Departments
The Department of Digital Media and Communication
Whether it is a press release; an Instagram, X or Facebook post; a TikTok or YouTube video; a compelling advertising campaign; the perfect photo; a mind blowing logo design; or a breaking news story; the programmes offered by the Department of Digital Media and Communication are crafted to meet the demands of communication in English and foreign languages in a digitalized society. Our degrees, diplomas, certificates and short courses explore the innumerable types and tools of communication and their impact on business, politics and culture.
Graduates of the Mass Communication degree are trained to be media and communication generalists, who can adapt effectively in a globalized environment. Meanwhile, Journalism students do courses that prepare them to become multimedia journalists, who keep the populace up-to-date with news. Conversely, graduates of the Graphic Design programmes will be empowered to tell visual stories that provide information, persuade and entertain different audiences. Moreover, the graduates of the Advertising and Promotions programmes are our creative and analytical team players, capable of critical thinking, cultural awareness and sensitivity. Lastly, our foreign language programmes, specifically Spanish, prepare graduates to be conversant in social, cultural, travel and business environments locally and in Latin America.
Programmes
The Department of Creative Industries and Culture
Creative Industries and Culture is the amalgamation of four (4) aspects of the artistic sector: culture, film, literature and music. Hence, we cater to the needs of amateur and budding professionals, who wish to gain skills and techniques which will be used in harnessing their inner creative.
Here, we seek to educate and inspire individuals to become innovative leaders in the music, film, literary and cultural industries. We strive to be the premier academic department that prepares individuals for careers in the creative industries and culture. Drawing from experts in the various fields, we use real life experiences to provide individuals with the knowledge, expertise, and creative mindset to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
The department places focus on the following tenets in order to provide a welcoming experience to individuals desirous of journeying with us – creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, ethics, diversity and inclusion.
• Creativity: A critical human ability and the driver of innovation. This encourages individuals to think outside the box, experiment, and take risks.
• Critical thinking: The ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. It encourages individuals to think critically about the industry and the skills developed to solve problems as well as network.
• Collaboration: The sharing of ideas which fosters learning from and with each other, and creates something greater than the sum of its parts. It encourages peers, faculty, and industry partners to work together.
• Ethics: This is noted as the foundation for all creative work. It encourages individuals to be ethical in their creative practices, and to use their work to make a positive impact on the world.
• Diversity and inclusion: This is integral in a creative and flourishing learning environment. It encourages individuals from differing backgrounds to participate in any of the department’s programmes and activities. Hence it creates a safe and welcoming space for all.
Key Contacts
Office of the Dean
Dean: Ms. Clarinda Jack
Email address:cjack@costaatt.edu.tt
Telephone contact: 868-625-5030 ext.2100
Department of Digital Media and Communication
Chair: Mrs. Sophia Edwards Knox
Email address: sedwards@costaatt.edu.tt
Telephone contact: 868-625-5030 ext.2140
Administrative Assistants: Ms. Blossom Keane \ Ms. Nadia Joseph
Email address: bkeane@costaatt.edu.tt \ njoseph@costaatt.edu.tt
Telephone contact: 868-625-5030 ext. 2142/2141
COSTAATT Admissions Department
Admissions Counsellor: Mr. Kevon Kennedy
Email address: kkennedy@costaatt.edu.tt / admissions@costaatt.edu.tt
Telephone contact: 625-5030 ext. 1103
Department of Creative Industries and Culture
Chair: Ms. Nadine Gonzales
Email address: NGonzales@costaatt.edu.tt
Telephone contact: 868-625-5030 ext. 2110
Administrative Assistant: Mr. Anthony Lezama
Email address: ALezama@costaatt.edu.tt
Telephone contact: 868-625-5030 ext. 2111
COSTAATT Admissions Department
Admissions Counsellor: Mr. Kevon Kennedy
Email address: kkennedy@costaatt.edu.tt / admissions@costaatt.edu.tt
Telephone contact: 625-5030 ext. 1103
TESTIMONIALS
Aaliah De Gale-Corbin - Brand Identity and Packaging Designer; BA Graphic Design
“As a creative thinker, pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, at the Ken Gordon School, was one the best decisions I could have made. I had the incredible opportunity to explore and understand the many facets of graphic design, learn alongside many talented individuals, and gain the confidence to trust my abilities and opinions.
While I enjoyed almost every course, nothing quite compared to the Packaging Design and Post-Production taught by Mr. David Spicer. This class helped me view design in a more three-dimensional way, both functionally and aesthetically. It also challenged me to develop visually impactful designs and sustainable solutions for everyday products. Truthfully, I’ve never felt quite as eager to learn as I did then, and I knew this was where I wanted to be in my design career.
All in all, I’m incredibly thankful to COSTAATT, and its lecturers, as I think they did an amazing job providing the necessary tools, pushing students to be their absolute best, and laying the foundation for us to continue building upon.”
