

The Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies offers an in-depth exploration of global cinema, digital media, and visual culture through a blend of theoretical analysis and creative practice. Students examine the evolution of film as an art form, industry, and cultural force while learning how media shapes social narratives and public perception. Through coursework in film history, critical theory, screenwriting, and media analysis, learners build a strong foundation for understanding the artistic, political, and technological forces influencing visual storytelling. This interdisciplinary structure fosters critical interpretation, visual literacy, narrative insight, and analytical depth, preparing students to engage meaningfully with the expanding world of media.
Across four years, students deepen their understanding of cinematic language, genre development, media technologies, and the cultural impact of digital forms. The curriculum integrates hands-on experiences in production, editing, and multimedia creation with rigorous academic study, allowing learners to connect theory with creative expression. Research projects, film critiques, and collaborative assignments help students analyze media texts, contextualize cultural movements, and experiment with artistic techniques. This sustained engagement supports methodological rigor, creative awareness, contextual understanding, and research competence, equipping graduates to interpret media landscapes with both scholarly insight and technical fluency.
Year 1 – Foundations of Film & Media Analysis
· Introduction to Film Studies
· History of Global Cinema
· Fundamentals of Visual Storytelling
· Media Theory and Cultural Interpretation
Year 2 – Core Media Practices & Critical Methods
· Film Theory and Aesthetics
· Screenwriting and Narrative Structure
· Media Production Basics
· Research Methods in Film and Media
Year 3 – Advanced Cinematic and Media Exploration
· Documentary Studies or Genre Analysis
· Editing, Post-Production, and Digital Techniques
· Global Media and Cultural Identity
· Independent Study / Creative Media Project
Year 4 – Thesis & Professional Preparation
· Senior Thesis / Film or Media Research Project
· Advanced Seminar in Film and Media Studies
· Creative Portfolio Development
· Presentation Skills & Professional Practice
Graduates of this program are well prepared for a wide range of careers in fields where visual literacy, storytelling expertise, and media analysis are essential. Many pursue roles in film production companies, digital media studios, cultural and creative organizations, and broadcast or streaming industries, contributing to script development, content creation, editing, research, and production management. Additional opportunities exist in journalism, marketing, public relations, education, museum studies, and festival programming, where an understanding of media culture and audience engagement is highly valued. With training in film analysis, creative production, and cultural interpretation, graduates are able to evaluate media trends, communicate complex ideas, collaborate on creative teams, and adapt their skills to evolving media technologies and global storytelling environments.
This program is ideal for students who want a curriculum grounded in comprehensive cinematic study, offering a balanced approach that unites creative practice with critical analysis. Over four years, learners develop strong visual communication skills, deepen their understanding of film history and media theory, and gain practical experience in digital production. Through seminars, screenings, workshops, and research projects, students build industry-relevant expertise that prepares them for careers across the creative and media sectors. The program’s emphasis on cultural analysis, narrative interpretation, and technical practice cultivates strong artistic judgment, enabling graduates to engage confidently with contemporary media landscapes and contribute original perspectives to film and digital culture.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 203 432 2300
Email: admissions@yale.edu
Address: University of Yale, New Haven, CT 06520, United States