Film Studies (BA)

Study the prominent role of films and visual media in how people experience the modern world. Enroll in a Film Studies program that’s considered one of the top film programs in Canada. Courses equip you with an understanding of national cinemas, the history of film, different film genres, film theory and more. Plus, take new and exciting courses in 2D and 3D animation.

Complete a specialization in Film Production or Film Theory while you are here at Laurier, or earn a Diploma from the Vancouver Film School along with your Bachelor of Arts, in only four years!

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete, and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on: 

  • Unique Learning Experiences: Enjoy rich perspectives on both Canadian and International cinema, develop your skills through practical training by taking hands-on editing or animation courses.
  • Vancouver Film School Pathway: Achieve an honours BA from Laurier and a diploma from Vancouver Film School in four years, with specialized training available in Acting for Film and Television, Film Production, 3D Animation and Visual Effects, or Writing for Film, Television, and Games. 
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Delve into film history, critical analysis, and theory, while studying film style in its social and industrial contexts. Engage with a wide range of film genres and national cinemas through diverse introductory and advanced courses. 

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Co-op: Apply for co-op placements to complete three four-month work terms and gain valuable industry experience during your studies.
  • Clubs and Residence: Join student clubs like the WLU Film Society and the Arts Undergraduate Society to deepen your involvement in film and media, nd apply to live in the Film and Media Residence Learning Community for a specialized first-year experience.
  • Showcases and Community Events: Participate in the Undergraduate Film Symposium to showcase your work and engage with peers and get involved with KW’s Multicultural Cinema Club and the Grand River Film Festival to connect with the local film scene.
  • Career-ready Experience: Share your music taste as a DJ on Radio Laurier.

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

You'll choose two of the following courses:

  • Film and Genre
  • Film and the Image
  • Film and Narrative

In addition, you'll choose 8 courses in topics that interest you including Communication Studies, Digital Humanities, English, Cultural Studies, Sociology, and many more.

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Youth Culture in Film
  • Women Filmmakers
  • Bollywood Film
  • Film Musical
  • The Business of Film
  • Introduction to Film Editing
  • Introduction to 3D Animation

Options and Minors

Add an Option or Minor to your program of study. Popular choices include:

  • Communication Studies minor
  • Creative Writing minor
  • Digital Humanities option
  • Social Entrepreneurship minor
  • Legal Studies option
  • Certificate in Generative AI

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Specializations

Our program gives you the opportunity to engage in hands-on production. You can graduate with a specialization in Film Production or Film Theory as part of your degree.

Sample Courses in the Film Production:

  • Advanced Video Editing | Advanced 3D Animation
  • The Business of Film
  • Screen writing and Directing

Sample Courses in the Film Theory:

  • Film Theory to 1968 | Film Theory Since 1968
  • Film Theory and Mass Media
  • Film Theory in the Digital Age

Film and Gaming Pathway

The Vancouver Film School (VFS) pathway gives you the opportunity to train at Canada’s leading school for filmmaking. In only four years, students in the VFS pathway complete an honours BA from Laurier and a diploma from VFS. Film Studies students (or combined English and Film Studies students) attend VFS's Writing for Film, Television and Games program.

Graduate Degree Pathway

The BA+MA pathway allows to graduate in 5 years with a BA and Master of Arts at Laurier. Apply for the BA+MA and receive an offer of admission to the Honours BA and a conditional offer to graduate studies, where you’ll earn a MA. Apply directly on OUAC.

Business Pathways

Enhance your degree with a Management Option or get a head-start on graduate studies by applying to the BA in Combination with a Master of Business Administration with co-op. Apply directly to either on OUAC.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • announcer/broadcaster/host
  • author/screenwriter
  • communications officer
  • director/cinematographer
  • editor/editorial assistant
  • film editor
  • film producer
  • post-production technician
  • publishing representative
  • script supervisor/writer
  • web series production

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate future-ready.

Future Laurier Arts students have two options to engage in co-op. You can apply in first-year to our co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies.

You can also get a head-start and apply for direct admission to our brand-new co-op program straight from high school in select Arts programs. In both pathways, you will gain 12 months of career experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?