Admission Requirements
NOTE: ALL WRITTEN MATERIAL MUST BE TYPED
A. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
An honours degree or equivalent with a minimum 'B' average in film/video or a related discipline.
B. SUPPLEMENTARY ADMISSIONS DATA FORM:
Professional/amateur work and non-degree and/or non-diploma courses/workshops/seminars 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.
C. THESIS PROPOSAL:
The thesis proposal is important 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; however, it must demonstrate a conceptualization of a research or creative project clearly and in as much detail as possible. Please see specific proposal requirements for each stream of study listed below.
D. PORTFOLIO:
We shall expect students that we accept to understand workably the fundamentals of screenwriting and to be proficient in the English language (written and oral). We recommend therefore that applicants submit a feature screenplay as part of their portfolio, as well as other writing which reflect their writing abilities and creativity. Applicants may submit a VHS copy (NTSC format) or DVD of a film that has been produced from a script they have written, along with a copy of the script. Details of the production relevant to evaluating the film (e.g., its original format; student or professional production, the applicant’s involvement in the script; etc.) must be provided as well.
DO NOT send the portfolio portion of the application to Graduate Admissions. The portfolio is sent directly to the Department of Film Graduate Program Office. The contents of the portfolio depend on the stream to which the candidate is applying. The materials submitted in the portfolio are a crucial element of the application. Entry to the program is highly competitive and the strength of the portfolio will be a major consideration for the Admissions Committee.
Portfolios may be sent via mail or courier or delivered in person to the program office. Original pieces of work should not be submitted as the program and York University cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage. Portfolios can be returned if self-addressed packaging and sufficient Canadian postage to cover the expense of mailing is included. Portfolios may be picked up in person after May 1st of the year of application. Any unclaimed portfolios will be discarded as of September 1st of the application year.
Degree Requirements
Master of Fine Arts
The principal goal of our program is to immerse students in a program of study that best meets their overall academic and professional goals. The required courses are intended to enhance the range and depth of a student’s skills and knowledge. The program is committed to providing the opportunity for students to enhance their experience by choosing from a selection of elective courses.
All first-year students are required to attend the graduate seminar (FILM 5400.03) which includes our premier series, “The Independents.” Second-year students are warmly encouraged to attend. The graduate seminar will consist of an integrated series of guest lectures, intensive workshops and screenings. All second-year students will present a detailed and developed synopsis of their Thesis/MRP project at a Graduate Symposium to be held during the fall term of their second year of study.
MFA Degree
All those earning an MFA Degree must complete 7 half courses and a Thesis.
SCREENWRITING STUDENTS
Required Courses:
| Film 5110 3.0 |
|
Screenwriting |
| Film 5120 3.0 |
|
Selected Topics in Screenwriting |
| Film 5400 3.0 |
|
Graduate Seminar |
| Film 6000 |
|
Thesis |
Screenwriting students must take at least one half studies course. This course may include Film 5230 Contemporary Film Theory or Film 5210 Theoretical Issues.
Elective Courses: 2005-2006
| Film 5010 3.0 |
|
Production |
| Film 5320E 3.0 |
|
Selected Topics: Script Editing |
| Film 5123 3.0 |
|
Television: Screenwriting and Philosophy |
| Film 5125 3.0 |
|
Scene Writing Workshop |
| Film 5130 6.0 |
|
Feature Screenwriting II |
| Film 5321 3.0 |
|
Script Editing I* |
| Film 5322 3.0 |
|
Script Editing II* |
| Film 5210 3.0 |
|
Theoretical Issues |
| Film 5231 3.0 |
|
Contemporary Documentary |
| Film 5232 3.0 |
|
Canadian Film Distribution, Exhibition & Marketing |
| Film 5320B 3.0 |
|
Selected Topics in History & Criticism: Narratology and Luis Buñuel |
| Film 5320L 3.0 |
|
Discourse of Race/Racist Discourses |
| Film 5245 3.0 |
|
Future Cinema |
| Film 5700 3.0 |
|
Student Initiated Collaborative Study |
| Film 5800 3.0 |
|
Directed Reading |
|
|
|
*FILM 5321 & 5322 must be taken consecutively as a full course
Directed Reading: Students may design a particular course of study with a faculty member provided it is not available in the current curriculum and does not overlap significantly with a course previously taken. Students are normally allowed two half reading courses during their Master’s tenure in the Film and Video Program. All directed reading courses must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.
MFA students may take up to a total of two half courses from outside the Department of Film. Students should consult the graduate handbooks for cognate departments such as Social and Political Thought, English, Visual Arts, Anthropology, Communication and Culture. Permission of the instructor and Graduate Program Director is required.
