Bachelor of Arts Degree in
Film & Cinematic Studies
Qualification BA Degree
NQF: Level 7
Full Time: 3 Years
Credits: 360
Part-time: 5 Years
Tuition Fee: R89,000
Per year
Course Overview
BA in Film and Cinematic Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Film and Cinematic Studies (BA.FCS) is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the artistic, theoretical, and practical aspects of filmmaking. Spanning across six semesters over three years, this course equips students with the necessary skills to succeed in various roles within the film industry, including screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, editing, and sound design.
Key Objectives:
- Theoretical Knowledge: The programme imparts critical knowledge on the history, theory, and aesthetics of film, emphasising key film movements, genres, and the evolution of film language.
- Practical Skills: Students gain hands-on experience in film production through projects covering pre-production, production, and post-production processes, allowing them to produce their own short films and feature films.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: The program integrates insights from anthropology, psychology, and ethics, encouraging students to approach film production from a cultural, social, and ethical perspective.
- Research Competency: Students are trained in film research methodologies, enabling them to conduct scholarly research in film production and critique.
- Technological Innovation: The course explores the role of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), in transforming film production.
Programme Structure:
The programme consists of core modules and electives across three years, with a total of 360 credits required for graduation.
- Year 1: Focuses on foundational topics such as the history of film, dramatic literature, general anthropology, and short film production. Students choose electives in screenwriting, producing, directing, video editing, sound design, production design, or cinematography.
- Year 2: Delves deeper into subjects like media anthropology, entertainment law, and documentary production, with electives allowing students to specialise in various filmmaking areas.
- Year 3: Centres on advanced topics, including critical film studies, artificial intelligence in film, and feature film production. Electives cover specialised areas such as virtual reality, animation, and post-production techniques.
With a BA in Film and Cinematic Studies, the possibilities are endless. Our graduates go on to work in a variety of roles within the film and media industry.
Curriculum Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Film and Cinematic Studies (BA.FCS) is a 360-credit programme designed to give students a comprehensive foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of filmmaking. Over three years (six semesters), students are introduced to essential elements of film history, theory, production, and critical analysis, along with hands-on experience in various stages of film production.
Year 1: Foundation in Film and Storytelling
In the first year, students focus on building a solid foundation in the history of film, dramatic literature, and the core skills needed for short film production. The goal is to equip students with a broad understanding of filmmaking, storytelling techniques, and production processes.
Core Modules:
Art of Film
Introduction to the history, theory, and aesthetics of film, covering key film movements, genres, and cinematic techniques.Dramatic Literature
Exploration of the evolution of dramatic literature and its influence on modern filmmaking.General Anthropology
Study of cultural practices and how they influence society and film production.Psychology of Production
Introduction to the psychological elements that affect decision-making and group dynamics in film production.Short Film Production 1 & 2 (Practical)
Hands-on learning of pre-production, production, and post-production processes, culminating in the creation of a short film.
Electives: Students choose electives in areas like:
- Screenwriting
- Producing
- Directing
- Video Editing
- Sound Design
- Production Design
- Cinematography
- Digital Image Technician (DIT)
- Colour-grading
- Visual Effect (VFX)
Year 2: Advanced Production and Specialisation
In the second year, students deepen their knowledge of the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, focusing on documentary and experimental film production, research methodologies, and the application of ethical and philosophical principles in media.
Core Modules:
-
Philosophy & Ethics
Exploration of ethical dilemmas in film and the application of philosophical principles in filmmaking. -
Media Anthropology
Study of how media technologies shape culture, identity, and global communication. -
Research Methodology
Techniques and tools for conducting film-related research and critical analysis. -
Entertainment Law
Introduction to legal frameworks governing the entertainment industry, including intellectual property and contracts. -
Documentary Production
Practical training in producing documentaries, including research, interviews, and storytelling. -
Experimental Film Production
Exploring non-traditional forms of filmmaking, encouraging creative experimentation.Electives:
- Screenwriting: Character Development, Genre and Screenwriting
- Producing: Distribution and Marketing, Producing for Visual Effects
- Directing: Directing for Film and Video, Directing Actors
- Video Editing: Video Editing for Film, Editing for Animation
- Sound Design: Advanced Sound Design Techniques, Sound Design for Visual Effects
- Production Design: Advanced Production Design Techniques, Costume Design and Makeup
- Cinematography: Cinematography for Genres, Advanced Lighting Techniques
- Color Grading: Advanced Color Correction Techniques, Color Grading for Visual Effects
Year 3: Mastery and Professional Production
In the final year, students focus on creating professional-quality feature films while exploring advanced filmmaking concepts. The year culminates in a capstone project, allowing students to demonstrate their mastery in film production.
Core Modules:
-
Artificial Intelligence in Film Art
Study of the impact of AI on the creative process in filmmaking. -
Critical Film Studies
Advanced analysis of film movements, genres, and cinema’s influence on culture. -
Research in Practice
Application of research methodologies to a film project or academic paper. -
Feature Film Production/Post-Production
Hands-on experience in the production and post-production phases of a feature film, showcasing students’ creative and technical expertise. -
Feature Film Pre-Production
Detailed planning and preparation for producing a feature film, including budgeting, casting, and location scouting.
Electives:
- Screenwriting: Screenwriting for Virtual Reality, The Business of Screenwriting
- Producing: Producing for Animation, Producing for Virtual Reality
- Directing: Directing for Visual Effects, Critical Director Studies
- Video Editing: Video Editing for Virtual Reality, Editing for Different Formats
- Sound Design: Sound Design for Virtual Reality, Sound Design for Different Formats
- Production Design: Production Design for Virtual Reality, Advanced Production Techniques
- Cinematography: Directing and Storytelling, Cinematography in Post-Production
- VFX: Advanced Compositing Techniques, Special Effects Integration
- Colour Grading: Colour Grading for High Dynamic Range, Colour Grading for Different Formats
Electives (Majors)
Digital Image Technician (DIT) Major
Digital Image Technician (DIT) Major The Digital Image Technician (DIT) Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed for students interested...
Video Editing Major
Video Editing Major The Editing Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed for students who wish to master the art...
Sound Design Major
Home Sound Design Major The Sound Design Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies prepares students to master the auditory elements of...
Cinematography Major
Cinematography Major The Cinematography Major in the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies equips students with the technical and creative skills necessary to capture...
Script Writing Major
Script Writing Major The Scriptwriting Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed for aspiring writers eager to create compelling narratives...
Colour-Grading Major
Colour-grading Major The Colour Grading Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed for students who want to master the art...
Visual Effect (VFX) Major
Visual Effect (VFX) Major The Visual Effects (VFX) Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed for students passionate about blending...
Producing Major
Producing Major The Producing Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed to prepare students for the multifaceted role of a...
Production Design Major
Production Design Major The Production Design Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed for students passionate about creating the visual...
Directing Major
Directing Major The Directing Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed to develop your artistic vision and equip you with...
This Course is for you
If you’re passionate about storytelling, film, and visual media, this programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in directing, screenwriting, or production.
If you’re eager to push the boundaries of film through cutting-edge technologies like AI, VFX, and virtual reality, this course offers electives and advanced modules that will prepare you for the future of filmmaking.
Learn how to manage a film crew, collaborate with writers, and bring a creative vision to life while gaining critical insights into the business side of film production.