Diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Humber’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising degree program will give you the solid foundation necessary for a variety of advertising careers. A wide range of courses cover important topics in digital marketing, communications, copywriting, promotion, persuasion and typography. Many instructors have significant and ongoing industry experience and will help you develop head-turning creative approaches to advertising.

Our program is enriched by opportunities to work in BuildingF, our in-house creative shop, giving you the chance to work on briefs for real clients while gaining valuable experience, connections and skills. With instruction in industry-standard design and production software, marketing and business principles, and content development and production, you will have a thorough understanding of contemporary advertising and insights into its future. Throughout this program, you will work in creative teams and gain the collaborative skills that will prepare you for the agency workplace.

The program is designed to offer you the flexibility to choose an area of focus, be it account management, art direction or copywriting. Should you find an avenue that suits you, you can immerse yourself in Humber’s advertising graduate certificate programs and continue to hone your abilities and marketability.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Discuss key historical influences on current practices in creative advertising
• Identify relevant legal, regulatory and ethical considerations that apply to specific advertising areas
• Analyze the social, cultural, political, economic and technological influences on consumer behaviours
• Conduct effective primary and secondary research to derive insights applicable to advertising or marketing issues
• Employ a variety of creative strategies to generate ideas for solving advertising or marketing problems
• Create a campaign to solve an identified business challenge that influences the attitudes and behaviours of a described target audience
• Develop a targeted creative brief informed by insightful interpretations of marketing demographic and user experience research
• Contribute to a creative advertising team using acquired specialized competencies in one of creative strategy, art direction, or copywriting
• Express concepts, ideas, information, brand stories and research insights presented through refined verbal and visual techniques appropriate to the audience
• Questions assumptions and biases through listening, reading and observing critically
• Self-assess continuously to appreciate the lessons available in failure and the place of critique in the improvement process
• Collaborate effectively in team environments to achieve identifiable goals
• Employ entrepreneurial skills and thinking to identify market opportunities.
• Develop a showcase portfolio to represent industry ready competency in creative advertising

Work Placement
Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in the industry by completing a mandatory work placement in the winter semester of 4th year. As students are often hired directly from their placements, the final summer term is fully online.

The Content Strategy graduate certificate program is designed to prepare students for the emerging and expanding field of content strategy. Content strategists help organizations and agencies establish and maintain credible, viable and trustworthy content - content that has value, content that is inherently inclusive and content that is purposeful. Content strategies are unified visions of digital and analog interactive systems and communications in a platform-agnostic system.

Content strategists oversee the publishing of content by providing advice and direction to improve brand awareness, internal communications, public relations and user experience. Strategists engage with all aspects of the content development lifecycle, from ideating and curating content to creating artifacts and deliverables that allow organizations to analyze content and make holistic, strategic recommendations for the development of content based on thorough analysis.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Develop carefully considered, holistic strategies and tactics for the establishment of a credible, viable and trustworthy online presence for an organization or agency in order to optimize web-based business assets.
• Conduct a qualitative and quantitative audit of existing content inventory in order to assess it for accuracy, currency, usefulness, usability and findability.
• Analyze internal and external factors and trends that impact the creation, delivery and governance of an organizations’ content in order to maintain relevancy, currency and alignment with business goals.
• Present clear recommendations for content creation, delivery and governance that meet business goals and user needs for current and relevant information, advice and direction, procedures to follow, and relationship building.
• Design and manage a workflow that defines the people, processes and timelines required for effective content creation, delivery and governance.
• Help online readers to find information, solve problems and complete tasks by publishing effectively written original content and sourcing relevant curated material.
• Deliver quality accessible, branded content consistently across selected digital channels that is appropriate for the target audience.
• Develop policies, standards and guidelines for the maintenance of content accuracy, consistent brand messaging and user engagement that complies with relevant law, industry standards and business best practices.
• Conduct a retrospective review using qualitative data and evidence from web analytics to measure the impact of a content strategy on business outcomes.
• Identify and address the implicit and explicit biases of self, team members and audience in order to curate socially, culturally and environmentally sensitive content that strengthens brand equity.

