Through studio‑based learning, students work across cinematography, directing, editing, sound design, and experimental screen forms, culminating in an independent final‑year capstone project. 

In this guide, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the program structure, application process, tuition fees, and key academic requirements for studying Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University. 

Why Choose Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University? 

The Film and Screen Arts program at Emily Carr University is designed for students who want to explore moving image practices as both a creative and critical art form.  

Built around studio-based learning, the program encourages experimentation, independent thinking, and conceptual development. 

Key Reasons to Choose Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University:  

• Art-led, studio-based approach: Focuses on film and screen media as artistic practices, with hands-on studio work that blends theory, creation, and critical reflection.  

• Focus on contemporary screen practices: Covers film, video, sound, and digital media, with an emphasis on experimental and interdisciplinary formats.  

• Development of a unique creative voice: Encourages students to build their own artistic perspective through concept development and independent practice.  

• Balanced theory and production learning: Combines technical skills with critical thinking, helping students place their work within cultural and artistic contexts.  

• Capstone project in the final year: Students complete a major independent project that showcases their creative growth and research direction.  

Overall, the program is well suited for students looking for an art-school, practice-driven environment that values creativity, experimentation, and critical exploration in film and screen media. 

Program Structure of Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University 

Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University is offered as a four‑year Bachelor of Media Arts (BMA) undergraduate degree.  

The program follows a structured progression that combines foundation learning, studio‑based production, critical studies, and self‑directed project work, allowing students to gradually build technical skill, conceptual depth, and independent artistic practice.  

Foundation Year 

All undergraduate students begin with a common Foundation Year, where they explore art, design, and media through hands‑on projects.  

This year focuses on developing essential creative thinking, writing, critical inquiry, and studio skills, helping students find their voice before committing fully to their major.  

Second Year: Core Skills and Media Foundations 

In the second year, students enter Film and Screen Arts–specific coursework.  

The focus shifts to developing technical and aesthetic foundations in film and media practices, including: 

• Cinematography and camera fundamentals 

• Editing and post‑production basics 

• Media aesthetics and culture 

• Sound and image creation 

Students may also choose to declare a minor at the end of the second year.  

Third Year: Advanced Studio Practice and Electives 

The third year emphasizes advanced studio work, experimentation, and specialization.  

Students: 

• Take higher‑level Film and Screen Arts studio courses 

• Explore areas such as narrative, documentary, experimental, and expanded cinema 

• Customize their learning through electives across art, media, and design disciplines 

• May earn academic credit through ECUAD’s Work Experience Program 

This stage encourages hybrid practices and collaborative production.  

Fourth Year: Senior Studio and Capstone Project 

The final year centers on independent practice and professional development.  

Students complete: 

• Senior studio and critical studies courses 

• A degree capstone project, developed from proposal to completion 

• Portfolio development and preparation for post‑graduation pathways 

The capstone project represents a culmination of the student’s technical, conceptual, and artistic development across the program. 

Eligibility Criteria for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University 

Admission to Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University of Art + Design is highly competitive and based on a holistic review of academic background, portfolio quality, and English language proficiency.  

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as portfolio assessment plays a central role in selection. 

Academic Eligibility Requirements for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University   

Applicants may apply under different categories depending on their educational background. 

High School Applicants: 

You are considered a high‑school applicant if you: 

• Are currently attending high school 

• Have graduated from high school, or 

• Have attempted fewer than 15 post‑secondary credits 

Students may apply in their final year of high school and receive conditional admission, provided all required Grade 12 courses are completed and official transcripts are submitted before the program begins. 

Post‑Secondary Transfer Applicants Eligibilty for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University   

You are considered a transfer applicant if you have attempted 15 or more post‑secondary credits at a recognized college, university, or polytechnic. 

Key points: 

• All post‑secondary studies must be disclosed in the application 

• Admission to second‑ or third‑year entry depends on program capacity, which may be limited 

• At least 50% of the degree must be completed at Emily Carr University to graduate 

• Conditional admission may be offered based on cumulative GPA, with final transcripts required before enrolment 

Portfolio Requirement for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University   

Submission of a portfolio is mandatory for all undergraduate applicants, including those applying to Film and Screen Arts. 

• The portfolio showcases your ideas, creative process, and strongest work 

• It carries the majority weight in admissions decisions 

• Portfolios must be submitted online through the ECU Admissions Portal 

• Portfolios are not accepted via email or in person 

Because admission is portfolio‑driven, meeting academic requirements alone does not ensure selection. 

