Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Film Studies Program

The Bachelor of Film Studies (BFS) degree program is offered in partnership with SAIT Polytechnic. This program is designed for students who want a broad interdisciplinary base of knowledge provided by a university degree combined with practical skills in film, video, and new media production.

Program Structure and Requirements

The Bachelor of Film Studies degree requires the completion of 120 units and normally four years of full-time study between the University of Calgary and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). The SAIT portion of this program will be counted as 48 units of the 120 units required for completion.

Courses Required in the First Year

• Fall semester:
  • Film Studies 201 or Open Option
  • Science Option or Open Option
  • Open Option
  • Open Option
  • Open Option
• Winter semester:
  • Film Studies 201 or Open Option
  • Science Option or Open Option
  • Open Option
  • Open Option
  • Open Option

Some upper-year courses may have 200-level prerequisites. Students may be able to take these prerequisites to fill one of their open options.

Faculty and Major

The Bachelor of Film Studies degree is part of the Faculty of Arts. In this program, students will complete courses at the University of Calgary, as well as a two-year diploma in Film and Video Production at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

The University of Calgary portion of the program will provide a broad understanding of film history, film theory, the aesthetics of film, and film as a cultural industry. The SAIT portion of the program complements this background with technical skills suited to students considering careers in filmmaking, film criticism, arts policy, or arts administration.

Transfer Credit

If students are coming to the University of Calgary with Advanced Placement credit or International Baccalaureate credit, they will follow the same registration process as any first-time university student. They may be eligible to use their transfer credit in their degree program depending on the program they have entered and whether or not the courses are applicable.

Enhancing the Bachelor of Film Studies Program

• Co-op and Internship: Students can gain valuable work experience in their industry through co-operative education and internship opportunities.
• Study Abroad: Students can experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe, all while earning credit towards their degree.
• Community Service-Learning: Students can combine their classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals and see firsthand how their academic learning relates to social issues.
• Co-Curricular Record: Students' out-of-classroom experiences, such as volunteer work, leadership training, and club involvement, can be documented on a Co-Curricular Record, an official document sanctioned by the University of Calgary.