The Faculty of Fine Arts & the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema offer a 60-credit program leading to the MFA in Studio Arts with concentration in Film Production. The MFA in Studio Arts is a terminal degree in the visual arts.

Requirements for the Degree

Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 60 credits.

Residence. The minimum residence requirement is 5 terms of full-time study. It should be noted that one of these terms is a summer session. Following the residency, candidates will prepare for their Studio Project and Exhibition or Film Project (see below).

Courses. Candidates for the degree are normally required to complete a minimum of 24 credits in their studio concentration and 3 credits of DISP 615 Directed Studio Practice; 21 credits from ASEM 620, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 651, 652, 653, 654, INTP 660, 661, 662, INDS 670, 671, 672; 9 credits in PROJ 691 Studio Project and 3 credits in PROJ 692 Exhibition or Film Project. Consult the MFA Studio Arts website for more information about interdisciplinary seminars.

Exhibition or Film Project. Thesis development begins in first term, and extends over a three-year period during which student and advisor meet on a regular basis. Research programs are comprised of a single thesis film or a coherent body of work, with a substantial written component that provides context for the research. Students are encouraged to present their Thesis Project in the third year, no less than 6 months following the successful completion of all course work. Candidates must complete all program requirements within 4 years of the original date of enrollment. Approval by both the student’s advisor and the graduate program director is required prior to the examination.

A Thesis Jury for MFA in Studio Arts (Film Production Option) consists of:

• 1 full-time faculty advisor from Film Production
• 3 faculty members (1 may be part-time), 1 must be film production faculty.
• 1 external member who does not have any current affiliate with Concordia University. It may not be someone with whom the candidate has collaborated in any capacity, including a supervisory, mentoring or personal relationship.

Students are required to submit documentation of their exhibition or film project to be kept on file in the office of the MFA Studio Arts program director.

Internship and Independent Study

Students may elect to substitute 6 credits of Internship or Independent Study for Seminar Courses. Proposals must be supported by a faculty member and approved by the Graduate Program Director. Internships offer the opportunity to work in a professional arts organization, industry, or other relevant affiliation as an employee or a voluntary participant. Independent Study courses are for students who wish to pursue a specialized area of academic research that is not covered by existing courses.