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Study film abroad

Find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations then apply with reduced application fees, a free assessment and access to a dedicated advisor.

Find your perfect film programs abroad

Find film programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Find other programs in film

Film degrees abroad

For international students, film degrees can provide insight into the world’s most successful visual industries. Whether you’re interested in studying film for the practical area of production, or the analytical side of film criticism, film qualifications are available across the globe in universities, colleges, and even specialist film schools.

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Film program structure

Wherever you decide to study film abroad, you will have a selection of film modules to choose from, which defines your focus on the subject. Film studies modules require many different methods of assessment and ways of learning, including film screenings, lectures, dissertations, seminars, filming, and editing.

You may be required to watch many films in your spare time, which may sound easy but can take up hours of your free time. There will also be many opportunities at university to get involved with film societies, or student media groups to use your skills and knowledge.

Depending on the country you study in, a typical bachelor’s degree in film will take between three and four years, and a master’s degree will take one to two years to complete.

The program curriculum of a film degree would be split into years of study with each year having some compulsory modules, in addition to optional modules to choose from; they would typically focus on the following areas:

  • Sound and composition
  • Filming and editing
  • Culture and identity
  • Foreign language cinema
  • Genres of cinema
  • Film criticism

Types of film degrees

In countries such as the UK and Canada, it is common to study film as a stand alone degree, for example at bachelor’s, master’s or PhD level. However, in the US under a liberal arts education, you may study film as a major or minor meaning you need to dedicate a certain amount of credits to the subject.

Some programs will focus on a particular area of film such as film production or film criticism, which will have different amounts of practical and theoretical study and examination.

Why study film abroad

Studying film requires at least an interest in film, but it may be a particular career path that brings you to study it.

Choosing to study film abroad means you'll have a wide range of programs to choose from, and you could study in a country famous for cinema, or a specific style of film you are passionate about.

It will also give you a unique perspective on how another culture approaches film making that could help you stand out in a competitive market.

Where to study film abroad

Where you study film depends on a few factors and reasons why you are choosing to study it.

Most places in the world have educated notable directors, producers, and filmmakers, so you shouldn’t entirely rule out studying anywhere just because it isn’t known for film.

In all cases it is important to look at the exact details of a university or school’s programs in film to check what you’re interested in is covered.

Best countries to study film

There are many countries and areas with large film industries, making them some of the best countries to study film in. These include:

  • USA
  • UK
  • India
  • China
  • Japan
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain

Countries with large film industries can be good options for studying get practical experience through work experience, or even stay on in the country to look for work following completion of your degree.

Best universities to study film

There may be a particular director whose films you love, or a particular film academic whose work you admire. In both cases there will be specific universities that focus on relevant areas to these interests.

The university or film school you decide to apply to will also depend on how practical you want your studies to be. Traditional universities may focus on film in an academic sense, and not the process of making films, as a dedicated film school would.

See all universities offering film programs

Film study abroad programs

Film courses at all qualification levels are available across the world to international students. The country, language, and specific university you study in will affect the content of the program, including the types of films focused on and the methods of making them.

At bachelor’s level a film degree would typically sit under a Bachelor of Arts (BA) award, or within a bachelor’s in liberal arts as a major or minor. Master’s degrees in film can be either taught or research.

A doctorate or PhD program in film is likely to be research intensive, with a focus on a very specific aspect of cinema.

Film undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in film

  • false

    Acting for Theater, Film and Television - BFA Long Island University Brooklyn, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    39,458 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Acting for Theater, Film and Television
  • false

    Film and Motion Design - BA SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    42 months
    Annual tuition fee
    9,450 EUR

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    October, April
    Show program overview about B.A. Film & Motion Design (Berlin)
  • false

    Acting: Film, TV & Stage (Top-up) - BA (Hons) Buckinghamshire New University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    14,250 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, February
    Show program overview about BA (Hons) Acting (Film, TV and Stage) Top-up
  • false

