Preparing your application to graduate studies at York University and/or other interested universities requires research and planning. Some students start preparing their plan for graduate studies as early as two years before they submit their application. Consider the following information below to help guide you through a successful application process.
Note for International Applicants: There are currently no funded positions. Should you still wish to apply, you will be considered for a non-funded position during the duration of the program.
MA in Cinema and Media Studies
An Honours degree or equivalent with a minimum ‘B’ average. We welcome applicants with educational backgrounds in Film/Cinema Studies, Media Studies, Communications, Cultural Studies, Art History, English, Women’s Studies, Queer and Sexuality Studies, Comparative Literature, Philosophy, Area Studies, and other disciplines that nurture research in sound and moving image media. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required to apply.
If admitted to the program, you will be required to take (or show proof that you have taken within the last 2 years) an English proficiency test ONLY if your last degree was NOT conducted in English. You must obtain a MINIMUM score of ONE of these tests:
| Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based) | 600 |
| Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) | 100 |
| IELTS (Academic Module) | 7.5 |
| YUELI | Academic Program Level 9 with Distinction |
| YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP) | Graduate with distinction |
| CAEL | Overall score of 70, no component score less than 60 |
| Minimum CPE Score | C |
| Minimum CAE Score | B |
| Duolingo | 140 |
| PTE Academic | 76 |
Statement of Interest: Outline how your education and (if applicable) extra-curricular interests have prepared you for graduate work in cinema and media studies. Why is York a good fit for your studies? Maximum 500 words.
Major Research Paper Proposal: The proposal is an important component of your application and will be considered very carefully by the Admissions Committee. The topic submitted does not necessarily constitute a commitment to working on this topic if admitted, but it must clearly demonstrate a conceptualization of a detailed and feasible research project. This outline for a critical, historical, or theoretical project in cinema and/or media studies should not exceed 500 words. Include parameters like subject/themes, period, nation/region, media, filmmaker/artists, etc. Research-creation MRPs (e.g, video essays) will be considered.
Please submit a resumé or CV with your application. If you have not attended an educational institution recently, please attach a description of your relevant professional activities.
The titles of courses on transcripts do not always accurately reflect the specific orientation or content of these courses. To assist us in assessing your background, please add to the end of your CV any courses you have taken in film and related disciplines and the grades that you received.
Please provide a sample of your written academic work (preferably two essays, with a total word count of no more than 7500 words or 30 pages). In addition, you may also choose to submit examples of film or media writing or programming including reviews, program notes, or other publications.
The titles of courses on transcripts do not always accurately reflect the specific orientation or content of these courses. To assist us in assessing your background, please list on a separate sheet the courses you have taken in film and related disciplines and the grades that you received. If you feel it would be helpful, you may attach course outlines or descriptions from course guides.
Please submit a resumé or CV with your application. If you have not attended an educational institution recently, please attach a description of your relevant professional activities.
Graduate applicants can upload “unofficial” transcripts through MyFile. Transcripts provided in this way are sufficient for determining conditional admission to graduate programs. A transcript records the name of the applicant, the name of the institution, all courses successfully and unsuccessfully completed and all courses that were withdrawn after the registration deadline.
After receiving a decision of conditional admission to graduate program, you must send one official transcript for every postsecondary institution you have attended. To be considered “official”, it must be evident that you have had no direct access to the transcripts. Transcripts must come directly from, and bear the seal of, the issuing institution. If the institution issues transcripts directly to you, the envelope must be sealed by the institution and remain sealed until opened by York University to be considered official. Photocopied or faxed transcripts are not accepted. If transcripts are in another language, an official English translation is required. If the name on your transcript differs from the legal name that you currently use, please make sure that you include your former name on your application form. There is no need for you to submit a York University transcript when you apply to any graduate program at York University if you have taken one or more courses at York; earned a degree from York; or completed a certificate program at York.
Three letters of reference are required to support your application. Letters from academic referees are preferred although letters may also be solicited from professionals who can speak to your writing, critical, and research abilities. The references are located within the Supplementary Information Form.
MBA/MA | MBA/MFA Joint Program
For acceptance into this combined programme, students need to meet the application requirements for both the M.F.A. or the MA and the M.B.A. as outlined by the University.