Work Placement - Students will participate in a mandatory work placement in their final semester of study.

Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our faculty team consists of developmental services professionals who are active in the field, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Our curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.

Your studies begin by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling. 

You’ll also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop competencies for working with individuals with limited verbal skills.

Work Placement
Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional work-integrated learning opportunities. You will complete 568 hours of experiential education with three separate community partners over the duration of the program.

After consulting with you regarding your interests and preferences, your field placement co-ordinator will refer you to specific agencies for these unpaid work experiences.

Field placements run for 14 weeks in Semester 2 of the first year. Students are required to complete 168 hours in this time. Placements are two days per week. Internships take place during fourth semester of second year. Students are required to complete 400 hours with two different employers, four days per week for 14 weeks.

Humber’s Music Business graduate certificate program starts in May and is a condensed summer program with two semesters rolled into one (May - August), followed by a third semester work placement in the fall. This program prepares you to work in any number of areas in the music industry. It offers a unique combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of the music industry, as well as entrepreneurial, business and project management skills. You will study the structure of the Canadian music industry, artist and venue management, manufacturing, contracts, licensing and copyright, national and international distribution, marketing, promotion, and sales. You will develop foundational music business expertise including communication and interpersonal skills in order to respond to industry demands for professionals who can interact with diverse teams and audiences. Opportunities for applied work and industry connections are important components of the program.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Situate music business decisions within key historical and current contexts of the music industry.
  • Articulate the unique responsibilities of key personnel in the music industry.
  • Analyze the marketplace and trends in the music industry and use the analysis for decision making in the music business environment.
  • Develop and implement a viable and realistic business plan for a professional musician or musical company.
  • Develop and implement a music marketing plan that includes sonic branding.
  • Collaborate with a team to market an artist or new music.
  • Adhere to legal principles, government legislation and regulations, copyright and contract requirements, and professional and industry codes of conduct.
  • Assess existing and emerging market entry options for music products or services and implement the optimal market entry strategy.
  • Apply negotiation, effective interpersonal communication, and human resource management skills to establish and maintain effective working relations.
  • Prepare and interpret financial statements to inform music business decisions and/or practices.
  • Identify and access public and private sources of capital to support music business plans.

Work Placement

• Students are required to complete an industry work placement totalling 300 hours. Humber staff will assist in placing the student - however, the ultimate responsibility for finding the placement is the student's.

Humber’s Acting for Film and Television diploma program covers the full spectrum of training needed to succeed as a screen actor: acting, voice, movement, improvisation, screenwriting and script analysis. You’ll learn what it takes to express yourself through the art and craft of screen acting, gain on-camera confidence and learn how to shine at auditions. When you graduate, you’ll have a solid understanding of the craft and industry – its history, protocols and professional standards.

Our program has one of the most comprehensive curricula in Canada and is taught by respected professional actors. Workshop simulations, screen demos, voice-over demos and our spring motion picture showcase provide you with unequalled opportunities to experience the world of screen acting. You will review and discuss your work with some of the acting world’s most recognizable faces, as well as with key industry personnel.

Learning Outcomes:

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
• Describe the structure of the film and television industry.
• Perform to a professional standard in a range of roles recorded in a variety of media.
• Analyze and interpret scripts, screenplays, story boards and commercial copy.
• Summarize the different requirements and challenges of one-time versus series work.
• Explain the characteristics and requirements of different genres such as sitcoms, daytime TV, episodic TV and film.
• Prepare for and perform appropriately on camera for each genre.
• Convey character to the camera with appropriate emotional depth and clarity.
• Maintain a character’s physical and emotional continuity over the course of production.
• Work effectively with agents, casting directors, producers, directors and film crews.
• Respond to the improvisational demands of the media.
• Demonstrate individual creativity and imagination within a rigorous production structure.
• Evaluate his or her place within the entertainment industry and develop the appropriate career strategies and contacts.
• Develop team building and communication skills and engage in exercises that encourage self understanding, peer respect and professional behaviors.
• Outline the entrepreneurial skills needed by actors in the electronic media.
• Work effectively with the new technologies encountered in the industry.

Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting degree program will help you develop skills in the applied aspects of the accounting profession. You will gain a fundamental understanding of a variety of business disciplines along with their functions and relationships.

Areas of study include marketing, law, economics, operations management, ethics, human resources management, organizational behaviour, financial accounting, management accounting, financial management, taxation, audit, strategic management, and statistics and quantitative analysis.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, communications and leadership.

You will have the opportunity to train in Humber’s state-of-the-art Accounting Centre where you’ll learn about best practices in accounting and use standard industry software.

Work Placement
You will be required to complete 14 weeks/420 hours of paid work in the summer between your sixth and seventh semesters. This gives you the hands-on, real-world experience that employers value. Your placement will give you the opportunity to explore the field you’d like to work in when you graduate. We will work with employers and our industry partners to help you identify opportunities to pursue.

Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce – Finance degree program offers comprehensive knowledge of both business and finance. Our program starts with a foundation of business studies in areas such as organizational behaviour, law, economics, finance, accounting, marketing and operations management. Specialization courses will focus on theories, methods and techniques in various aspects of finance including analysis, planning and risk management. Our project-based curriculum, designed by industry experts, helps you develop the skills to move from idea to execution, all while learning core business concepts and financial strategies. A senior-level project in your final year will give you experience in problem solving, evaluating strengths and limitations, and making appropriate decisions in a real-world, team-based environment.
The program requires that you complete 14 weeks/420 hours of paid work in the summer between your sixth and seventh semesters. This gives you the hands-on, real-world experience that employers value. Your work placement will give you the opportunity to explore the field you’d like to work in when you graduate. We will work with employers and our industry partners to help you identify opportunities to pursue.
Both the private and public sectors are looking for financial analysts, managers and advisors, and the demand will only grow in the future. Our degree will help you work towards a career that will see you build, shape and support financial organizations. Our program provides the knowledge, hands-on experience and skills necessary for you to become an analyst or consultant in:

• Finance
• Financial services
• Planning
• Investments
• Risk management
• Insurance

You’ll also be positioned to pursue graduate studies or take on a more specialized role as a financial analyst, financial advisor/planner, banker, money manager or claims adjuster. As a highly qualified financial expert, you’ll have the potential to be promoted to mid- or senior-management positions as your career progresses. And if working for yourself appeals to you, you’ll have the know-how and experience to channel that entrepreneurial spirit and start your own business.

By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, you will be well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s music world.

Founded in 1972, the program has consistently produced many of the most successful commercial and jazz musicians in Canada and the world. With more than 350 students and a faculty of 18 full-time and 80 part-time teachers, our program is one of the largest, most diverse and highly regarded programs of its kind in the country. Long known for the strength of its professors, Humber offers you the opportunity to study privately, in classroom situations, and in several of the more than 50 ensembles directed by a who’s who of Canadian music. As Toronto is the centre of Canada’s entertainment industry, Humber attracts the top professionals in jazz, musical theatre, television, film, commercials and pop.

After two years of core music courses, you will continue with lessons on your major instrument, as well as take classes in music production and music business while also choosing from electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, music production techniques, songwriting, ethnomusicology or pedagogy.

You’ll develop musicianship and artistry by presenting your own recital, arranging and composing original material, and recording and marketing your own music.
In addition, you will take courses in music history, theory, aural training and improvisation, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles.

