Graduate Admission
The Department of Film & Media admits students to the PhD program once each year for entry in the fall semester. The department does not offer a terminal master’s degree.
Fall 2027 Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time
The application typically opens in September. Applicants should confirm current dates and requirements on the UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions website.
Applicants must submit the online application by the published deadline and should arrange for all required supporting materials, including letters of recommendation and required test scores, to be submitted by that deadline.
Start Your Application Here: UC Berkeley Graduate Application
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the UC Berkeley Graduate Division Application Requirements, including:
- A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent, completed before enrollment
- A satisfactory academic record, usually a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Sufficient academic preparation to undertake doctoral study in film and media
A master’s degree is not required. The GRE is not required.
A complete application includes:
- The online UC Berkeley Graduate Application
- A Statement of Purpose
- A Personal History Statement
- Unofficial academic records from every postsecondary institution attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- A writing sample of no more than 30 pages
- English language proficiency scores, when required
- The application fee or an approved fee waiver
All materials must be submitted electronically through the Graduate Application. Do not mail transcripts or other application documents to the department or Graduate Division.
Statements
Follow the instructions provided in the online application for the Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement. The department does not impose an additional word limit beyond the instructions in the application.
Graduate Division provides additional guidance on writing the Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement.
Writing Sample
Submit a scholarly writing sample that demonstrates your ability to conduct research, develop an argument, and engage critically with relevant materials.
The writing sample may be an excerpt from a longer work but must not exceed 30 pages.
Academic Records and GPA
Applicants must upload unofficial academic records from every postsecondary institution attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.
Applicants whose bachelor’s degree is from a U.S. institution must calculate their advanced GPA and upload the GPA calculation worksheet requested in the application.
Applicants whose bachelor’s degree is from an international institution should not convert their grades to a U.S. GPA. Upload the required transcript and degree certificate for each institution attended after secondary school.
Official academic records are generally requested only after an applicant accepts an offer of admission.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. Letters must be submitted electronically by the recommenders. Applicants should arrange for all three letters to be submitted by the application deadline.
Applicants should contact recommenders early and allow sufficient time for them to submit their letters.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet Graduate Division requirements. UC Berkeley does not accept the Duolingo English Test.
Review the current English language proficiency requirements and exemptions before applying.
Faculty Contact and Research Fit
Applicants are not required to contact faculty or secure a faculty adviser before applying. Admission decisions are made by a faculty admissions committee rather than by an individual faculty member.
In the Faculty Adviser section of the application, identify and rank three Film & Media faculty members whose research most closely relates to your interests. Briefly explain why you selected these faculty members and why you placed them in that order.
Applicants are encouraged to review the department’s faculty profiles when considering the program’s fit with their research interests.
Application Fee and Fee Waivers
The nonrefundable application fee is:
- $135 for U.S. citizens and current permanent residents
- $155 for all other applicants
Eligible applicants may request an application fee waiver through the payment section of the Graduate Application. Review the Graduate Division application fee waiver information for current eligibility requirements and instructions.
Application Review and Decisions
Applications are reviewed holistically by the Film & Media faculty admissions committee. The committee considers the applicant’s academic preparation, research interests, statements, writing sample, letters of recommendation, academic record, and potential for doctoral study.
Applicants will receive an email when an admission decision is available in the application status portal. The department generally completes its admission decisions by early March.
Financial Support for Admitted Students
Students admitted to the Film & Media PhD program receive a five-year funding package. The package covers tuition, required fees, and student health insurance. During the fall and spring semesters, students receive support either through fellowship funding or employment as a Graduate Student Instructor. The package also includes summer support. Continued support is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and fulfillment of program and appointment requirements.
See Student Financial Support and Employment for additional information.
Questions
Please review the Film & Media Admissions FAQ and the Graduate Division Admissions FAQ before contacting the department.
For questions about the Film & Media PhD application or admissions process, contact:
Graduate Student Services
rfahgradadvising@berkeley.edu
510-642-1416