Graduate Filmmaking Admissions
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking offers Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degrees in Creative Producing, Film Music Composition and Screenwriting. Once your application is complete and you meet the admissions criteria below, you will be granted an interview with the arts faculty.
Interviews for the 2022-23 academic year will be conducted live, virtually. Admission to the UNCSA School of Filmmaking is based on a combination of your online application, video essay, personal interview, portfolio, artistic statement and academic merits.
Deadlines & Interview Dates
Application and interview dates for the 2023-24 academic year will be announced this fall. Below is the information for the 2022-23 academic year for reference.
In order for your application to be reviewed for admission - the application must be completed will all materials submitted, including your video essay, and the application fee paid by one of the following deadlines:
| Deadline | Interview and Decision Dates |
| November 2, 2021 (11:59 p.m.) |
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| January 19, 2022 (11:59 p.m.) |
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March 1, 2022 (11:59 p.m.)* |
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Interviews will only be considered once your application is complete. When your complete application is on file, you will receive an email from the Admissions Office with instructions on how to set up your interview.
Conferences
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International Thespian Festival 2022 |
Representatives from the School of Filmmaking will be available at ITF 2022 to meet with interested candidates. Stopping by the exhibitor booth provides the opportunity to learn more about the school. UNCSA attendance is dependent upon an organization's ability to hold an in-person event. Prospective students who plan to attend an event at an off-campus site are advised to closely monitor that event’s page for possible updates.
Admissions Criteria
Prerequisites
Applicants to all graduate Filmmaking programs should have completed an undergraduate degree or be scheduled for completion of a degree prior to the upcoming Fall semester.
Creative Producing or Screenwriting
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Preferred primary applicants for the Creative Producing or Screenwriting concentrations should have completed an undergraduate degree and have a minimum of two years work experience.
Film Music Composition
- Preferred applicants should have an undergraduate degree in music or music composition. If asked to interview, applicants with undergraduate degrees in concentrations other than music will be required to take a written and aural proficiency exam in musicianship.
- Physical and cognitive abilities: Applicants must, at a minimum, possess functional use of the somatic senses, have adequate motor capabilities to manage situations in which these senses would be employed, and be able to integrate data acquired via these senses.
GPA
Minimum college GPA of 3.0
Test Scores
GRE Scores (Optional)
The GRE is not required for admission, but scores will be considered. If you choose
to submit scores, please have official scores sent to the Office of Admissions.
International Applicants
International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. Minimum
score requirements for international students are:
- TOEFL: 79 internet-based, 550 paper-based, or 213 computer-based
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 100
Completed Application, Fees & Required Documents
1. Complete the online application.
2. Pay your Application Fee: $95 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, $130 for international applicants or non-resident aliens. Application fees are non-refundable.
Payment Options
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Online: Follow payment instructions at the end of the application or on your Admissions Portal.
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Check or Money Order (through a U.S. bank): Make payable to "UNCSA" and include your full legal name. Mail your payment and full legible name of applicant to the Office of Admissions.
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International Applicants: Use Flywire to pay your application fee online through an international bank or pay by check or money order through a U.S. bank as listed above.
3. Upload all Required Application Documents prior to your listed application deadline.
Please note: If you are applying to two different UNCSA art schools (Design & Production, Filmmaking and Music) you will need to complete a second application and pay a second application fee.