Your degree in Cinema Studies

Skills you’ll develop

Studying Cinema Studies at UBC introduces you to a range of methods for analyzing film art. Some focus on close textual analysis, and examine form, style, and narrative. Others consider historical, sociological, or philosophical contexts, and debates around major art movements. Together, these approaches shape a deeper understanding of cinema as both art and cultural expression.

Through the Cinema Studies program, you’ll also gain insight into the workings of global film industries and how commercial and industrial contexts shape film art. This provides transferable knowledge and skills that extend beyond analyzing film texts.

These skills may include:

  • Critically thinking about and exploring films considering history, theory, technique, and style
  • Analyzing and interpreting film forms, aesthetics, receptions, and policies reflecting cultural, social, and political perspectives
  • Persuasive, argumentative, and well-structured writing
  • Media literacy
  • Conducting qualitative and quantitative research, collecting data, interpreting statistics, synthesizing facts, and presenting arguments
  • Public speaking/giving presentations
  • Giving and receiving constructive criticism
  • Intercultural fluency
  • Using effective planning, time management, problem solving, and leadership skills

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including curation, policymaking, programming and distribution, preservation, writing, arts administration, higher education, secondary and primary education, and others.

Many Cinema Studies graduates combine their love of cinema with their experience in related academic fields—such as English, Art History, Anthropology, Psychology, History, and Political Science—to pursue interdisciplinary careers. Many students who are interested in creative fields such as filmmaking use their Cinema Studies degrees as valuable touchstones that inform and lend depth to their artistic work.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.

Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.

  • Archivist
  • Arts administrator
  • Arts non-profit director
  • Charitable organization director
  • Commercial media industry employee
  • Communications manager
  • Copywriter
  • Film and media festival coordinator
  • Film marketing and distribution coordinator
  • Journalist or critic
  • Market research analyst
  • Media relations manager
  • News analyst
  • Professional or academic publisher
  • Public relations specialist
  • Publicist
  • Social policy researcher
  • Specialized librarian
  • Teacher or Professor
  • Volunteer coordinator

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Cinema Studies graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More information

Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.