Multiple Apps: No, applicants are only allowed to apply to one program within the Film, Television and Digital Media department and at UCLA. - Back to Top –
Requirements: Applicants must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree from an established, accredited college or university. The degree specialty is not important, as we have admitted students from many different backgrounds of education and experience. Previous film experience is not required. MA and PhD applicants are required to submit GRE scores, MFA applicants are not required to take the GRE. International students must meet the international requirements found on the Graduate Admissions website http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/prospective.html.
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Request an App: All application materials for the graduate programs in Film, Television and Digital Media are available on the web. The application is available online for electronic submission at www.gdnet.ucla.edu and at www.tft.ucla.edu. - Back to Top –
App Deadline: The application deadlines vary depending on the area of specialization and the degree program. - Back to Top –
Complete Apps: The departmental application is available online and needs to be mailed to UCLA with all of the supplemental application materials to the department. - Back to Top –
Status Update: With the high volume of applications, we do not notify applicants if all of their supplemental materials have been received. However, if an application is incomplete, we will notify the applicant via email and request that the materials be submitted as soon as possible.

GRE Requirements

GRE

Here are the GRE Requirements for the Graduate Programs in Film:
PhD applicants are required to take the GRE
MA applicants are required to take the GRE
MFA applicants are NOT required to take the GRE
(Note: The GRE is highly recommended for MFA applicants with Undergraduate GPAs below 3.0.) - Back to Top –

GRE Codes

UCLA Code: 4837
Film, Television and Digital Media Code: 4505
Theater Code: 2403
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TOEFL Exam

TOEFL

Information about language requirements can be found at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/ENGREQ.HTM

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TOEFL Codes

UCLA Code: 4837
Film, Television and Digital Media Code: 83
Theater Code:? 99
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Submission Deadline

Submission Deadline

Materials need to be POSTMARKED by the deadline date.
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Admissions

Multiple Apps

Cinema Studies MA (1-2 years), Cinema Studies PhD (2 years), Producers Program MFA (2 years), Archive Studies MA (2 years), Screenwriting MFA (2 years), Animation MFA (3 years), Directing MFA (4 years), Cinematography MFA (4 years). - Back to Top –

PhD Program

Cinema & Media Studies MA students may apply to the PhD Program in their final year of study. They do so by submitting a dossier to the Graduate Counselor in Film along with the Departmental Application for the PhD Program. The dossier should contain a Statement of Purpose, describing your reasons for wishing to earn a PhD, and two writing samples that demonstrate a high level of ability to write criticism or historical narrative. Letters of recommendation from Cinema & Media Studies faculty in residence are not necessary, but may be submitted from faculty on leave, part-time faculty, visiting faculty, or faculty from other departments. Evidence of your potential as a practicing scholar is required and will be determined by the breadth and depth of your advanced course work in history, theory, and criticism; the quality of thought and research demonstrated in your writing; your imaginativeness as a scholar; and your potential, as indicated by your academic transcripts, awards, publications, etc. Prospective students with a Masters in another degree are also encouraged to apply. - Back to Top –

From BA-Ph.D?

Applicants interested in the Cinema & Media Studies PhD program must hold either a MA/ MS degree. - Back to Top –

Status Updates

Due to the very high volume of applications, we request that students not contact us directly to find out if we have received application material. The graduate film program does NOT utilize the online system to inform students about the arrival and completeness of their application. Once we have finished opening mail and compiling all application files, we will contact you via email if any material is missing. Generally, these missing material emails will be sent about a 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. If you do not hear from us and you have a confirmation from the Graduate Division that the online application has been accepted and paid for, it is safe to assume that your application is indeed complete and will be reviewed. - Back to Top –

App Review

Faculty who teach in each specific area review the applications for that area. In addition, admits to the undergraduate programs must be approved by the UCLA Undergraduate Admissions Office and graduate admits by the Graduate Admissions Office. - Back to Top –

# Accepted:

This varies each year and within each program:

1,400 Approximate number of yearly applicants

Approximate number of new students accepted in each program:
30 BA
18 MFA Production/Directing
30 MFA Screenwriting
15 MFA Producers Program
15 MFA Animation
15 MA
10 PhD 3 MFA Production/Cinematography

Notifications

Due to the amount of time needed to review the large number of applications, applicants are usually not notified until March or April. Because the Animation deadline is much later than the other areas, students who apply for Animation are notified in April or May about their decision. Please do not call the department to check on the status of your application. We notify all applicants by mail and we cannot give out information by telephone. - Back to Top –

Re-Applying

Students applying a second time are not given special consideration; they must compete with the new field of applicants. Undergraduates must go through the entire application process again. Graduate students must file a new graduate application. - Back to Top –

Re-Using Previous Apps

Students applying a second time may use supporting materials from their previous application, which we keep on file for three years. You will need to make a note in your application which parts from your previous application you would like reuse. Please specify the program and year that you previously applied.

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SUPPORTING MATERIALS

Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts

LOR Separate?