TESTIMONIALS
Ria Rambally - Lead Editor – Broadcast/ News Anchor- Guardian Media Limited; BA Mass Communication
“On my résumé, you will find that COSTAATT provided a solid education for my career in media. As the only institution offering locally designed training in this field, its diverse team of lecturers and dynamic content created the necessary foundation to propel students into Trinidad and Tobago’s highly competitive media industry. The School’s fusion of theory with internships assisted in giving students like me, a more comprehensive appreciation of news and the media environment. Till this day, I hold my lecturers at the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies in high regard and continue to seek their guidance as the industry changes. I credit COSTAATT for introducing me to a profession I love and hope that many more will trust this institution to guide them forward“
TESTIMONIALS
Nikita Yorke – BA Mass Communication; AAS Graphic Design; Social and Digital Marketing Professional
“When I first entered COSTAATT, I was unsure of what exactly I wanted to do. I worried that I’d be entering into a programme that I wouldn’t be interested in and the thought of ‘communicating’ in a ‘communications’ class was terrifying. With the help of great teachers, I was able to learn and to grow, and discovered that I had a real interest in image management, brand identity, promotions and research.
I graduated from COSTAATT with an Associate degree in Journalism and Public Relations, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication; this led to me working with an advertising agency for the digital department. My programmes at COSTAATT gave me the confidence and knowledge in crucial areas of my field that enabled me to develop concepts, critical thinking, analytical, writing and presentation skills. After completing my programmes, I went on to obtain my Master’s degree in Communications, Media and Advertising with a University in the UK. Can you believe that after my master’s I returned to the Ken Gordon School and did an Associate degree in Graphic Design? I wanted that extra edge.
Studying at COSTAATT opened many doors for me; it subsequently allowed me to venture outside of Trinidad and Tobago to spend time working in Japan. After 3 years in Japan, I moved to Canada to further my career in digital marketing, and I worked at a home store with over 200 outlets across Canada.“
TESTIMONIALS
Justin Sukhdeo – AA Film and Video Production; Cinematographer
“COSTAATT’s film and video production programme is an excellent start for persons interested in studying and working in this field. As an independent videographer/editor, I gained more knowledge and understanding about producing and directing films. I’ve also learnt more on the laws, copyright infringements and business basics involved in having your own production company, along with being able to develop my writing and presenting skills. COSTAATT has remarkable lecturers and staff who are willing to invest time into helping their students succeed and further their careers.”
TESTIMONIALS
Jahred Corbin – BA Graphic Design; Brand Identity and Digital Designer
“Hey! I’m Jahred Corbin, a Bajan-born designer. My choice to pursue the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at COSTAATT was based on the numerous positive recommendations made by countless persons. From here, I took the leap of faith and trusted the process. The years that followed shaped me and my career in the most significant ways; they shone a light on what I truly love doing.
One key component of the Graphic Design programme that KGS got absolutely spot on, was the exposure to various types of design and possible career paths in this discipline. From 3D to Print and Packaging Design, the programme encompassed it all. As someone who came into graphics at COSTAATT with absolutely zero prior knowledge or experience in the field, this was absolutely crucial to getting the exposure and appreciation for the many different avenues possible. By exploring these various types of design, it created a space where we could explore, experiment and find what we were truly passionate about.
Not only did COSTAATT hit the mark in the educational department, but also on the professional side. At the end of the associate’s degree, design students are given real world experience through an internship programme organised by the Department of Digital Media and Communication. I spent my time at an advertising agency, working on real work, for real clients. This was some of the most fun I’d had designing up to that point, and at the end of the 3-month internship, I landed a full-time job at that very advertising agency. An 18-year-old Jahred was beyond ecstatic! In my final year of the Bachelor’s programme, I found my niche within design that I’m beyond passionate about. Design for the Web, a class taught by Mr. Clayton Rhule (my all-time favourite class), was where I found my love for
digital design. From day one, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process, where we created strategic identities and digital experiences from inception to implementation.
All in all, I had an amazing experience at KGS that helped mould me into the designer I am today. Massive thanks to my favourite lecturers, Mrs. Julie Gouveia Ferguson, Mr. Clayton Rhule and Mr. David Spicer for their dedication in helping me and other students fulfil our passion. I am also grateful to everyone else who made me feel at home in a new country.
I have worked as a designer regionally and internationally. I am doing what I love!”
TESTIMONIALS
Lerone Moncrieffe – BA Graphic Design; Creative Art Director
“After discovering my passion for art and design, I was in pursuit of higher learning and understanding in the field. This led me to travel to Trinidad to be enrolled at COSTAATT, to accomplish a life goal of receiving a Bachelors in Graphic Design. The courses taught throughout this BA programme broadened my horizon, as well as sharpened my skills as a creative artist. I had the privilege of being taught by some of Trinidad’s finest experienced designers and art/creative directors, but I should really call them leaders, as each of them guided me to a path of solution-oriented thinking and understanding. Fast forward to a couple years later, I am now the Art Director of a Jamaican based agency, It’s Pixel Perfect, because of the knowledge, experience and new skills I gained from doing this BA. Looking back at those 5 years (2012-2017), I can say it wasn’t always easy! However, learning to be adaptable and having an open mind has made me a better creative person.””
