Effective July 2, 2026, significant changes have been made to this program’s curriculum. If you are a current registered certificate student, review the Fall 2026 Curriculum Update accordion section to learn what this means for you.
Rise to the top of the film industry with a Film Studies certificate
Want to pursue a career in film, television, or digital content development? A Certificate in Film from The Chang School can help you work toward your goal of creating movies, TV, and online content. This certificate is an excellent starting point if you want to pursue a career in film, television and video production, or upgrade your skills and knowledge if you have some experience but no formal training.
We offer hands-on filmmaking experience, along with filmmaking courses in key areas like lighting design; directing screen performance; film and digital production methods and techniques; fundamentals of directing for camera, editing, producing; screenwriting; cinematography; and location sound and post audio production techniques. We also provide key knowledge about the business of developing, managing, and marketing films.
Your coursework will help you start building your professional portfolio so you’ll be well prepared to start your search for roles in Canada’s multi-billion dollar film and television industry. You can start building your network while completing your certificate as well: all our instructors are professionals working in the industry, so they’re able to teach all the latest technology and techniques.
Programming for the certificate is offered through a mix of hybrid (online/in-person) and fully online courses. This combination of hands-on, in-person learning and flexible online delivery ensures course content is delivered in a format that best suits the subject matter while providing learners with flexibility.
We’re here to support you on your filmmaking journey, every step of the way.
Who should take this Film certificate?
- You work in the film industry and want to improve your qualifications
- You’re new to the industry and want to better understand all aspects of production
- You work in other fields and want to make a career change to enter the film industry or develop content
- You work in allied fields and want to develop film production and screen media
- You have a related education in theory, history, and criticism of film and want to make films or develop screen media production
What will you learn while taking the Film certificate?
You’ll learn how to:
- Master the fundamentals of directing and producing; screenwriting; picture and sound recording and editing; and digital production methods and techniques.
- Understand the business of developing, producing, and marketing films.
Certificate Requirements
- 4 required courses
- 2 electives
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) 1.67+
Admission Criteria
Recommended:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- With 6 Grade 12 U or M credits
- With a minimum average of 60 percent
OR
- Mature student status with relevant professional experience
If you’re an undergraduate student, you should be aware of possible certificate restrictions. For complete details, check Curriculum Advising.
Fall 2026 Curriculum Update
This certificate has been revised from 10 courses (8 required and 2 electives) to 6 courses (4 required and 2 electives).
Students who registered prior to July 2, 2026 can continue to follow their 10-course curriculum (refer to the archive calendar for your year of registration for requirements) or can choose to follow the new curriculum requirements published on this page.
Curriculum Notes
- Students who switch and who have completed CMPF 107 - Intro to Cinematography as part of the previous curriculum will automatically have this course count as a substitute for CMPF 115 - Introduction to Cinematography.
- Students who have completed required courses or electives or under the previous curriculum are eligible to use these towards the new curriculum.
Plan to switch to the new curriculum?
- Note that switching is advised unless you have already completed the certificate requirements and are eligible to graduate, as several courses in the previous curriculum have been discontinued.
- Reach out to our Client Services team at ce@torontomu.ca to review your options and help plan your path to completion.
- Use MyServiceHub to complete your transfer. Log in, go to your Student Center, click on “Change CertificateReg/Trnsfr,” and select Film.
Note: Once your transfer is complete, you must follow the new curriculum requirements.
Questions?
Contact Client Services ce@torontomu.ca
