Film and Moving Image Studies PhD

Admission Requirements

MA in Film Studies (or cognate field) with a minimum B+ average or GPA of 3.30
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Additional Admission Requirements

Applicants will also be assessed by the School of Cinema’s doctoral program sub-committee on the basis of a writing sample, letters of recommendation, research ability, and a letter of intent outlining research interests, to be submitted with their application. Prior to final acceptance, the student should have identified and contacted a potential supervisor. Final decision regarding supervision will be made by mutual agreement between the student, the doctoral program sub-committee, and the potential supervisor. Feasibility of proposed research and availability of a faculty member to supervise will also be considered. In certain instances students may be asked to complete qualifying graduate coursework. A detailed description of the program may be obtained from the PhD Program Director, Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema.

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.

Please see the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema Courses page for course descriptions.

Film and Moving Image Studies PhD (90 credits)

6	credits of Core Courses: • FMST 806 Proseminar I (3.00) • FMST 807 Proseminar II (3.00)
3	credits chosen from four clusters (two offered per year) • FMST 801 Seminar in Film and Moving Image History (3.00) • FMST 802 Seminar in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics (3.00) • FMST 803 Seminar in Film and Moving Image Theory (3.00) • FMST 804 Seminar in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory (3.00)
6	credits of Elective Courses • FMST 805 Topics in English Canadian Cinema (3.00) • FMST 810 Topics in Cinema Québécois (3.00) • FMST 815 Topics in European Cinema (3.00) • FMST 820 Topics in Non-European Cinema (3.00) • FMST 825 Topics in Film History (3.00) • FMST 830 Topics in Film Theory (3.00) • FMST 835 Topics in Aesthetics and Cultural Theory (3.00) • FMST 840 Gender Issues in Film (3.00) • FMST 845 Topics in Film Genres (3.00) • FMST 850 Topics in Experimental Film and Video (3.00) • FMST 855 Topics in Documentary (3.00) • FMST 860 Topics in Film Directors (3.00) • FMST 865 Topics in Film and Moving Image Studies (3.00) • FMST 870 Independent Study (3.00) • FMST 880 Research Seminar (3.00)
75	credits: • FMST 887 Comprehensive Exam (3.00) • FMST 885 Thesis Proposal (6.00) • FMST 888 Specialization Examination Essay (3.00) • FMST 890 Research and Thesis (63.00)

Additional Degree Requirements

Language. While English is the dominant language for activities in the School of Cinema, applicants must demonstrate a level of competence that would allow them to read technical material in French (or another pertinent language with regards to their research). Students may write reports, examinations, and theses in English or French, as they choose.

Coursework. It is expected that students, on average, complete 12 credits of coursework during the first year and complete the remaining three course credits before being admitted to candidacy. On a yearly basis, a minimum of 12 credits of core graduate coursework is offered for doctoral students only by the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. This includes Proseminar I and Proseminar II, which are taken consecutively in the student’s first year.

Academic Regulations

Academic Standing. Please refer to the Academic Standing section of the Calendar for a detailed review of the Academic Regulations.
Residency. The minimum required residence requirement is six consecutive terms of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.
Time Limit. Please refer to the Academic Regulations page for further details regarding the Time Limits.
Graduation Requirement. In order to graduate, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.