The MFA in Film Production program is designed for students with a comprehensive background in filmmaking who wish to pursue a specific creative vision in an academic environment.
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Program Overview
The film production master’s degree focuses on the areas of directing, screenwriting, and producing live action narrative or documentary film. The MFA is a two-year course of resident study. As part of the program, MFA students must complete their thesis, which is a self-funded, original film.
Our objective is to develop the student’s intellectual, creative and technical skills as they prepare to embark on professional careers in the film industry. Our faculty are industry leaders in Canadian film and television. MFA students will work closely together with faculty members and gain hands-on experience in their field of interest.
Degree Requirements
Students in the MFA Film Production program must complete a total of 36 credits, following these guidelines:
- Required Courses (12 credits)
- FIPR_V 533: Advanced Problems in Directing (6 credits)
- FIPR_V 534: Producing for Film and Television (6 credits)
- Thesis (12-18 credits)
- The 12-credit thesis requirement can normally be met with the completion of a professionally finished film 20 minutes long (shorter works to be considered on a case-by-case basis) and full written documentation and evaluation of the process
- Productions longer than 40 minutes may be eligible for 15 or 18 credits on a case-by-case basis
- Electives (6-12 credits)
- Most students choose these electives from the following courses:
- CRWR_V 506: Advanced Writing for Television (6 credits)
- CRWR_V 514: Advanced Writing for the Screen (6 credits)
- FIPR_V 535: Alternative Cinema Production (6 credits)
- FIPR_V 536: Documentary Development and Production (6 credits)
- CINE_V 534A: Seminar in Cinema Studies (3 credits)
- CINE_V 435B: Seminar in Cinema Studies (3 credits)
- Alternate courses to fulfill the 6 to 12 credits of electives must be chosen in consultation with the MFA Advisor
Admissions
The application portal is currently closed and will reopen in late September, 2025 for entry to UBC in the fall of 2026.
The film production master’s program only selects a handful of students. For those interested in applying to a future intake, please refer these application instructions:
- Submit your UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies application
- Attach a copy of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended and are currently enrolled in. If your transcripts are in a language other than English you must also provide a certified translation
- Include a resume of film and related experience
- Include a portfolio of completed films where you were a primary creator. These must be shared via accessible links, otherwise your application may be rejected
- A description of each film you have submitted (title, length, production company) and your role on each project.
- A proposal for a thesis film. If your thesis is a feature-length film, you must also submit an alternate proposal for a shorter film. This proposal must include a description of the film, an outline, treatment or draft script and a proposed one-page budget
- A statement of intent describing your reasons for wanting to complete the MFA Program