Film Studies (BA)

Co‑op

Available as a Minor

Study the prominent role of films and visual media in how people experience the modern world. Enrol in a Film Studies program that’s considered one of the top film programs in Canada. Courses equip you with an understanding of national cinemas, the history of film, different film genres, film theory and more. Plus, take new and exciting courses in 2D and 3D animation.

Complete a specialization in Film Production or Film Theory while you are here at Laurier, or earn a diploma from the Vancouver Film School along with your Bachelor of Arts, in only four years!

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete, and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Hands-On Learning in Film
    The Film Production Specialization is designed for students who seek to combine a foundational knowledge of Film Studies with a practical understanding of the techniques of video and film production, from script to screen. 
  • Join the Vancouver Film School Pathway
    Achieve an honours BA from Laurier and a diploma from Vancouver Film School in four years, with specialized training available in Acting for Film and Television, Film Production, 3D Animation and Visual Effects, or Writing for Film, Television, and Games.
  • Explore Film Through a Dynamic Curriculum
    Delve into film history, critical analysis, and theory, while studying film style in its social and industrial contexts. Engage with a wide range of film genres and national cinemas through diverse introductory and advanced courses.
  • Connect Film and Business
    The Management Option or BA+MBA pathway is perfect if you're interested in how films and media productions are financed, developed, produced, and distributed. Combine your passion for film with real-world business insight to prepare for a dynamic career in the creative industries.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Apply to Co-op
    Apply for co-op placements to complete three four-month work terms and gain valuable industry experience during your studies.
  • Meet Fellow Students
    Join student clubs like the WLU Film Society and the Arts Undergraduate Society to deepen your involvement in film and media, and apply to live in the Film and Media Residence Learning Community for a specialized first-year experience.
  • Showcase Your Work and Join the Film Community
    Share your ideas at the Undergraduate Film Symposium, where you can present your work and connect with fellow film enthusiasts. Get involved beyond the classroom through partnerships with KW’s Multicultural Cinema Club and the Grand River Film Festival, gaining real-world experience and building connections in the local film industry.
  • Ensure a Supportive Start 
    Ease your transition into university with our first-year courses, AF105S (Skills) and AF105W (Writing). These courses help you build the foundations for academic success, developing key skills in time management, critical thinking, research, and writing. Y\

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses 

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • announcer/broadcaster/host
  • author/screenwriter
  • communications officer
  • director/cinematographer
  • editor/editorial assistant
  • film editor
  • film producer
  • post-production technician
  • publishing representative
  • script supervisor/writer
  • web series production

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate future-ready.

Future Laurier Arts students have two options to engage in co-op. You can apply in first-year to our co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies.

You can also get a head-start and apply for direct admission to our brand-new co-op program straight from high school in select Arts programs. In both pathways, you will gain 12 months of career experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

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99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2024 / 2025

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

Attend all your classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses.

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?