English Language Proficiency Requirements for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University   

All programs at Emily Carr University are taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test results directly from the testing agency, unless exempt. 

Accepted English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests and minimum scores: 

Applicants who completed full secondary education in English in approved English‑speaking countries may qualify for an exemption. 

Tuition Fees for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University 

The Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University is offered as an undergraduate degree requiring 120 credits, generally completed over four years.  

For international students, tuition is charged per semester based on credit load, along with mandatory institutional fees. 

Estimated Annual and Total Program Cost 

If completed in four years, international students can expect the following approximate costs: 

• Tuition and mandatory fees (per year): CAD 28,632.30 (INR ~19.8L) 

• Estimated total cost for a four‑year degree: CAD 114,529.20 (INR ~79.2L) 

These estimates are based on the published undergraduate fee structure and assume steady progression through the program. 

International Tuition Fees per Term (by Credit Load):  

The table below shows the international tuition and mandatory fees per semester for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University:  

The total fee varies based on the number of credits taken in a term and includes both tuition + related fees and other compulsory student fees charged every semester 

Intakes and Application Deadlines for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University 

Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University offers multiple undergraduate intake options each year. However, program availability and seat capacity vary by intake, and some intakes are more competitive than others. 

Applicants must carefully select their preferred start term and submit all required materials by the published deadlines. 

Available Intakes:  

Emily Carr University offers the following undergraduate intakes: 

• Fall Intake (September): This is the primary and most common intake, with availability across all undergraduate programs, including Film and Screen Arts. 

• Spring Intake (January): A mid‑year intake with limited seats for select programs. Students starting in Spring may require additional time to complete their degree. 

• Summer Intake (May): This intake is specifically for students entering the Summer Accelerated Foundation Program and is intended to fast‑track the first year of study. 

How to Apply for Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University? 

Applying to Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University is a structured process that evaluates applicants based on academic records, portfolio submission, and English language proficiency.  

Admission is competitive, and applicants are advised to prepare all materials carefully before applying. 

Step 1: Choose Your Program and Start Term 

Applicants must first select: 

• Film + Screen Arts as their intended major 

• A preferred start term (Fall, Spring, or Summer, where available) 

You may also select a second‑choice program to be considered if capacity in your first choice is filled. 

Step 2: Apply Through EducationPlannerBC 

All undergraduate applications must be submitted through EducationPlannerBC. 

• Use your legal name as per official documents 

• Pay the non‑refundable application fee: CAD 110.00 (INR ~7.6K) for international applicants 

• After submission, you will receive:  

1. Your application number 

2. Proof of application fee payment via email 

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Portfolio 

The portfolio is a mandatory and critical part of the application. 

• It showcases your creative work, ideas, and artistic process 

• Portfolio assessment carries the highest weight in admission decisions 

• Portfolios must be submitted online through the ECU Admissions Portal 

• Email or in‑person submissions are not accepted 

Applicants should ensure their portfolio aligns with ECUAD’s published guidelines. 

Step 4: Upload Academic Documents 

Applicants must upload: 

• High school and/or post‑secondary transcripts 

• Any additional documents required under their applicant category 

Applicants currently studying may receive conditional admission, provided final official transcripts are submitted before the program begins. 

Step 5: Submit Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required) 

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit: 

• Valid English language proficiency test scores 

• Scores must be sent directly by the testing agency to ECUAD, unless an exemption applies 

What Happens After You Apply?  

After submitting your application: 

• ECUAD evaluates applications using a combined academic and portfolio scoring system 

• Portfolios are reviewed by two faculty members 

• Offers are issued based on:  

1. Final scores 

2. Program preference 

3. Seat availability 

Applicants should regularly check the email address used during application for updates or document requests. 

Conclusion 

Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University is a practice‑led undergraduate program that places strong emphasis on studio‑based learning, creative experimentation, and critical engagement with contemporary screen practices. Through a structured four‑year curriculum, students progressively build technical skills, conceptual understanding, and an individual artistic voice across film, video, sound, and digital media. 

With its art‑school teaching environment and a culminating final‑year capstone project, the program is well suited for students who want to approach film and screen work as creative and cultural practices rather than purely commercial production. Overall, Film and Screen Arts at Emily Carr University offers an immersive pathway for students seeking a rigorous and creatively driven film education in Canada.