Program Overview

Introduction to Cinema Studies

The Cinema Studies programme offers students a major and minor for the BA and supervision in all postgraduate degrees. This programme is designed for students who have a love for movies and want to explore the field of cinema studies in depth.

Undergraduate Courses

Course Options

Cinema Studies will introduce students to a rich diversity of film styles, movements, and directors. Students will also learn about important developments in film language, history, and theory. The degree contains a number of courses that students must take to major in Cinema Studies, but also includes a selection of classes that are cross-coded with other programmes (English, Chinese, Aotahi: School of Mori and Indigenous Studies, Cultural Studies, European Languages and Cultures).

Why Study Cinema Studies?

All students with a love for movies will find Cinema Studies an interesting academic subject. Students do not have to be enrolled in a BA to take a Cinema Studies class. Cinema Studies classes will introduce students to a rich diversity of film styles, movements, and directors, and students will also learn about important developments in film language, history, and theory.

Planning a Major in Cinema Studies

To plan a major in Cinema Studies, students must complete the following requirements:

• 100 level: 30 points of CINE at 100 level (required), 45 points of 100 level Cinema Studies (recommended)
• 200 level: At least 45 points of 200 level Cinema Studies (required)
• 300 level: At least 60 points of 300 level Cinema Studies (not including ARTS 395) (required) Students intending to complete the BA with a major in Cinema Studies must be credited with at least 135 points in Cinema Studies (not including ARTS 395), which must include at least 105 points at 200 level or above.

Recommended Pathways

The recommended pathways for students majoring in Cinema Studies are:

• CINE 101 and CINE 102 or CINE 104, then CINE 201, CINE 202, or CINE 203, CINE 213, CINE 214, CINE 215 (at least 45 points of 200-level CINE courses), then CINE 301 and CINE 302

Minor in Cinema Studies

Students intending to complete the BA with a minor in Cinema Studies must be credited with at least 75 points in Cinema Studies (not including ARTS 395), which must include at least 45 points at 200 level or above. The recommended pathways for students minoring in Cinema Studies are:

• CINE 101, CINE 102, or CINE 104 (30 points); then CINE 201, CINE 202, or CINE 203 (at least 45 points of 200-level CINE courses or above)
• Alternatively, CINE 201, CINE 202, CINE 203 or CINE 213, CINE 214, CINE 215 and CINE 301 or CINE 302 (at least 45 points of 200-level CINE courses or above)

BA Honours

The BA Honours courses are listed with those of English, but a Cinema Studies Honours year focuses on film topics and has specific prerequisites. Cinema Studies Honours students study ENGL 444, ENGL 445, and ENGL 480 (Research Essay) and one optional course. ENGL 442 (Directed Reading and Writing) is frequently chosen as a fourth Honours course because it allows Cinema Studies students to work collaboratively on film-based projects.

Masters Study

For more information about Masters study in Cinema Studies, students can see the guidelines for study towards a Master of Arts or contact the Cinema Studies Programme Coordinator.

PhD Study

For more information about PhD study in the Arts, students can see UC's guidelines or contact the Cinema Studies Programme Coordinator.

Scholarships and Funding

A number of scholarships are available to students of Cinema Studies. Students can see the Scholarships database for the full list of available scholarships.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements at 100 and 200 level, although media studies at secondary school may be helpful. Courses in Cinema Studies complement study in other related Arts subjects.