Introduction

Congratulations on being accepted into the Bachelor of Film Studies degree program. In this program you will develop a critical understanding of the cultural role of film and mass media while developing practical skills in film and video or new media production.

The Bachelor of Film Studies degree requires the completion of 20.0 full course equivalents (120 credits) 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 8.0 full course equivalents (48 credits) of the 20.0 full courses required for completion.

Your Faculty and Major

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), or a similar technical program.

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.

Not sure you want to pursue a Bachelor of Film Studies degree?

There are numerous majors and programs to choose from within the Faculty of Arts.

Explore all the different majors and programs the Faculty of Arts has to offer

It is okay if you are currently unsure about what degree program you would like to complete. In your first year you should take courses from a number of different areas to see where you’d like to focus your studies. The courses on this listwill help you choose courses for first year registration. You’re not required to declare your major until the end of your second full-time year, but keep in mind that it’s best to decide as soon as possible so that you don’t end up having to take extra courses to complete your program. Also, remember that you may not be able to register in some courses unless you are admitted to that major.

Courses required in your first year

There are certain courses that you are required to complete for your Bachelor of Film Studies program. We strongly encourage you to follow the recommended course pattern as outlined below.

Are you interested in transferring to the Haskayne School of Business or the Schulich School of Engineering?

If you’re interested in a pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree you should follow the recommended first and second year course sequence for the Haskayne School of Business. If you have more questions or would like information about how to transfer to the Haskayne School of Business, speak with an academic advisor from Haskayne.

If you’re interested in the Schulich School of Engineering there are certain courses that you can take in your first year that can be transferred to engineering programs in the future. It is also a good idea to speak directly with an academic advisor from Schulich to find out more information about transferring into engineering.

Want to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, architect, veterinarian, or other professional?

The University of Calgary offers several professional programs that require previous university study before admission such as Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Architecture, Doctor of Medicine, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. This means that depending on the program, two to four years of post-secondary studies are required—students cannot apply for, or enter these programs directly from high school.

While most of these programs do not have a related undergraduate degree that you must pursue (which means you can study almost anything), there may be certain prerequisite courses, standardized tests or supplemental criteria that you must complete during your university-level studies. We encourage students who are thinking of pursuing any of these programs to thoroughly research and understand the requirements for admission into post-graduate/professional programs at the University of Calgary and at other institutions.

The following information will help you get started. It is important to follow up with an academic advisor from your current program as well as the faculty or institution that you will be applying to just to ensure you are meeting your current degree requirements, as well as admission requirements for your future program.

Medicine: Find out which courses are recommended as preparation for medical school at the U of C.

Teaching: Find out what degree program(s) you should take if you are interested in pursuing education at the U of C.

Law School: Check out what the requirements are for admission into law school at the U of C.

Veterinary Medicine: See what courses you are required to take prior to admission into veterinarian medicine at the U of C.

Architecture: Check out what is required to pursue the Master of Architecture program at the U of C. Learn how to integrate courses in Architecture into your undergraduate degree program by completing a minor in Architecture Studies.

Did you receive credit (e.g. IB or AP) upon admission?

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 at www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/ib and Advanced Placement information at www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/ap.

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 3.0 full course equivalents (6 half course equivalents or 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.

Enhance your Bachelor of Film Studies Program

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.

International Study Opportunities: 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.

Arts and Science Honours Academy: Be part of a unique program that combines collaborative study, global opportunities and academic challenge. The ASHA program brings together 25 like-minded high achieving students to learn and study in six distinct scholars courses. As an Arts and Science Honours Academy student, you will be one of a class of the best and brightest at the University of Calgary.