BA in Film Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina

48 Months

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About this course

The Film Studies program at UNCW offers students the opportunity to explore film as an artistic medium, cultural expression, and technical production. The program focuses on developing analytical, research, writing, creative, and technical skills, enabling students to see movies from multiple perspectives. From the start, students learn the expressive language of motion pictures—cinematography, editing, sound, and narrative analysis—through coursework and hands-on production. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical filmmaking, with numerous courses in film production, scriptwriting, and editing. Students also participate in the Visions Film Festival & Conference, which provides a platform to showcase their work. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty support personalized attention and mentorship. The department boasts excellent facilities, including a new film center for digital cinematography, editing, and sound design. Overall, this program prepares students to create, analyze, and understand film at every level.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program stands out because of its combination of theoretical learning and practical experience. Students get to make over 500 motion pictures annually, participate in major film festivals, and work closely with expert faculty and industry professionals through master classes and special events. The department's strong industry relationships, including over 90 local, national, and international film agencies, provide valuable opportunities for networking and internships. The modern facilities and active student screenings foster a vibrant creative environment. For students passionate about both filmmaking and film analysis, this program offers a comprehensive and immersive education that can launch a successful career in the film industry.

Specialisation

The program covers a broad spectrum of film-related disciplines, including film history, theory, production, and editing. Students can specialise in various roles such as director, screenwriter, cinematographer, sound designer, creative director, motion graphic artist, archivist, or programmer. The curriculum offers diverse courses like Introduction to World Cinema, Film Tools and Techniques, and Advanced Practice in Cinematography. Practical skills are emphasized through hands-on making of films and participation in juried student screenings, ensuring students gain real-world experience in different aspects of film creation and media publication.

Course fees

Application fees

17.73L

1st year tuition fees

17.73L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Admission to the major is based solely on your grade in the introductory course FST 200, so it's advisable to wait until at least your second term to enroll. Students must apply to the department after completing FST 200 by signing a major application form. There's also an option to declare a pre-Film Studies major (PFST) for early access to advisors and majors-only courses. For transfer students, prior coursework may expedite the process. Specific degree coursework includes a variety of film history, theory, production, and technical courses, culminating in a well-rounded professional and artistic skill set.

English language test

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

105

Career prospects

Graduates from this program can pursue diverse roles within the film industry, such as producers, directors, screenwriters, sound designers, cinematographers, and creative directors. There are also opportunities in media publication, archival work, curation for public screenings, and other media-related careers. The program’s internship connections and industry relationships help students find entry points into film-related careers, both locally and internationally. Alumni have gone on to various creative and production roles, leveraging their comprehensive training and experience.

FAQs

How do I get into the Film Studies major?

You need to apply to UNCW, enroll, and then sign up for FST 200, the Introduction to Film Study course. After completing this course, you can apply for the major by submitting a form in the department office.

Can transfer students join the program easily?

Yes, depending on prior coursework, transfer students may expedite the process. It's recommended to speak with an admissions counselor for personalized guidance.