Graduate application FAQs
For MA and PhD applicants in Film and Moving Image Studies
It is not necessary to select an advisor before you apply. You will have time in your first semester to select an advisor. You can mention a professor in your statement of purpose if you feel they would be a good fit.
Speak to the graduate program director to discuss the process of selecting a supervisor and look through our faculty profiles to discover our research interests.
The Statement of Purpose should be around 3-4 pages in length, and include the following information. It should briefly explain your background, elaborate on your past and present research interests as well as research output (papers written, or, if applicable, published or presented at conferences), and what draws you to the Film and Moving Image Studies program at Concordia. This last aspect may include brief mention of professors you feel are pertinent to your research project and/or interests, and courses you feel useful for your studies. To do this we urge you to look closely at our program and professors' profiles. You do not need to contact professors to list their names here; we discourage you from doing so. While you may have many research or subject interests at this point, we suggest you present one or two of them in depth, and note briefly your other interests.
The writing sample is meant to show your ability to write academically. Most applicants use a previous work either form a class or published work they feel represents their best work. The writing does not have to be a published work. The recommended length is 8-20 pages.
It is recommended that the letters arrive by February 1, but about a week grace period will be given for the final letters to come in after the February 1 deadline.
Yes, but not to the cinema department. See how do I submit offical transcripts for details.
No, your application process as an international student is the same as other students. You only need to submit your language requirements as they apply to you.
View Faculty of Fine Arts language proficiency requirements.
Typically, full-time students finish either the thesis or non-thesis track in two years: 45 credits.
It is recommended but not necessary to apply. Other BA degrees that are often considered are: art history, film production, English, French, sociology, philosophy, history, political science communications, anthropology, social science, literature and sociology. It may be necessary to undertake up to 6 undergraduate courses in these cases depending on your admission decision.
The Centre for Digital Arts and the Visual Collections Repository (VCR) are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, computer labs and editing, and are staffed with technical experts who will help you realize your ideas. You’ll have access to:
- Computing labs for video and sound editing
- Audio-visual equipment loans
- Instructive workshops and activities that show you how to use the equipment
- Media library and viewing rooms
- Read more about our cinema facilities.
All graduate students in the Faculty of Fine Arts have access to FB 630, a private lounge area with a large study space, a kitchenette, a conference room, a small meeting room and a privacy booth, as well as five research labs.
Graduate students have access to various other research centres.
Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the media and cultural industries, through their work in film, television, and the arts. Practicum courses facilitate careers in the areas of programming and exhibition, curatorial work, arts journalism, and teaching at all levels. Graduates are also qualified to pursue film studies at the doctoral level. Concordia has an excellent track record in placing graduates in the best PhD programs in film and media studies in Canada and the United States.
Browse our Film and Moving Image Studies announcements to read more about faculty, student and alumni successes.