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Scriptwriting and Story Design (MFA)

3 students working around a laptop
Program Overview

Format: Full-time

Degree Earned: MFA

This uniquely interdisciplinary program nurtures emerging, storytelling voices in the art of script-based creative writing for stage, screen and cutting-edge media platforms. The final thesis project is a full script for a feature film, a stage play, television or other form of scripted media.

Close-up of screenplay pages with handwritten notes
At a Glance

MFA

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited institution
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Example of written creative work
  • English language proficiency requirement

More information on admission requirements. Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

  • autobiographical and personal narratives
  • collaborative creative processes
  • contemporary narrative 
  • cultural diversity in the script and story development process
  • linear and non-linear story design 
  • live- events scripting 
  • narrative structures, styles and dramaturgical methodologies
  • occupational dynamics of stage and screenwriters
  • story iteration across multiple media forms

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
Phone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

Program Contacts

Michael Coutanche
Graduate Program Director
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 557009
Email: michael.coutanche@torontomu.ca

Elaine Nie
Graduate Program Administrator
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552411
Email: mfascriptwriting@torontomu.ca  

Program Profile (external link) 

Engage your creative voice and tap into industry experts across the media and film industries with an MFA in Scriptwriting and Story Design.

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.