Broadcast Systems Technology

• Two-year Diploma
• Fall start
• High Industry Demand

Program Description

The Broadcast Systems Technology (BXST) program is a unique program and prepares you for employment installing and maintaining electronic and computer based equipment for the Broadcast industry. You will discover how to maintain and repair broadcast equipment as the electrical signal flows from the source through the audio and video mixing consoles to the station’s link to the transmitter and then to your home. You may also be involved in the design of facilities. You will also acquire professional and business skills and learn comprehensive technical applications that will help you achieve a great career in the broadcast industry.

Your Career

Opportunities exist in many areas, including television and radio broadcast stations, systems and networks, post-production facilities, educational television and audiovisual systems, equipment manufacturers (technical field support) equipment sales and communications providers. Career progression may lead to employment as assistant chief and chief station engineers. There is a major migration from analog systems to digital audio and video systems with the most prominent being High Definition Television (HDTV). It is common to have facilities that employ both analog and digital systems or just one or the other. The broadcast industry is now enhancing the delivery of content through streaming audio and video over the Internet.

Admission Requirements

Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with the following admission requirements or equivalents:

• At least 50% in Pure Math 30 or Math 30-1, or 60% in Math 30-2, or 65% in Applied Math 30, AND,
• At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
• A minimum 20 level science (excluding Science 24 and 26)
• Note: Applicants will be required to complete additional selection criteria - please see Selection Criteria below.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection

Meeting the Admission Requirements is the first step in the selection process. Applicants will be contacted by the Academic Chair to schedule an interview.  Interviews will be conducted in person or by telephone to ascertain appropriate program selection and probability of success. Please contact the School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) at 403.284.8081 for more information.

Student Success

Characteristics of a successful student in this program include:

• Enjoy keeping up-to-date on new technological developments, continue to take training and enjoy learning new skills.
• Are able to manage their time and work effectively while facing deadlines.
• Able to work independently with little supervision but can also perform as a vital member of a team of professionals.
• Pay attention to detail and take personal pride in their technical problem-solving skills.
• A working knowledge of the MS Office Suite would be an asset.

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.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Broadcast Systems Technology.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE).

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to the International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 for the first year and $500 for the second year.

Program Outline

To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (i.e., DMST-202) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8081
E-mail: bxst.info@sait.ca
Website: School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

Transfer with Diploma to…

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• British Columbia Institute of Technology
• NAIT
• SAIT Polytechnic
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of New Brunswick, Saint John

Transfer options may also be available at other post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs are evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary institute of their choice for more information.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition