American University United States

Film and Media Arts (BA)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The BA Film and Media Arts at American University is designed for aspiring creators and critical thinkers eager to explore the dynamic world of visual storytelling and media production. You will delve into the history and theory of cinema, develop essential visual literacy, and gain hands-on experience in digital imaging, photography, and film and video production. This undergraduate degree provides a robust understanding of media's cultural impact and equips you with the foundational knowledge to analyse and create compelling media content.

This full-time, on-campus program, studied over four years, immerses you in a curriculum that balances theoretical study with practical application. You will engage with subjects ranging from international cinema and digital media to writing for visual media and advanced production techniques, culminating in a capstone project. Through required courses and elective specialisations in production skills or media studies, you will develop a distinctive portfolio and graduate prepared for diverse careers in filmmaking, photography, digital media, and related creative industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Film and Media Arts BA program provides a comprehensive foundation in media understanding, visual literacy, and international cinema. Students will engage in practical training through courses in digital imaging, photography, and film and video production. The curriculum also emphasizes historical and theoretical perspectives on media, alongside specialized production skills and writing for various visual media formats, culminating in a capstone portfolio experience.

1 Required (27 credit hours)

Understanding Media Compulsory
Visual Literacy Compulsory
Survey of International Cinema Compulsory
Digital Imaging Compulsory
Writing for Visual Media Compulsory
Principles of Photography Compulsory
Film and Video Production I Compulsory
Producing Film and Video Compulsory
Writing the Short Film Compulsory

2 Discipline (12 credit hours)

3 History or Media Studies

Digital Media and Culture
History of Documentary
Social Documentary
History of Cross-Cultural Cinema
Children, Youth, and Digital Culture
Topics in Film and Media Arts
History of Photography
Censorship and Media
Foreign Correspondence
Survey of American Cinema
Documentary Storytelling for Social Change
Executive Suite

4 Production Skills

Communication Field Experience
Communication Careers Internship
Community Documentary: Stories of Transformation
Film and Video Production II
Television Studio Production
Production Practicum
Motion Graphics and Effects
Motion Compositing
Dramatic Production
Techniques and Aesthetics of Editing
Directing Actors for Camera
Photojournalism and Social Documentary
Fine Art Photography
Directing the Documentary
Senior Professional Internship
Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism Management
Producing for Documentaries
Foreign Correspondence
Cross Cultural Film and Video Production
Backpack Documentary
Environmental Filmmaking for Public Television

5 Writing

Writing the Feature Film
Writing the Documentary Film
Writing Episodic Series

6 Capstone (3 credit hours)

Advanced Portfolio: Visual Media
Advanced Portfolio: Large Format and Commercial Photography

7 Related Requirements

8 United States History

History, Memory, and the Changeable Past
History of American Popular Culture
American Encounters: 1492-1865
U.S. History since 1865
African American History: to 1877
African American History: 1877 to Present
Social Forces that Shaped America

9 Economics or Marketing

Macroeconomics
The Global Majority
Microeconomics
Fundamentals of Marketing and Business for Communications

10 Outside Minor or Second Major

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 241,080.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,000.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Washington Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesCybersecurity & Digital ForensicsDefense & Military SecurityEvent Promotion & ManagementIntellectual Property LawLegal Aid & Public Interest LawLive Events & ConcertsMusic & Performing ArtsPolice & Public SafetyTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Actors' Equity Association

Montgomery Police Department (Alabama)

Why Study Film and Media Arts (BA) at American University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

American University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at American University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Film and Media Arts (BA) at American University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term time and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work may be allowed after the first year, subject to university approval.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English proficiency can be demonstrated through various tests: Duolingo (overall score 120), TOEFL (overall score 85), IELTS (overall score 6.5), and PTE (overall score 60). Make sure your scores meet the required minimums for admission.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as filmmakers, photographers, digital media specialists, media analysts, or production managers.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BA Film and Media Arts program offers courses in international cinema and digital media, blending theory with hands-on experience. You'll create media content while understanding its cultural impact through a mix of required courses and electives.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Film and Media Arts program has two intake months: January and August. You can start your studies at the beginning of either the spring or fall semester.
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