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Film Studies (BA)

waterloo

Study the prominent role of films and visual media in how people experience the modern world. Enrol in a Film Studies program that’s considered one of the top film programs in Canada. Courses equip you with an understanding of national cinemas, the history of film, different film genres, film theory and more. Take a specialization in Film Theory or Film Production or complete a diploma from the Vancouver Film School, along with your Bachelor of Arts, in only four years.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you can add to your Film Studies program:

  • Apply to live in the Film and Media Residence Learning Community as part of your first year experience.
  • Participate in the Undergraduate Film Symposium and display your work to your fellow students.
  • Engage with the local live community by getting involved with KW's Multicultural Cinema Club and the Grand River Film Festival 
  • Share your music taste as a DJ on Radio Laurier.
  • Pursue the BA/MA pathway in English to gain conditional accept to a Masters in Film Studies when you complete your undergraduate degree.
    • Take brand new animation classes for a real hands-on experience

Check out the Film Studies Experience and Career Guide.

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)      OUAC code: UH

Your Next Steps

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Program Details

Film Studies at Laurier

Our Film Studies program addresses the prominent role visual media play in our experience of the world today. Our courses equip you with an understanding of:

  • The history of film;
  • The key methods of critical analysis and film theory;
  • The relationship of film style to its social and industrial contexts; and
  • The variety of film genres and national cinemas.

With three wide-ranging introductory courses, you'll have a choice of entry into the field of film studies in your first year. For upper-year students, we offer courses on film genres, theory, film history, national cinemas, and other topics. Our range of courses makes Film Studies at Laurier an engaging, richly diverse program both in Canada and internationally. Our partnership with the Vancouver Film School makes our program unique in the world.

Vancouver Film School Pathway

The Vancouver Film School (VFS) pathway allows you the opportunity to enrich your critical study of cinema with practical training in film production, writing, or acting at Canada’s leading school for filmmaking.

In only four years, students in the VFS pathway complete an honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Laurier and a diploma from VFS. Film Studies students attend one of three VFS programs:

  • Acting for Film and Television
  • Film Production
  • Writing for Film, Television and Games

Program Options and Courses

Specializations

Our program gives you the opportunity to engage in hands-on production. You can graduate with a specialization in Film Theory or Film Production as part of your degree.

Options and Minors

Consider adding one of these popular academic opportunities which allow you to broaden your knowledge:

  • Applied Digital Option
  • Communication Studies Minor
  • Creative Writing Minor
  • Teaching Option (Coming soon!)
We also offer a Film Production Option for non-Film majors who seek to combine a foundational knowledge of Film Studies with a practical understanding of the techniques of video and film production, from script to screen.

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

You'll choose two of the following courses:

  • Film and Genre
  • Film and the Image
  • Film and Narrative

In addition, you'll choose 4.0 elective credits in courses that interest you.

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Introduction to Creative Writing
  • Media History

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • The Art Film Director
  • Film Comedy
  • Science Fiction Film
  • Screenwriting and Directing
  • Women Filmmakers
  • Audio Production for Film
  • Introduction to Video Editing

Similar Programs

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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"Not everyone is lucky enough to get to study something they love for four years and then get to work in their chosen field. For me, that passion was film, and I owe the development of my love of film and my position within the industry to my time in the Laurier Film Studies program!"

Hanna Burnett, coordinator, Programme Services, Toronto International Film Festival

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • announcer/broadcaster/host
  • author/screenwriter
  • communications officer
  • director/cinematographer
  • editor/editorial assistant
  • film editor
  • film producer
  • post-production technician
  • publishing representative
  • script supervisor/writer
  • web series production

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

"Vancouver Film School is a great choice for anyone who is serious about a career in hands-on film production. The entire program is focused exclusively on training students to an industry level of competence in their chosen discipline. Every specialization taught at VFS is packed full of intensive and thorough technical training, and the skills learned are constantly practiced through frequent productions and workshops."

Luke Sarazin, Film Studies and Vancouver Film School graduate

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.

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