All students complete a major recording project/portfolio in their fourth year. The assembled portfolio, which includes a complete press kit and professional-quality recording, as well as other promotional materials, functions as your calling card for entrance into the music industry upon graduation.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform, compose, produce music at a professional level for entry to the competitive, global music industry.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of diverse musical styles and contextualize themselves within contemporary music history: specifically defined as the idioms of African American musical genres, mainstream pop music, country/folk music, Latin music, music for musicals and film, art music and jazz.
• Demonstrate, through performance and composition, a technical and musical mastery of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic structures.
• Demonstrate, through performance, an extensive knowledge of contemporary musical repertoire and apply appropriate performance skills in diverse music contexts.
• Compose and arrange in a broad range of contemporary music styles.
• Prepare and present a portfolio of recorded material reflecting a broad range of styles.
• Record, edit and produce a broad range of contemporary music.
• Apply computer applications/music technology skills in composition, arranging and production.
• Demonstrate, through production and performance, organizational, project management, and implementation skills.
• Critically analyze and evaluate sound recordings and describe their production characteristics.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of contract law, copyright law, intellectual property rights, royalties, and rules of public domain.
• Make use of entrepreneurial music business skills to engage in the competitive contemporary music industry.
• Demonstrate professional “freelance” etiquette relating to job seeking and keeping skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to research and present findings from primary and secondary sources.
• Formulate, articulate and present their own ideas about music, art and society through discussion and writings.
• Demonstrate an artistic awareness and understanding of musical aesthetics.
• Assess personal strengths, musical and business skills, knowledge, artistic vision, interests, and abilities.

Work Placement

• You will participate in a work placement designed to mirror the professional music world, which is largely characterized by contract, freelance and part-time employment. You are responsible for accumulating the equivalent of 420 hours of experience which will allow you to establish contacts and relationships with key companies and industry professionals.

Humber’s Bachelor of Public Relations degree program will prepare you for all aspects of public relations in a variety of sectors including agency, corporate, consumer, government and nonprofit. You will learn how to plan, manage, and implement a full spectrum of public relations initiatives including social and digital media management, marketing communications, media relations, investor and government relations, international PR, and corporate philanthropy.

Anchored in theoretical and real-life examples, this program features skill-based courses in topics such as planning, consulting, research, measurement, writing, social and digital media, presentation skills and public speaking, project management, and proposal development. All of our professors are experienced PR professionals who bring their day-to-day experiences and projects into the classroom, offering students a glimpse into communications trends and issues. Industry guest speakers provide further insight into various PR settings and issues. Additionally, students will have access to networking, mentoring, and career and professional development from the Canadian Public Relations Society and the International Association of Business Communicators.

Learning  Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Describe the history and the development of the public relations profession and its practice.
• Examine current trends, emerging issues and global best practices in public relations.
• Gather, review, evaluate and interpret information using appropriate research methodologies consistent with the RACE formula.
• Design, implement, monitor and measure comprehensive, multi-year communication plans that support strategic objectives in line with organizational vision and mission according to specific timelines and budgets applying professional, ethical and legal standards.
• Analyze issue and trends, synthesize information to create effective communication strategies to solve a variety of complex organization problems.
• Develop a portfolio that demonstrates expertise in a variety of public relations disciplines, including internal communication, media relations, crisis management, social media, public affairs, event management and investor relations.
• Write clear, targeted materials that are appropriate for the intended audience and medium.
• Produce visually effective print, graphic and digital communications materials.
• Present communication strategies utilizing effective verbal and presentation skills.
• Analyze the impact of economic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, societal/ demographic and technological factors upon organizations and their communication strategies.
• Evaluate organizational challenges to interpret the role of communications.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve desired goals and objectives in resolving issues and finding effective means to deal with differing points of view.
• Adhere to standards of academic integrity, social responsibility and the ethical guidelines of the public relations profession.

Work Placement

• You will participate in one mandatory work placement of 14 weeks where you will gain a broad range of public relations skills. There are a variety of roles in corporate, nonprofit, government or agency settings that range from large multinationals to small proprietorships. It is up to you to apply for and secure the position. We will provide support, working with our contacts and industry partners to help identify employment opportunities.

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.