Film and New Media Major

The Bachelor of Arts in Film and New Media at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) combines hands-on filmmaking with critical study of film, digital media, and visual culture from global and regional perspectives. It suits students interested in storytelling, cinema, documentary, experimental media, and new media practices, balancing creative production with theoretical and historical analysis.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Students begin with foundational courses such as Sound, Image, and Story, Concepts of Film and New Media, and Understanding MENASA Film and New Media, which introduce cinematic language, narrative forms, and regional media histories. Emphasis is placed on visual literacy, critical thinking, and basic production skills.

Year 2:
The second year develops practical and analytical depth through courses like Intermediate Filmmaking, Media and Society, and introductory electives in documentary or experimental media. Students strengthen skills in directing, cinematography, editing, and sound while linking media practice to social and cultural contexts.

Year 3:
In the third year, students pursue advanced electives such as Advanced Filmmaking, Animation and Experimental Media, or Film Theory and Criticism, allowing specialisation in creative or analytical pathways. Coursework focuses on developing an individual artistic voice and complex project work.

Year 4:
The final year centres on the Capstone Seminar and Capstone Project, where students conceive, research, and produce a substantial film or new media work. This culminating experience integrates theory, practice, and critical reflection.

Focus areas (in a string):
Film production, documentary and narrative filmmaking, media theory and history, experimental and new media, global and regional screen cultures, visual storytelling.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Create and analyse film and new media works, apply cinematic and digital production techniques, critically interpret media within cultural contexts, integrate theory and practice, and produce an independent capstone project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
NYU Abu Dhabi is institutionally accredited by recognised US and UAE higher education accreditation bodies through New York University.

Reputation (employability rankings):
NYU Abu Dhabi is part of New York University, which consistently ranks highly in global rankings such as QS, supporting strong academic reputation and graduate outcomes in creative and cultural sectors.