Students must have a four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) earning a minimum B+ average. Students must earn a score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) that meets or exceeds the minimum score required for admission into the MBA programme.
It is recommended that students have some relevant work experience within the arts or cultural industries.
Students may apply for admission after the successful completion of one year in either the MBA programme or the MFA or MA Program in the Department of Film.
MFA in Film
An honours degree or equivalent with a minimum ‘B’ average in film/video or a related discipline. Professional experience/achievements can be also considered. Use your Statement of Interest (see below) to address any discrepancies.
If admitted to the program, you will be required to take (or show proof that you have taken within the last 2 years) an English proficiency test only if the primary language in your last university was not English.
For production: Up to 4 films and/or new media works, where the applicant is preferably the chief creator/director/filmmaker/author. Vimeo or YouTube links only, clearly listed in the application. Complete works are preferable to excerpts. Documentation of video/new media installations is also accepted. Applicants should clearly list for each production: title, link and password, their creative role(s); original shooting format; year of production; 2-3 sentence synopsis (summarize both content and formal concerns); production context and funding (including if it is a school program).
For screenwriters: either a screenplay, bible for a one-hour TV series, short story, play, or new media.
Combine the following into a single document, 4 pages maximum, and upload under ‘Statement of Interest’.
Statement of Interest (750 words): Briefly outline your reasons for wishing to study in the grad film production program at York University now. Summarize your artistic and creative background to date and outline your priorities and vision as a filmmaker/film artist. Describe your previous training & education, e.g. specialization, degree, marks, and extracurricular activities.
Tell us how this MFA could play in your future work and career: to continue your exploration of a practice (e.g. experimental) that you’ve already mastered, or a new direction?
Thesis proposal (750 words): should include title, proposed length, genre, medium, and a brief summary description. Add content (1-2 paragraphs), form (1-2 paragraphs), mayor influences (films, artists, in 1 paragraph), relation to your previous work (1-2 paragraphs), logistics (timeline, resources, equipment in 1-2 paragraphs).
Your thesis project can be any work of cinema in the expanded sense (fiction, documentary, alternative, transmedia) and be realized in any platform (film, installation, webdoc, VR/XR work, feature screenplay). Realistically, your thesis project should not exceed what is feasible to complete within your five terms of study, and that can be supported by your/our available equipment and resources. However, your vision may not fit within the time and formal straight jacket. Do pitch us something outside this box! You may still change your thesis proposal until the end of your third term.
For screenwriters, the thesis proposal should consist of two story-concepts for either a feature films or a TV series. Those story-concept should be described in 250–500 words, and provide a sense of the subject matter, dramatic premise, genre, and why you want to tell this story.
(Reminder: Combine Statement of Interest and Thesis Proposal into one document (maximum 4 pages) and post under ‘Statement of Interest.’)
Any additional works that reflects the applicant’s writing abilities and creativity.
Summarize your achievements as a filmmaker/artist, and include education, works (year, length, genre, one sentence description), grants & awards, screenings/ exhibitions/festivals, related professional experiences, and relevant employment.
Three letters of reference with at least one from an academic referee, speaking to your scholarly as well as artistic abilities. Letters may also be solicited from professionals (fellow filmmakers, programmers, producers, collaborators) who can speak to your filmmaking abilities, artistic vision, and potential.
Provide your referees with your statement of intent, thesis proposal, CV and page of portfolio links. Only submit their e-mail address York Admissions will send them a link; to upload their letter directly to our adjudication committee.
Professional/creative/amateur work and non-degree and/or non-diploma courses/workshops are also considered, and should be noted on the Supplementary Admissions Data form included in the application package. All sections of this supplementary form must be completed.
As a small program, we typically accept 15 domestic and potentially—but not guaranteed—one international funded student per year. Beyond the portfolio, thesis proposals, CVs, letters of reference and transcripts, we also base our selection on the availability of suitable faculty members to serve as thesis supervisors, on their artistic/scholarly interests and the thesis proposals submitted.
PhD in Cinema and Media Studies
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Film/Cinema Studies, Media Studies, or a related field. We welcome applicants with educational backgrounds in Communications, Cultural Studies, Art History, English, Women’s Studies, Queer and Sexuality Studies, Comparative Literature, Philosophy, Area Studies, and other disciplines that nurture research in sound and moving image media.
No applicants with an average of lower than B+ shall be admitted to the program.
In addition to the general requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies admissions office, the Graduate Program in Film requires the following documents:
- Statement of research interest/research proposal (approximately 500–1000 words)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Writing sample (two essays totalling no more than than 40 pages or its equivalent)
- Official transcripts (graduate and undergraduate)
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic referees
Applicants are asked to list potential supervisors and/or supervisory committee members in their application. Final assignment of supervisors and committee is not generally made until the SECOND year of the program. You are not expected to contact potential supervisors before applying.
In some cases, the admissions committee will consider applications for part–time students to enter the PhD program. Note that part–time students are not eligible for most financial aid from York University. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required to apply.
If admitted to the program, you will be required to take (or show proof that you have taken within the last 2 years) an English proficiency test ONLY if your last degree was NOT conducted in English. You must obtain a MINIMUM score of ONE of these tests:
| Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based) | 600 |
| Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) | 100 |
| IELTS (Academic Module) | 7.5 |
| YUELI | Academic Program Level 9 with Distinction |
| YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP) | Graduate with distinction |
| CAEL | Overall score of 70, no component score less than 60 |
| Minimum CPE Score | C |
| Minimum CAE Score | B |
| Duolingo | 140 |
| PTE Academic | 76 |
Statement of Interest: Outline how your education and (if applicable) extra-curricular interests have prepared you for doctoral work in cinema and media studies. Why is York a good fit for your studies? Maximum 500 words.
Dissertation Proposal: The proposal is an important component of your application and will be considered very carefully by the Admissions Committee. The proposal submitted must clearly demonstrate a conceptualization of a detailed and feasible research project. Research-creation proposals are also considered. Include parameters like subject/themes, theoretical framework, media, period, nation/region, filmmakers/artists, etc. Applicants are asked to list potential supervisors and/or supervisory committee members in their application. Final assignment of supervisors and committee is not generally made until the first or second year of the program. You are not expected to contact potential supervisors before applying. Maximum 500 words.
*Please combine BOTH your Statement of Interest AND your Dissertation Proposal in ONE document to upload, but with 2 distinct headings, no more than 2 pages per section (thus, no more than 4 pages in total).
Please attach a sample of your written academic work (preferably two essays, no more than 40 pages). In addition, you may also choose to submit examples of film or media writing or programming including reviews, program notes, or other publications.
Please submit a resumé or CV with your application. If you have not attended an educational institution recently, please attach a description of your relevant professional activities.
The titles of courses on transcripts do not always accurately reflect the specific orientation or content of these courses. To assist us in assessing your background, you may list the courses you have taken in film and related disciplines and the grades that you received at the end of your CV, along with descriptions from course guides.
Graduate applicants can upload “unofficial” transcripts through MyFile. Transcripts provided in this way are sufficient for determining conditional admission to graduate programs. A transcript records the name of the applicant, the name of the institution, all courses successfully and unsuccessfully completed and all courses that were withdrawn after the registration deadline.
After receiving a decision of conditional admission to graduate program, you must send one official transcript for every postsecondary institution you have attended. To be considered “official”, it must be evident that you have had no direct access to the transcripts. Transcripts must come directly from, and bear the seal of, the issuing institution. If the institution issues transcripts directly to you, the envelope must be sealed by the institution and remain sealed until opened by York University to be considered official. Photocopied or faxed transcripts are not accepted. If transcripts are in another language, an official English translation is required. If the name on your transcript differs from the legal name that you currently use, please make sure that you include your former name on your application form. There is no need for you to submit a York University transcript when you apply to any graduate program at York University if you have taken one or more courses at York; earned a degree from York; or completed a certificate program at York.
Three letters of reference are required to support your application. Letters from academic referees are preferred although letters may also be solicited from professionals who can speak to your writing, critical, and research abilities. The references are located within the Supplementary Information Form.
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Film at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.