    Film and Screen Arts - BA (Hons) Arts University Plymouth, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,500 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts
  • false

    Film - BA (Hons) (with foundation) Bournemouth University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,595 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about BA (Hons) Film (with Foundation Year option)

Associate in film

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    Acting for Film - AFA New York Film Academy, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    39,088 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January, May
    Show program overview about AFA Acting for Film
  • false

    Film, Television and Electronic Media - AA Cuesta College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    12,288 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Film, Television and Electronic Media
  • false

    Film, Television and Electronic Media (for Transfer) - ASc Berkeley City College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,740 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Film, Television and Electronic Media (for Transfer)
  • false

    Film, Television, and Electronic Media - ASc College of the Desert, USA
    • Blended learning

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,368 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Film, Television, and Electronic Media
  • false

    Film, Television, and Electronic Media (Diablo Valley College) - AS-T Colleges of Contra Costa, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,840 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Film, Television, and Electronic Media (Diablo Valley College)

Diploma in film

  • false

    Writing for Film and TV - Dip Toronto Film School, Canada
    • Online

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,040 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    October, January, April, July
    Show program overview about Writing for Film and TV Associate Diploma
  • false

    Film (Melbourne Campus) - Dip AIT Academy of Interactive Technology, Australia

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    17,250 AUD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    February, May, September
    Show program overview about Diploma of Film (Melbourne Campus)
  • false

    Film & Television Production (Montreal Campus) - Dip Trebas Institute, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    14,630 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, May
    Show program overview about Film & Television Production (Montreal Campus)
  • false

    Film and Television Production - AdvDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    20,105 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film and Television Production
  • false

    Film and Video Production - Dip Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    19,935 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film and Video Production

Certificate in film

  • false

    Music Production for Film, TV and Games - Cert HE The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    15,250 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Music Production for Film, TV and Games

Pathway in film

  • false

    FdA 3D Animation and Visualisation for Film and Games - FdA Arts University Bournemouth, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,250 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    October, February
    Show program overview about FdA 3D Animation and Visualisation for Film and Games
  • false

    Film and Media, International Year One - UGP University of Sussex, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,750 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, November, January
    Show program overview about Film and Media - International Year One

Film graduate programs

Master's in film

  • false

    Film - MA Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    22,670 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, September, October, November, January, February, March, April, May, June, July
    Show program overview about Film
  • false

    Film & Media Arts - MFA American University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    34,596 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Film & Media Arts
  • false

    Film & Television - MA Falmouth University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    17,950 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film & Television MA
  • false

    Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management - MA Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    32,814 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management
  • false

    Film and Television - MSc DePaul University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    23,868 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film and Television

Doctorate in film

  • false

    Film, Media and Communication - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    6 years
    Annual tuition fee
    8,150 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    October, February
    Show program overview about Film, Media and Communication

Certificate in film

  • false

    Advanced Television and Film - PGCert Sheridan College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    32,905 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January, May
    Show program overview about Advanced Television and Film
  • false

    Film and Multiplatform Storytelling - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    18,498 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film and Multiplatform Storytelling
  • false

    Film and Television: Business - OCGCert Centennial College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    17,303 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film and Television - Business

Entry requirements to study film abroad

As it’s unlikely you would have studied film specifically at high school level, university’s and film schools won’t need a specific score for a film class for admission to a bachelor’s, but may want you to show you have experience with media and/or art.

At master’s and doctorate levels, the admission process may need you to prove you have sufficient practical or academic experience with cinema.

Studying film abroad will require an admission process that is set by the specific university for the exact program want to study. Every institution will want you to have passion and an interest in film, but you may also need to provide the university with the following:

  • Academic transcripts
  • An English language proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS)
  • Proof of finances
  • References
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Future film careers

Film degrees have a wide range of careers associated with them, as well as transferable skills that are useful in other industries. You’ll have a good ability to analyse and organize following a film studies course.

Common film degree jobs include:

  • Journalist
  • Camera operator
  • Producer
  • Director
  • Broadcast engineer