Course details

Summary

The cultural impact and influence of cinema has been enormous. Film pervades many aspects of our daily lives and a critical awareness of its tools and techniques is essential for understanding contemporary culture and society.

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.

Cinema Studies classes encourage students to view films critically and to reflect upon their own role as spectators and consumers of cinematic images.

The Certificate in Arts (CertArts) is designed for you if you want to study at university level without having to commit to several years of study. It is also an option if you want to take a few courses for interest or study part-time.

Qualification structure and duration

The Certificate in Arts is made up of five courses (a minimum of 75 points) at 100 and/or 200-level.

It can be completed full-time, or over one to two years of part-time study.

You can transfer the credits you gain during the Certificate in Arts to the Bachelor of Arts (and some other degrees), as long as you have not graduated with the certificate.

Further study

The Certificate in Arts can be used as a stepping stone to a Bachelor of Arts.

Career opportunities

A Cinema Studies graduate is ideally suited for work in the creative and cultural sector, especially in the constantly evolving areas 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 valued in festival programmers and organisers, curators, archivists, film historians, cultural planners, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The visual and critical literacy skills acquired by a Cinema Studies graduate are also useful in the related areas of television, interactive media (web design and video), advertising and journalism.

Film is now offered as an integral part of secondary school education and specialised teachers are in demand.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Certificate in Arts. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.