Film Studies
Film Studies is a rich and exciting area of study in the humanities that involves the investigation of fi lm from a variety of critical, theoretical and historical perspectives. Film Studies provides students with a sophisticated understanding of the history and contemporary significance of fi lm as a medium and cinema as an institution.
Film Studies at UNSW
UNSW offers one of the largest and most comprehensive Film Studies majors in Australia. Our Film Studies major includes historical, theoretical and cross-cultural studies of fi lm as well as practical courses in video production. The courses provide you with:
- critical and practical skills to understand, analyse, and work with the most popular art form of the 20th and 21st centuries
- the opportunity to explore the impact of technological, economic, cultural and aesthetic factors on film and the cinema industry
- an examination of the ways that cinema has shaped contemporary life and culture
- an international perspective on the place and history of fi lm in global media culture
UNSW Film Studies staff includes film theorists, film historians, and practitioners who are committed to pursuing innovative research in the field. Our areas of specialisation include film and critical theory, American independent cinema, comedy, film performance, documentary, and a range of national and regional cinemas. Film Studies at UNSW provides students with the opportunity to access a range of resources that enhance their student experience including a lively film society, affiliations with film and media organisations, student film and video production groups, and an exciting research culture.
There are also opportunities to be involved with organisations on campus such as Filmsoc.
Download the Film Studies Information Brochure (PDF) (433 Kb)
Practical Experience
Film Studies at UNSW provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in video production (at level 3) and in pre-production (at level 1). In addition, our courses enable students to develop a number of other practical skills relevant to the fi lm, media, and culture industries. These include skills in analysing audio-visual texts, research and writing skills. Students are also able to take advantage of the Arts and Social Sciences Internship course to gain industry experience
Career Opportunities
Our course enables students to develop skills that are valuable for a range of careers in which critical thinking, visual literacy, research skills, and an understanding of contemporary media culture are important. Our graduates work in variety of industries and can be found in organisations like SBS, the Australian Film Commission (AFC), and the Australia Council. Many have gone on to postgraduate study (both here and abroad) and others have undertaken further production training at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and now work in the film and media industry.
Honours Program
Honours is an extra year of study, usually following immediately on from a pass degree, that combines aspects of undergraduate study with those of post-graduate research. Studying Honours in the School of the Arts and Media at UNSW offers a chance to develop your research and professional skills guided by staff who are passionate about research and the development of new researchers.
International Opportunities
As one of Australia's most international universities UNSW encourages students to spend a session or two overseas studying at one of our partner institutions as part of your degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.
Program Information
Film can be studied as a major or minor sequence within the Bachelor of Arts and other combined degree programs. Film Studies can also be studied as a minor in the Bachelor of Media.
Discipline Convenor: Professor Julian Murphet
Please contact your Student Centre for information on how to include this area of study as an elective or general education course within your program.
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Media (Communication & Journalism)
- Bachelor of Media (Media Production)
- Bachelor of Media (Screen & Sound)
2012 Courses
Level 1 Courses
Please check the rules of your program before enrolling in any courses listed. For program rules, please visit the UNSW Online Handbook.
Resources & Important Documents
- Assignment Cover Sheet (PDF)
- Assignment E Cover Sheet (Turnitin version)
- Clash Management Form (PDF) (81 Kb)
