The Master of Fine Arts in Film Production and Creative Writing is a unique program offering an intensive, diverse and collaborative environment for crafting literary excellence in films and television.
Program Overview
Our master’s program is primarily a film production degree with an emphasis on screen writing. The final thesis for this joint MFA is a completed film that is written, directed and produced by the student.
The degree is designed for students who have a comprehensive background in filmmaking and screenwriting who wish to pursue a specific vision that combines both disciplines.
Students interested in the joint MFA degree must be experienced filmmakers and have completed films on which they were a principal creator to submit as part of their portfolio.
Degree Requirements
The MFA in Film Production and Creative Writing requires students to complete 36 total credits following these guidelines:
- Required courses (18 credits)
- FIPR_V 533: Advanced Problems in Directing (6 credits)
- CRWR_V 506: Advanced Writing for Television (6 credits)
- CRWR_V 514: Advanced Writing for the Screen (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 (up to 6 credits). Students must also complete 0 to 6 credits of electives, depending on the number of credits awarded for their thesis. Most students choose electives from the following courses:
- FIPR_V 534 (6) Producing for Film and Television
- FIPR_V 535 (6) Alternative Cinema Production
- FIPR_V 536 (6) Documentary Development and Production
- CINE_V 534A (3) Seminar in Cinema Studies
- CINE_V 534B (3) Seminar in Cinema Studies
- Alternate courses to fulfill the 0 to 6 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 MFA in Film Production and Creative Writing is a joint program with UBC’s Creative Writing Department. Applicants must apply to the MFA in Film Production & Creative Writing, and completed applications will be sent directly to the Film Production program. Once accepted, the film program will arrange for the application and materials to be sent to the Department of Creative Writing for consideration into the joint degree program.
- Submit your UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies application
- Include a resume of your film and related experience
- 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 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.
- Applicants must also submit a portfolio of original screenwriting of at least 50 pages. This writing can be from a single screenplay or several different screenplays.
- Three letters of recommendation via UBC’s eReference system