Yes. We would prefer that we receive an entire application packet in full. However, if recommendation letters or transcripts come separately, that is completely fine as well. - Back to Top –

LOR Origin

Your letters of recommendation can be from a variety of sources. Strong letters of recommendation come from people who know you well and can speak about your strengths and potential to succeed in the program. - Back to Top –

Film/Videotape:

Some areas and programs do NOT accept tapes and DVDs. Prior production experience in film and television is not a formal requirement for admission to any of our programs. Our Department seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds who are well educated, imaginative, creative, energetic, and determined. If the program you are applying for does not accept reels or film work in any format, include your experience in your Resume and/or Personal Statement.

Production Directing/Cinematography: Does NOT accept tapes or DVDs
Producers Program: Does NOT accept tapes or DVDs
Animation: Will accept VHS/Slides/Artwork Portfolios, DVDs. Make sure they work!!!
Screenwriting: Requires a Script, Does NOT accept tapes or DVDs - Back to Top –

Sample Length:

Applicants submit creative writing samples of various lengths. - Back to Top –

Returning Samples

No, supporting materials will NOT be returned.
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Examples of Students' Work

Student Work

All student productions are screened publicly in Melnitz Hall at the end of Spring Quarter during the final examination week. The first weekend in June through the second week is a great time to see work from the departments of Theater and Film as well as Design and the Arts. The screening schedule is posted in Melnitz Hall on Monday of finals week. Check our Calendar for a more detailed list of our screenings and events: http://www.tft.ucla.edu/calendar/. You may also view student work on our website at http://www.tft.ucla.edu/directory/work/students/.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Tours: Yes. Find out the details on our Tours page. - Back to Top –
Residency: For information on California residence requirements for tuition purposes, visit UCLA Registrar's Office: Residence for Tuition Purposes or contact the UCLA Residence Deputy (310-825-3447). - Back to Top –
Housing: Admitted students will receive a housing application with their admission letter. You must return your statement of intent to register and the housing application by the published deadline. More information about housing for graduate and undergraduate students is available at UCLA Housing. - Back to Top –
Re-Using Previous Apps: You can contact Theater, Film and Television Student Services at (310) 206-8441 or send an email to filmgrad@tft.ucla.edu . Also, you can contact the UCLA Graduate Division at (310) 825-3819 or send an email to onlineAppHelp@gdnet.ucla.edu

Undergraduate Film Program Frequently Asked Questions

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GENERAL

Brochure: Could you mail me a brochure and information packet about your program?
Tuition: How much does it cost to attend UCLA?
Summer Programs: Do you offer summer programs in Film and Television?
Financial Aid: How do I apply for financial aid, awards, and scholarships?

APPLICATION

When is the application deadline to apply for the undergraduate Theater program?

What are the pre-requisites for applying to the undergraduate Film program?

Does your program require that I have prior experience in film and television?

Where can I find information about the GE requirements for the School of Theater, Film and Television?

Can I submit films, DVDs or videotapes with my application?

Am I required to schedule an interview for admission to the undergraduate Film major?

What are the guidelines for the essays required for acceptance to the Film program?

If I am an undergraduate student at UCLA can I apply to change my major to Film?

Will I need to complete a UC application if I am a UCLA undergraduate student and would like to apply to change my major to Film?

ADMISSIONS

Can I schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor for a counseling appointment?

Can I change my major to Theater after I am admitted to the Film major?

How many units must be completed within the senior concentration for Film students?

When do Film students choose their concentrations?
Can current Film students change their film concentrations in their senior year?

When can students in the Film program begin a professional internship?

How long does it take to complete the undergraduate Film program?

How many students do you accept each year to the undergraduate Film program?

Can you tell me which of my courses taken at another institution count for credit at UCLA?

MISCELLANEOUS

Tours: Do you offer tours of your production facilities?
Residency: What is the residence requirement for tuition purposes?
Housing: How do I apply for housing?
Additional Information: How may I obtain addition information?

TUITION: This varies by department and degree. The UCLA tuition and fee schedule can be found at UCLA Registrar's Office: Fees. This site contains information for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as in and out of state residents.
SUMMER PROGRAMS: Our school offers several different summer programs, for high school and college students. For more information, visit www.tft.ucla.edu/programs/summer.
FINANCIAL AID: Entering students interested in scholarships should follow all instructions in the Scholarship section of the University of California Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships. Students might qualify for need-based scholarships by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the FAFSA Renewal. Entering students can obtain FAFSAs from any school, college or university from January 1 through March 2. Students can obtain FAFSAs from this website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and should complete and submit the form by March 2. Visit www.fao.ucla.edu for more information on financial aid. School awards and scholarships are distributed at the end of the academic year. Our students submit a special application for these awards during Winter Quarter.

APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS

Application

Deadline:: The application process for the 2010-2011 academic year begins November 1 through November 30, 2009. - Back to Top –

Pre-Requisites:: Applicants must have their GE requirements completed. Those attending a California community college should complete the IGETC requirements. A course in Film history and a course in Theater are also recommended. - Back to Top –

Prof. Experience:: Prior experience in film and television is not required. - Back to Top –

GE Requirements:: You can find information about the GE requirements at About the Undergraduate Film. - Back to Top –

Film/Video: We do not accept films, DVDs, or videotapes. - Back to Top –

Interview Schedule:: The applicant pool is narrowed down to 30 candidates. These 30 prospective students will be contacted by the department directly to schedule an interview. Interviews take place mid March to early April. - Back to Top –

Essay Guidelines:: The guidelines for the essays can be found on the Undergraduate Film Admissions page. - Back to Top –

Internal App Sophomores:: Yes. UCLA undergraduate students can apply to change their major to Film during their sophomore year. You should complete your general education requirements by the end of your sophomore year at UCLA. - Back to Top –

Internal Applicants:: UCLA undergraduate students in their second year who are interested in changing their major to Film may attend an information session during the spring quarter to learn about the application process. - Back to Top –

Admissions

Counseling Appointment:: You may call our student services office at 310-206-8441 to ask questions about the application process. However, our advisor is available for current students only. You may send specific questions to info@tft.ucla.edu with the subject line: Specific Question and we will do our best to answer your questions. - Back to Top –

Change of Major:: No. Students in the Film major are not allowed to change their major to Theater. In addition, Theater majors are not allowed to change their majors to Film. - Back to Top –

Unit Requirement:: 20 units must be completed in the senior concentration. - Back to Top –

Choosing Your Concentration:: Students will select their concentration in the Spring quarter of their junior year. They can choose from: Film Production, Documentary, Screenwriting, Animation, Digital Media, or Cinema & Media Studies. - Back to Top –

Senior Concentration:: Students cannot change their concentration in the senior year. Students may change their concentration prior to Fall Quarter of their senior year by petition only. - Back to Top

Internships:: Students should complete their internship requirements in the junior or senior year. Undergraduate Film students are required to complete a 4 unit internship. - Back to Top –

Program Length:: The undergraduate degree in Film is a 2 year program. This is an upper-division program only and students start the program in their junior year. - Back to Top –

# Accepted:: Approximately 30 students are admitted for the Fall Quarter of each academic year. - Back to Top –

Transferable Units:: Due to the high volume of applications here at UCLA, we cannot review your transcripts for transfer credit until you are an admitted student. Once you have been admitted and you have accepted our admissions offer, the Admissions Office in Murphy Hall will review your transcripts and transfer valid course credit.

If you are attending a California community college, you may go to www.assist.org for help with transfer credit.

All prospective students may view the UC General Catalogue at www.registrar.ucla.edu/catalog to find course descriptions of our required courses to see if they can find a similar course at their current institution. - Back to Top –

MISCELLANEOUS

TOURS: Yes. Find out the details on our Tours page.
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RESIDENCY: For information on California residence requirements for tuition purposes, visit UCLA Registrar's Office: Residence for Tuition Purposes or contact the UCLA Residence Deputy (310-825-3447). You can also visit their website, UCLA Housing.
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HOUSING: Admitted students will receive a housing application with their admission letter. You must return your statement of intent to register and the housing application by the published deadline. More information about housing for graduate and undergraduate students is available at UCLA Housing.
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ADD. INFO.: You can contact Theater, Film and Television Student Services at (310) 206-8441 or send an email to filmundergrad@tft.ucla.edu. Also, you can contact UCLA Undergraduate Admissions at (310) 825-3101 or send an email to ugadm@saonet.ucla.edu.
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Revised: Fri May 6, 2011
Permalink

FAQ for Film, Television and Digital Media

GENERAL

APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS

Application

GRE Requirements

TOEFL Exam

Submission Deadline

Admissions

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts

Supporting Materials

Examples of Students' Work

MISCELLANEOUS

Tours Do you offer tours of your production facilities? Residency What is the residence requirement for tuition purposes? Housing How do I apply for housing? Additional Information Who should I contact for additional help?

GENERAL

APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS

Application

GRE Requirements

TOEFL Exam

TOEFL Information about language requirements can be found at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/ENGREQ.HTM - Back to Top – TOEFL Codes UCLA Code: 4837 Film, Television and Digital Media Code: 83 Theater Code:? 99 - Back to Top –

Submission Deadline

Submission Deadline Materials need to be POSTMARKED by the deadline date. - Back to Top –

Admissions

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts

Examples of Students' Work

MISCELLANEOUS

GENERAL

APPLICATION

ADMISSIONS

MISCELLANEOUS

GENERAL

APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS

Application

Admissions

MISCELLANEOUS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Get in Touch

Tours

Do you offer tours of your production facilities?

Residency

What is the residence requirement for tuition purposes?

Housing

How do I apply for housing?

Additional Information

Who should I contact for additional help?

TOEFL

Information about language requirements can be found at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/ENGREQ.HTM

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TOEFL Codes

UCLA Code: 4837
Film, Television and Digital Media Code: 83
Theater Code:? 99
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Submission Deadline

Materials need to be POSTMARKED by the deadline date.
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