Master of Arts - Communications (Thesis)

Program overview

Master of Arts - Communications (Thesis) is a master's degree program in arts, design and media at Mount Saint Vincent University, a public institution in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, founded in 1873.

First-year tuition is listed at 17,335 CAD and the application fee at 90 CAD. The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027.

Applications to Mount Saint Vincent University typically receive a decision in 4 days and 12 hours, based on recent applications.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 40,873 CAD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Plan for first-year tuition, living costs at the level IRCC sets, and travel. Tuition varies widely between universities, colleges and provinces. IRCC revises the living-cost figure from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the official study permit page.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

How the tuition compares in Canada

Our directory lists 131 master's degree programs in arts, design and media at 16 schools in Canada. Their median first-year tuition is 25,470 CAD, and the middle half cost between 21,851 CAD and 25,720 CAD.

At 17,335 CAD, Master of Arts - Communications (Thesis) is 32% below the median, in the most affordable quarter. The full range runs from 7,261 CAD to 43,335 CAD.

• All arts, design and media courses in Canada

Lower-cost master's degree options in arts, design and media

If budget matters, these master's degree programs in arts, design and media have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in Canada.

Plan for the Sept 2027 intake

Working back from a Sept 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September is the main intake. Many institutions also admit in January and May. Applications usually open several months ahead and some programmes close early.

Entry requirements and documents

Mount Saint Vincent University sets the exact entry requirements for Master of Arts - Communications (Thesis). For a master's degree, applicants usually need the following.

Most institutions accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic or similar tests. Each institution sets its own minimum scores, so read the programme page rather than relying on a general figure.

• A completed bachelor's degree, with transcripts and degree certificate.
• A statement of purpose explaining why this program fits your plans.
• Academic or employer references, and a CV if you have work experience.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Study permit

Students from India need a Study permit to study in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decides the application.

Canada admits international students to designated learning institutions (DLIs) on a study permit. The admission, the funds and the permit application all have to line up, and several rules have changed in recent years, so check each step against IRCC before you pay anything.

• Shortlist programmes at a designated learning institution and check that the programme itself is eligible for the outcome you want (for example a post-graduation work permit).
• Apply and receive a letter of acceptance. Check on IRCC whether you also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
• Prepare proof of funds, identity documents, a study plan or letter of explanation, and any language test results the institution or IRCC asks for.
• Complete the study permit application online and give biometrics when asked. A medical exam may be required.

• Study in Canada: full visa guide
• IRCC: Study permit
• EduCanada: study in Canada

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programmes at eligible institutions may apply for a post-graduation work permit. Eligibility depends on the institution, programme and field of study, and the rules have been changing, so check the current IRCC conditions before choosing a course on that basis.

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against Master of Arts - Communications (Thesis) and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Master of Arts - Communications (Thesis)?

First-year tuition is listed at 17,335 CAD. Living costs are extra; Mount Saint Vincent University estimates 23,448 CAD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is 90 CAD. It is paid once per application and is not refunded after the school receives the application.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Master of Arts - Communications (Thesis) a degree?

It is listed as a master's degree. The school awards the degree on completion.

Which visa do I need to study in Canada?

You need a Study permit, decided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Mount Saint Vincent University, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Mount Saint Vincent University

• Bachelor of Arts - Communication, 17,855 CAD first year
• Bachelor or Arts - Family Studies (Combined Major), 17,335 CAD first year
• Master of Applied Human Nutrition (Non-thesis), 11,717 CAD first year
• Master of Arts - Child and Youth Study (Thesis), 12,068 CAD first year
• Master of Arts - Education - Curriculum Studies - General (Thesis), 11,717 CAD first year
• Master of Arts - Family Studies and Gerontology (Thesis), 11,717 CAD first year
• Master of Arts - School Psychology (Thesis), 11,717 CAD first year
• Master of Arts - Women and Gender Studies (Thesis), 11,717 CAD first year