Your degree in Film Studies

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Film Studies, you’ll engage with and evaluate diverse cinematic practices in their historical and contemporary formats. You’ll develop important skills as you consider the role films play in culture and how they reflect and shape political and social perceptions.

These skills may include:

  • Critically thinking about and assessing films considering history, theory, techniques, and styles
  • Analyzing and interpreting film forms, aesthetics, receptions, and policies reflecting cultural, social, and political perspectives
  • Compelling written communication that identifies similarities and differences across a variety of genres, practices, and traditions
  • Applying film theory to understand and communicate how moving pictures mediate our perceptions of the world
  • Conducting qualitative and quantitative research, collecting data, interpreting statistics, synthesizing facts, and presenting arguments
  • Using effective planning, time management, problem solving, and leadership skills to produce or to analyze digital film projects
  • Working effectively with teammates on projects related to world cinema, including North American, Asian, and European films

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including filmmaking, curating, policymaking, programming and distribution, preservation, writing, arts administration, teaching, and others.

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. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Advertising specialist
  • Art director
  • Arts administrator
  • Audiovisual technician
  • Casting agent
  • Charitable organization director
  • Communications manager
  • Copywriter
  • Documentary maker
  • Editor
  • Event planner
  • Festival organizer
  • Film critic
  • Film director
  • Film location manager
  • Film producer
  • Filmmaker
  • Fundraiser
  • Journalist
  • Lighting designer
  • Market research analyst
  • Marketing coordinator
  • Media relations manager
  • News analyst
  • Project manager
  • Public opinion interviewer
  • Public relations specialist
  • Publicist
  • Research assistant
  • Screenwriter
  • Social policy researcher
  • Sound designer
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Trade show organizer
  • Translator
  • Video archivist
  • Video game producer
  • Visual effects producer
  • Volunteer coordinator

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand 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 on LinkedIn

Find UBC Film Studies graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From 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.