Overview

The Theatre programme at the University of British Columbia is a professionally oriented Master of Fine Arts designed for artists seeking to elevate their creative practice. This intensive course provides a rigorous environment where students can specialise in either Directing or Design and Production. By combining academic research with hands-on theatrical work, the curriculum prepares graduates for high-level careers in the global performing arts industry.

Why Theatre at the University of British Columbia?

Students benefit from a "company of artists" approach, collaborating closely with actors, playwrights, and scholars within the Department of Theatre & Film. The university provides access to exceptional facilities, including the 400-seat Frederic Wood Theatre, the flexible Telus Studio, and the Dorothy Somerset Studio black-box space. These diverse venues allow for experimentation across theatre, opera, and film, fostering long-term professional partnerships.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 9884 per year
National fee: CAD 5626 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around studio-based learning and practical production experience. Students focus on conceptual development and technical mastery, culminating in a major thesis project. Modules may include:

Directing
Design and Production
Scenery
Costume
Lighting
Theatrical Performance Styles
Rehearsal Techniques
New Play Development

Careers with Theatre

Graduates are well-equipped to enter the professional arts sector in various leadership and creative capacities. Many alumni secure roles as professional designers for stage and screen or work as independent directors. The programme also prepares individuals for leadership positions such as artistic directors within established theatre companies. Additionally, the advanced nature of the MFA degree allows graduates to pursue academic careers as faculty members at colleges and universities worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The MFA in Directing at U.B.C. takes a practice-based approach to an extensive study of directing.

Our guiding principle is in engaging practicing professionals for two years of study to closely consider (and reconsider) their current practice. U.B.C. offers student directors the option of working in three different theatre spaces, the flexible Telus Studio in the Chan Centre, and the black-box environment of the Dorothy Somerset Studio Theatre.

UBC Theatre takes a "company of artists" approach to the study of theatre.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vancouver, Canada

Disciplines

Visual Arts Art History Drama View 20 other Masters in Drama in Canada

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Many programs require a statement of interest, sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of British Columbia and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

9884 CAD / year

≈ 9884 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5626 CAD / year

≈ 5626 CAD / year

Living costs

Vancouver

Canada

1590 - 2686 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Theatre.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Vancouver

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners