Cinema and Media Studies (BA)
Analyze and create impactful media, preparing for careers in film, television, and digital content creation.
Why choose this program?
Our Cinema and Media Studies program embraces today's incredible variety of moving images — from theatrically released films to TV, YouTube, and video games. You’ll take a look at box office Hollywood releases alongside esoteric art films, and explore cinema from across the globe and its many cultures.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
The Fountain School offers several ways to study the moving image at the undergraduate level.
You can pursue a BA Major, Double Major, or Combined Honours degree, or Minor in Cinema and Media Studies. Alternatively, you can pursue a BSc if you combine Cinema and Media Studies with a Science subject for a Double Major or Combined Honours.
The Fountain School of Performing Arts enables its students to engage in experiential learning for academic credit through a placement with an established organization in the field of cinema and media.
The following Cinema and Media Studies program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Arts with Combined Honours in Cinema and Media Studies
Bachelor of Arts Major in Cinema and Media Studies
Bachelor of Arts Double Major in Cinema and Media Studies
Minor in Film Studies
What you will learn
You’ll be introduced to audiovisual analysis and the language of cinematography, editing, sound, acting, and art direction. Study the history of the moving image from its beginnings to the present day.
Elective courses at the intermediate and advanced level provide opportunities to study specific genres, directors, and national cinemas. You'll also dive into interdisciplinary topics such as narration, narrative in fiction and film, feminist film practices and music and film.
Sample courses may include:
Writing About Performance
German for Beginners
Reading and Writing Stories
Film Analysis
Cinema: The French Phenomenon I
Videogames: Story, World and Play
Film History 1
Indigenous Representations in Film
Animated Film
Special Topics in Popular Cinema
Point of View in the Cinema
Artists as Entrepreneurs
Cinema and Media Studies teaches you to think critically about the moving image in its historical, theoretical, and cultural contexts, and to appreciate and watch this exciting visual medium with eyes wide open.
Careers
Whatever your dream job, the Cinema and Media Studies program will be extremely useful to any job in today’s information-based, visually oriented culture.
You'll be prepared with the critical analysis and writing skills you'll need for future studies at the graduate level or in another subject matter.
