Cinema Studies classes encourage students to view films critically and to reflect upon their own role as spectators and consumers of cinematic images. From its inception, cinema has been a truly global phenomenon. It was the most popular art form of the twentieth century and continues to play an important role in the development of digital media. Our courses reflect the global scope of film history by covering a wide range of films and directors.
Through their Cinema Studies degree, graduates develop a valuable set of skills that are transferrable to a range of careers, including:
- Audio-visual understanding
- Creativity and innovation
- Understanding of social and cultural influences
- Thinking critically, creatively and challenging ideas
- Logical and quantitative thinking
- Problem solving skills adaptable to differing contexts
- Interpretive and analytical thinking
- Oral and written communication
- Research and computing skills.
Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom through work and other experiences also exist and can deepen your skills set and employability. Work and other experiences can also support and inform learning and skill development in the classroom.
A Cinema Studies graduate is ideally suited for work in the creative and cultural sector, especially in the vital area of film and multimedia. The film industry is not only limited to production but also encompasses screenwriting, exhibition, promotion, preservation, programming and education. A critical knowledge of film culture is necessary for festival programmers and organisers, curators, archivists, film historians, cultural planners, policymakers and entrepreneurs. The visual and critical literacy skills acquired by a Cinema Studies graduate are valued in the related areas of television, interactive media (web design and video), advertising and journalism. Film is now offered as an integral part of high school education and specialised teachers are in high demand.
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Graduates with this degree are employed in a range of jobs including production assistant, film critic, cinema projectionist and programme researcher.
Some of the jobs listed may require further study at postgraduate level. Postgraduate study can contribute to your employability. It enables you to extend your knowledge and skills, indicates your motivation and ability to persevere at a high level academically and can make you more competitive in the job market. Postgraduate study may be a prerequisite for certain jobs.
Film critic
- Analyses films and documentaries for both their positive and negative aspects
- Maintains cinematic knowledge to provide informed opinions
- Writes concise and interesting film reviews for publication
Film publicist
- Increases audience and media awareness of films
- Coordinates interviews with actors, promotional events and film screenings
- Distributes film information through press releases, websites, magazines, TV and social media
Exhibition coordinator
- Creates marketing plans for film exhibitions
- Assists in film education initiatives
- Searches for producers and films to exhibit
Film curator
- Chooses film and media for display at museums or galleries
- Manages media collections
- Conducts research around media or collections for display
Film archivist
- Stores and organises cinematic materials in an accessible way
- Advises organisations as to what should be kept/archived and assists in locating materials
- Maintains and updates media databases
Conservation assistant
- Researches the history of cinematic works
- Writes reports on the condition of film and media items
- Assists the senior film conservator
Animator
- Develops storyboards
- Designs characters and settings using a range of art mediums, such as sketches or clay
- Uses technical computer programs to develop animated sequences
Editorial assistant
- Proofreads material prior to publication
- Assists in the addition of graphic elements to written materials
- Meets with writers to discuss required changes
Scriptwriter
- Develops realistic characters
- Creates storylines that appeal to a set audience
- Markets the storyline or script to producers
Entrepreneurship and innovation are increasingly becoming an important part of the world of work and should be considered as a career option. Get started with Entrepreneurship here
For further information on job titles, please see the latest UC Graduate Destinations Survey
For additional graduate destination information go to www.graduatecareers.com.au or www.prospects.ac.uk
As they progress in their studies and into a career, our students and graduates often join professional bodies specific to their area of interest. These organisations offer graduates the opportunity to network and collaborate with others within the same community. Other relevant organisations are also listed.
- Screen Production and Development Association of New Zealand
- New Zealand Writers Guild
- New Zealand Film and Video Technicians Guild
- Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand
- Canterbury Film Society
Social media networks, such as LinkedIn (including LinkedIn groups), Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues for students and graduates to keep up-to-date with current industry knowledge and ‘best practice’, networking opportunities, industry-related events and job vacancies.
For more information
See the Cinema Studies subject page
