Film Studies

Bachelor of Film Studies


Introduction

Congratulations on being accepted into the Bachelor of Film Studies degree program.

The BFS is offered in partnership with SAIT Polytechnic and is intended for students who want the broad interdisciplinary base of knowledge provided by a university degree combined with practical skills in film, video, and new media production. As a student of this program, you’ll take foundational courses in film studies topics as well as hands-on production courses at SAIT.

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 your first year

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

1. Communication and Media Studies 201 is a recommended option.

Tip:
Remember to register for both fall and winter semesters at the same time.

For further information, please contact:
Telephone: 403.220.3580
Email: artsads@ucalgary.ca
Website: arts.ucalgary.ca/communication-media-film

Your Bachelor of Film Studies degree means that you are a student in the Faculty of Arts.

In this program you will complete courses at 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 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.

If you are coming to the University of Calgary with Advanced Placement credit or International Baccalaureate credit, you will follow the same registration process as any first time university student. You may be eligible to use your transfer credit in your degree program depending on the program you have entered and whether or not the courses are applicable. Look for International Baccalaureate credit information here and Advanced Placement information here.

You may view your transfer credit by logging in to your online Student Centre. Once you know the transfer credit you have received, you may contact the academic advisor in your faculty to get advice on course selection.

Generally, students must complete 18 units at the junior (200-level) before they are allowed to register in 300-level courses. However, if you received IB or AP credit for a 200-level course, you may take the 300-level course that has your 200-level course listed as a prerequisite.

Co-op and Internship: Get a head start on your career through our co-operative education and internship opportunities. You will gain valuable work experience in your industry—all before you graduate.

Study Abroad: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe, all while earning credit towards your degree. The University of Calgary offers exchanges and study abroad programs in 61 different countries.

Community Service-Learning: Combine your classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals, and see first-hand how your academic learning relates to social issues.

Co-Curricular Record: Have your out-of-classroom experiences such as volunteer work, leadership training and club involvement documented on a Co-Curricular Record, an official document sanctioned by the University of Calgary. The Co-Curricular Record is the first of its kind in Western Canada.