracurricular project and leader shadowing.

1.5

Audio Video Production introduces learners to the basic tools and techniques of audio and video production. Learners develop production skills, forming the basis for advanced Radio, Television, and Broadcast News program elements. Through practical experience, learners explore digital audio production, audio/video editing, interview production, camera composition, single camera production techniques, and visual storytelling production and planning.

Equivalents:
  • VDEO 238
  • VDEO 240
3

This course emphasizes the principles of project management necessary to produce broadcast-quality programming. The level of production value however, will be close to, if not ready for network television or a specialty service. Students learn how to apply for grants and set up a production company.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 301
  • VDEO 302
  • VDEO 303
  • VDEO 304
  • WRIT 310
Corequsites:
  • PROJ 356
  • WRIT 350
6

Creative expression and the concepts of dramatic, mental and physical involvement in performance are key elements to a future broadcasting career. Students study the foundational elements of improvisation, movement, dramatic interpretation, voice production, articulation, enunciation and public speaking.

3

In this course the student will complete two distinct elements. Students will plan and execute an individual or small group project of their choice that demonstrates their applied learning. Further, students will research and complete a 2-3 week practicum placement with an approved media related employer.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 301
  • VDEO 302
  • VDEO 303
  • VDEO 304
  • WRIT 310
Corequsites:
  • PRDT 351
1.5

Equipment requirements, operational techniques and artistic elements involved in producing a basic television program form the basis of the Introduction to Television Production course. The focus is on the traditional multi-camera or studio format. Following lectures and demonstrations, students have the opportunity to apply new techniques and disciplines in the production of short interview programs.

3

The course is an introduction to the fundamentals of producing for television. Areas of exploration include: production schedules, budgets and grant applications. Students apply this learning in preparation for a variety of in-class productions.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRDT 217
Equivalents:
  • VDEO285
3

The course is an introduction to the fundamentals of producing for television. Areas of exploration include: production schedules, budgets and grant applications. Students apply this learning in preparation for a variety of in-class productions.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 205
3

This is a more advanced exploration of the creative and technical side of editing. Through lectures and practical based lab sessions, students use digital tools, technologies and resources to complement the foundations established in the first semester.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRDT 217
Equivalents:
  • VDEO 284
3

This course is a continuation in the development of television production skills and techniques. Learners complete exercises in a wide variety of production based elements in areas that include entertainment, interviews, and news.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 205
3

This course covers the development of advanced studio and field television production skills and techniques. Students will take part in the production of live television debate shows, dramatic shorts, television shows, live sports events and newscasts.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 257
3

This course provides the student with more advanced concepts and skills required to produce broadcast programs. These programs may include such things as: panel shows, magazine style programs, short dramatic productions and/or corporate style projects. You will also produce and direct live event programming and participate in directing newscasts.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 253
3

In this course students apply advanced video and audio post-production techniques to complete packages. Students gain proficiency in using an advanced non-linear editing system and audio dedicated software. Students will build projects starting from raw footage to polished, exported deliverables for broadcast.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 255
3

This course continues your progression into advanced EFP/ENG video field production techniques. The student will focus on advanced production gear, camera operation, shooting, lighting, and audio. Students use these skills and techniques in a variety of ENG/EFP production programming.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 251
3

Students develop the post production skills necessary for entry level positions in the Television Industry. You will learn to integrate graphic design and video to enhance storytelling in your productions and improve your self-reflection and critique skills. Working in a simulated environment students learn collaboration with multiple editors and adherence to timelines. You will create video composites and build a portfolio of completed audio and visual works.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 303
3

In this course students continue to develop proficiency in field production of broadcast programming. This includes ENG news programing, commercial production, and television show production. Students will learn to critique and evaluate field production against industry expectations.

Pre-requisites:
  • VDEO 304
3

This course introduces students to the various forms and potential jobs as writers in the television/media industry. Students will write a variety of scripts, from corporate and commercial to creative/fictional works, learn about the dedication and planning it takes to build creative material before beginning to write, and learn how to pitch ideas verbally and on paper to potential television industry professionals. The course also focuses on advertising both online and through conventional channels and on how to write commercials, PSA’s, and specialized advertising for the internet.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 206
Equivalents:
  • SCPT 256
3

This course continues the study of writing for television. Techniques and procedures to move a script into production are introduced. Students explore critical analysis, and experience the roles of writers and showrunners within a writer’s room.

Pre-requisites:
  • WRIT 260
3

In this course, students continue to study writing for television. Students hone skills as a story editor, pitch projects and create effective writing samples for industry. Processes and requirements for grant applications are discussed.

Pre-requisites:
  • WRIT 310
Corequsites:
  • PRDT 351
1.5

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

hall

Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

hall

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade
hall

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,400 $1,608 $7,008
2 2 $5,400 $1,608 $7,008
Total cost:
$14,016

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $21,180 $1,608 $22,788
2 2 $21,180 $1,608 $22,788
Total cost:
$45,576

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023.

Domestic students

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,400 $1,570 $6,970
2 2 $5,400 $1,570 $6,970
Total cost:
$13,940

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $21,185.70 $1,570 $22,755.70
2 2 $21,185.70 $1,570 $22,755.70
Total cost:
$45,511.40
sait

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Radio, Television and Broadcast News. You will be able to select Television as your major during the application process.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

sait

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants. 

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School for Advanced Digital Technology Advising

Phone
403.284.8543
Email
sadt.advising@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca