Film Production and Creative Writing University of British Columbia

Overview

The Film Production and Creative Writing programme at the University of British Columbia provides an elite environment for filmmakers to refine their creative and intellectual vision. This joint Master of Fine Arts degree combines advanced technical film training with a rigorous focus on screenwriting through the School of Creative Writing. Students are required to write the script for their own thesis film, ensuring a deep integration of narrative craft and production skills.

Why Film Production and Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia?

The university boasts a forty-year history of developing world-class filmmakers and technicians. Located in a city where the film industry is a primary economic driver, the programme benefits from established partnerships with professional post-production facilities and rental houses. These links facilitate essential networking and post-graduation opportunities within a sector that employs tens of thousands of people locally.

This is the only master’s degree of its kind in Western Canada and maintains an exceptionally high standard of entry, typically accepting only one or two students annually. The faculty includes active industry professionals with extensive international credits, providing students with direct access to current expertise in directing, producing, and screenwriting for both narrative and documentary cinema.

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 designed to support the development of a major thesis film. Modules may include:

• Directing
• Screenwriting
• Producing
• Live Action Narrative
• Documentary Film
• Film Production

Careers with Film Production and Creative Writing

Graduates from this programme are highly successful in the global film industry, securing roles as directors, producers, and screenwriters. Alumni have contributed to major international productions and award-winning films. Beyond active production, many graduates pursue academic careers as professors or instructors at leading educational institutions. Others influence the industry by serving on film organisation boards and prestigious award juries.