Note for International Applicants: There are currently NO funded positions. The deadline for SELF-FUNDED applications is January 15.
The deadline for domestic applicants is January 15.
If you wish to initiate an application after those dates, do email filmgpa@yorku.ca.
If you have any questions about your Cinema and Media Studies PhD/MA application, or MFA in Film & Media Arts application, please contact the Graduate Program Director, Mike Zryd (zryd@yorku.ca).
Application Period
Cinema & Media Studies (MA, PhD)
Note for International Applicants: There are currently no funded positions. We are unable to consider international PhD students for our program. We are able to consider international self-funded students for the MA and MFA programs.
Application Process
All applicants must complete the Graduate Admissions Application Package available at .
After you have paid your processing fee online, you will need to wait 3-5 BUSINESS days to receive your 91亚色 student number in order to proceed to the 2nd part of the application, on .
*If you are a former 91亚色 student, you will use THE SAME student number you were assigned before to access your MyFile.
In about 3-5 business days later, you can proceed to the second part of the admissions process in your . To log in, you will need your 91亚色 student number and your date of birth.
In your MyFile, you will upload all the required documents (statement of interest, thesis/MRP Proposal, transcripts, portfolio page, writing samples, etc.).
You will list your references within the "Supplementary Information Form" section. Once you have submitted their names and emails, your references will receive an email from our school, and there will be a link in there that will direct them to an online reference form to complete for you.
You are 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 on ONE of these tests:
- Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) 100 (for tests taken prior to January 2026) or 5 (January 2026 and after)
- IELTS (Academic Module) 7.5
- YUELI Essential English Level 6 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
Admissions
The MA is a versatile degree that prepares students for futures in interdisciplinary academic research or the growing spectrum of jobs in the creative industries. The program offers a broad curriculum in the critical study of cinema and media arts, including film, video, AR, VR, XR, and other media forms, to a small group (normally 7-9) of highly motivated students. Major research projects may incorporate research-creation or professional field placements.
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, English, Art History, Women鈥檚 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 your last degree was NOT conducted in English, you are required to take (or show proof that you have taken within the last 2 years) an English proficiency test. See our FAQ for more details on English proficiency tests.
Combine these into one document with 2 distinct headings, 4 pages maximum and upload under 鈥淪tatement of Interest鈥.
Statement of Interest (maximum 500 words): Outline your interest in studying in the MA in Cinema & Media Studies at 91亚色: Why here and why now? Outline how your education and (if applicable) extra-curricular interests have prepared you for graduate work in cinema and media studies.
Major Research Project (MRP) Proposal (maximum 500 words): All MA students complete a capstone research project on a critical, historical, and/or theoretical project in cinema & media studies. There are three MRP options: 1) 40鈥45-page research paper; 2) Research-creation project (e.g., video essay) with 20-page paper; 3) Field Placement with 20-page paper. The MRP proposal in your application outlines a feasible research project and is an important component of your application. Consider including subject/theme, period, nation/region, media, filmmaker/artists, etc.
Two essays (maximum 7,500 words) with an indication (if applicable) of the course or context for which the sample was written. Writing samples may include examples of film/media writing or programming, e.g., 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, you may list the courses you have taken in film/media and related disciplines and the grades that you received.
Please submit a CV or resum茅 with your application. If you have not attended an educational institution recently, please attach a description of your relevant professional activities.
Scans/photocopies of unofficial transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions are sufficient for determining conditional admission to graduate programs at 91亚色. Upon receiving a decision of conditional admission to the graduate program, applicants must then provide official transcripts for every post-secondary institution they have attended. See our FAQ for detailed instructions on the submission of official transcripts.
Two references are required to support your application. Academic referees are preferred although professionals who can speak to your writing, critical, and research abilities are also accepted. Applicants are required to provide their referees鈥 email addresses in the application portal. Referees will be contacted directly by 91亚色 and receive a standardized reference form to fill out (note that referees cannot upload a preexisting letter). See our FAQ for more information.
The MFA program in Film & Media Arts offers two specializations:
- Production (including fiction, documentary, experimental, and media art)
- Screenwriting & Creative Producing
As a small program, we typically accept approximately 15 funded domestic and 1-2 international self-funded students per year. Beyond the application package (especially statements of interest, thesis proposals, and portfolios), we also base our admissions on the availability of suitable faculty members to serve as thesis supervisors.
An Honours degree or equivalent with a minimum 'B' average in film/video or a related discipline. Professional experience and achievements will also be considered. Use your Statement of Interest (see below) to address any discrepancies in your academic record.
If your last degree was NOT conducted in English, you are required to take (or show proof that you have taken within the last 2 years) an English proficiency test. See our FAQ for more details on English proficiency tests.
For the specialization in 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 (except for films longer than 30 minutes, in which case it is recommended to indicate specific excerpts). Documentation of video/new media installations is also accepted. Applicants should clearly list for each production: title; link and password (if necessary); applicant鈥檚 creative role(s); original shooting format; year of production; 2-3 sentence synopsis (summarize both content and formal concerns); 1-2 paragraph production context and funding (including if it was produced during your previous studies/ training.
For the specialization in Screenwriting & Creative Producing: Creative written work. Sample options include:
- a completed feature screenplay (90+ pages), plus a one-page synopsis of the whole story; or
- a completed one-hour original TV PILOT (50-60 pages), plus bible, OR two half-hour episodes of an original TV series plus bible; or
- a full-length play OR short stories/novel/play(s)/new media fiction-based writing that reflects applicant鈥檚 writing abilities and creativity.
Combine these into one document with 2 distinct headings, 4 pages maximum and upload under 鈥淪tatement of Interest.鈥
Statement of Interest (750 words): In your statement, describe your interest in pursuing the MFA in Production or the MFA in Screenwriting & Creative Producing at 91亚色. Explain why 91亚色 is the right place for you at this stage of your artistic and professional development. Provide an overview of your creative and artistic background, highlighting the experiences that have shaped you as a filmmaker, artist, or writer. If applicable, contextualize your previous education by outlining your area of specialization, degree(s), academic performance, and relevant extracurricular or professional activities. Finally, discuss your artistic priorities, creative vision, and long-term career goals. Explain how this MFA will support your future work, whether by deepening an established practice or enabling you to pursue a new creative direction.
Thesis proposal (750 words):
For the specialization in Production:Your thesis project can be any work of cinema in the expanded sense (fiction, documentary, experimental, media art) and be realized in any platform (film, installation, webdoc, social media, VR/XR, application of AI, etc.). Your proposed thesis should be feasibly completed within five terms of study and within the limits of available equipment, faculty support, and resources. Our Program does not normally support Thesis films of feature length. The proposal should include a title, proposed length, genre, medium, and a short description that can address subject matter, formal strategies, artistic/cultural influences, logistical considerations, and how the thesis project relates to your previous work.
For the specialization in Screenwriting & Creative Producing: Submit a thesis proposal that presents two original story concepts for either a feature-length film or a television series. Each concept should clearly articulate the subject matter, dramatic premise, and genre, while conveying your creative vision and the reasons you are drawn to telling this story. Your proposal should demonstrate the originality, thematic depth, and artistic potential of each project.
See our FAQ for more information.
Any additional writing that reflects the applicant鈥檚 writing abilities and creativity. Do NOT upload your Portfolio, Thesis Proposal or Statement of Interest here.
Summarize your achievements as a filmmaker/artist. Include education; works (year, length, genre, one sentence description); grants & awards; screenings/exhibitions/festivals; related professional experiences; and relevant employment.
Scans/photocopies of unofficial transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions are sufficient for determining conditional admission to graduate programs at 91亚色. Upon receiving a decision of conditional admission to the graduate program, applicants must then provide official transcripts for every post-secondary institution they have attended. See our FAQ for detailed instructions on the submission of official transcripts.
Two references are required to support your application. If possible, at least one should be from an academic referee, speaking to your scholarly as well as artistic abilities. References from professionals (fellow filmmakers, programmers, producers, collaborators) who can speak to your filmmaking abilities, artistic vision, and potential are also accepted. Applicants are required to provide their referees鈥 email addresses in the application portal. Referees will be contacted directly by 91亚色 and receive a standardized reference form to fill out (note that referees cannot upload a preexisting letter). See our FAQ for more information.
The PhD in Cinema & Media Studies is a dynamic program in which students pursue innovative and interdisciplinary research into the full range of moving image and sound media practices and traditions. Each year the program selects a small group of 3 exceptional students who will join a lively intellectual community at 91亚色, embedded in one of the strongest art faculties in Canada, AMPD (Arts, Media, Performance & Design). Research-creation is an option for dissertation work.
Applicants should hold a Master鈥檚 degree with a minimum 'B+' average. We welcome applicants with educational backgrounds in Film/Cinema Studies, Media Studies, Communications, Cultural Studies, English, Art History, Women鈥檚 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 your last degree was NOT conducted in English, you are required to take (or show proof that you have taken within the last 2 years) an English proficiency test. See our FAQ for more details on English proficiency tests.聽
Combine these into one document with 2 distinct headings, 4 pages maximum and upload under 鈥淪tatement of Interest鈥
Statement of Interest (maximum 500 words): Outline your interest in studying in the PhD in Cinema & Media Studies at 91亚色: Why here and why now? Outline how your education and (if applicable) extra-curricular interests have prepared you for advanced graduate work in cinema and media studies.
Dissertation Proposal (maximum 500 words): The dissertation proposal in your application outlines a detailed and feasible research project and is a crucial component of your application. Research-creation proposals are also considered, with emphasis on how your project is research embedded in a creative methodology. Include parameters like subject/theme, theoretical framework, media, period, nation/region, filmmakers/artists, etc. Applicants are asked to list potential supervisors and/or supervisory committee members in their application but are not expected to contact potential supervisors before applying. Assignment of the supervisory committee is not generally made until the first or second year of the program.
Two essays (maximum 10,000 words) with an indication of the course or context for which the sample was written (if applicable). Writing samples may include examples of film/media writing or programming, e.g., reviews, program notes, or other publications.
Please submit a CV with your application. Include education; grants & awards; related professional experiences; and relevant employment. If you have not attended an educational institution recently, please attach a description of your relevant professional activities.
Scans/photocopies of unofficial transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions are sufficient for determining conditional admission to graduate programs at 91亚色. Upon receiving a decision of conditional admission to the graduate program, applicants must then provide official transcripts for every post-secondary institution they have attended.聽See our FAQ聽for detailed instructions on the submission of official transcripts.
Two references are required to support your application. Academic referees are preferred although professionals who can speak to your critical writing and research abilities are also accepted. Applicants are required to provide their referees鈥 email addresses in the application portal. Referees will be contacted directly by 91亚色 and receive a standardized reference form to fill out (note that referees cannot upload a preexisting letter). See our FAQ聽for more information.聽
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Film & Media Arts at 91亚色 is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.