Cinema Studies
Qualifications
Overview
The cultural impact and influence of cinema has been enormous. Film pervades many aspects of our daily lives and a critical awareness of its tools and techniques is essential for understanding contemporary culture and society.
From its inception, cinema has been a truly global phenomenon. It was the most popular art form of the 20th century, and continues to play an important role in the development of digital media.
Cinema Studies classes encourage students to view films critically and to reflect upon their own role as spectators and consumers of cinematic images.
- Our courses reflect the global scope of film history by covering a wide range of films and directors from the era of silent film and the advent of sound (1896–1930s), the heyday of Hollywood and international art cinema (1939–1980s), and the globalisation of film and contemporary world cinema (1990s to the present). There is certainly something for everyone and plenty of surprises along the way!
All students with a love of movies will find Cinema Studies an interesting academic subject. There are no entry requirements at 100 and 200-level, although previous classes in media studies at secondary school may be helpful. Courses in Cinema Studies complement study in other related Arts subjects.
UC offers a major and a minor in Cinema Studies as part of the Bachelor of Arts.
You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.
Cinema Studies courses are also an integral part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Cinema Studies major
To complete a major in Cinema Studies within the Bachelor of Arts, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:
100-level
200-level
- Three 200-level CINE courses
300-level
Cinema Studies minor
For the Cinema Studies minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:
- 75 points in 100 to 300-level CINE courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above
A Cinema Studies graduate is ideally suited for work in the creative and cultural sector, especially in the constantly evolving areas of film and multimedia. The film industry is not only limited to production but also encompasses screenwriting, exhibition, promotion, preservation, programming, and education.
A critical knowledge of film culture is valued in festival programmers and organisers, curators, archivists, film historians, cultural planners, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The visual and critical literacy skills acquired by a Cinema Studies graduate are also useful in the related areas of television, interactive media (web design and video), advertising, and journalism.
Film is now offered as an integral part of secondary school education and specialised teachers are in demand.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Cinema Studies.
Contact us
School of Humanities and Creative Arts
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
5th Floor, Karl Popper Building – see campus maps
Postal address
College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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