Bachelor of Media (Cinema studies)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Media (Cinema Studies) at UNSW Sydney examines how film shapes culture, society and audiences while building strong analytical and storytelling skills. This program suits students interested in film criticism, screen culture and media industries, combining cinematic theory with opportunities to engage in collaborative creative and industry-based experiences.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You begin with foundational media and film subjects such as Introduction to Film Studies, Media, Culture and Everyday Life, and Screen Production I. These courses introduce cinematic language, visual storytelling and the role of film in society, helping you understand how media influences audiences and cultural conversations.

Year 2
In the second year, you move into more specialised cinema-focused study while expanding your broader media knowledge. Through subjects exploring areas like political cinema, cult film and experimental screen texts, you develop stronger research, analytical and presentation skills, while also selecting expansion courses from other media disciplines.

Year 3
Your final year focuses on advanced cinema analysis and professional application of your skills. You refine your critical perspective through senior Cinema Studies subjects and apply your learning through experiences such as collaborating on short films, contributing to film festivals or completing an industry internship.

Focus areas (in a string):

Film theory, cinematic aesthetics, political cinema, cult and experimental film, media analysis, screen culture, critical writing, film history, visual storytelling, industry practice

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop advanced film analysis skills, understand cinema’s cultural and political impact, conduct media research, create conceptual projects, communicate critical ideas clearly, analyse visual narratives, collaborate on media productions, evaluate contemporary screen culture, apply theory to industry contexts

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Industry engagement through internships, collaboration on short films, film festival projects and real-world media learning experiences integrated into the degree

Reputation (employability rankings):

Graduates are prepared for roles across creative and cultural industries including film journalism, festival programming, distribution, advertising, policy and education, supported by industry placements and professional project work built into the program

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Media (Cinema Studies) at UNSW gain practical experience by combining film analysis with collaborative creative work, industry engagement and hands-on projects. Learning takes place in workshop-style classes and studio environments that reflect real media workplaces, while students build portfolios through festival work, short-film collaboration and internship opportunities. The program also connects you with industry professionals and real-world briefs, helping you develop both critical thinking and applied media skills:

Work-integrated learning opportunities with internships through the School of the Arts, Media and Creative Industries
Collaboration on short films and opportunities to contribute to running film festivals within the Cinema Studies specialisation
Industry placements with media organisations and creative partners
Studio-based learning environments designed to simulate professional media workflows
Access to multimedia production technologies and media studios used across the degree
Group projects across lectures, tutorials and workshop-based classes
Innovation Hub projects working on real industry briefs with external partners
Guest lectures and networking with filmmakers, critics and media professionals
Portfolio development through film analysis projects and creative media outputs
Access to faculty research support, libraries and media learning resources

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Media (Cinema Studies) at UNSW build strong critical thinking, research and storytelling skills suited to careers across film, media and cultural industries. Many move into roles such as film journalist, festival programmer, media producer or content creator, supported by practical experience and industry exposure gained during the degree:

Career development support through UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture including internships, networking events, industry mentoring and portfolio guidance
Work-integrated learning opportunities embedded within courses, allowing students to gain experience with media organisations and creative industry partners
Industry engagement through guest speakers, collaborative projects and partnerships with film, media and cultural organisations
Portfolio-based graduation outcomes including short film collaboration, festival participation and industry project work
Preparation for careers across film criticism, festival programming, distribution, advertising, media research and creative content production
Access to UNSW employability services, career workshops and professional development resources to support transition into industry
Skills aligned with growing creative and screen industry roles, particularly in media production, digital content and cultural programming

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can continue into postgraduate study in media, film studies, screen production, communication or cultural studies. Graduates may also pursue honours or specialised master’s degrees to move into advanced creative practice, research careers, teaching, or leadership roles within film and media organisations.