B.A. in Film Studies
The B.A. in Film Studies is a combined bachelor’s program. That means that it is always studied in combination with another subject. The Film Studies program can be studied as a major (90 credit points) or as a minor (60 credit points).
Standard time to degree is six semesters. The degree program is free of charge; there are no tuition fees.
For detailed information on the B.A. in Film Studies, see Film Studies Degree Program and Examination Regulations.
About the Program
Film Studies at Freie Universität Berlin deals with the history, aesthetics, and theory of film and audiovisual media, as well as their conditions of production and impact. The B.A. program provides students with a basic theoretical, analytical, and conceptual understanding of elementary forms of audiovisual culture and their historical development. Unlike programs offered at film academies, the Film Studies program at Freie Universität Berlin does not offer artistic and technical education.
Academic and Career Goals
The B.A. program aims to equip students with a broad knowledge and critical understanding of the objects, theories, and methodologies of Film Studies. Graduates have basic academic knowledge and practical skills that qualify them for employment or to pursue a postgraduate degree. If Film Studies is studied as a minor in a combined bachelor’s program, graduates’ professional qualifications are usually determined by their choice of major.
Beyond the general basic academic education, a Film Studies degree qualifies students for a wide variety of jobs in audiovisual media culture as they have emerged or continue to emerge in the film and television industry, in journalism, art, and academia, and in the advertising industry.
In particular, graduates are equipped to evaluate, analyze, and conceptually develop audio-visual presentation forms in academia, journalism, editorial and curatorial work, intercultural and knowledge communication. Film Studies graduates can apply their knowledge and skills in film and television, broadcasting, (film) libraries, (film) archives, universities, art societies, theaters, opera houses and other cultural institutions, in publishing companies, and in public and private administrations.
For executive positions or academic research and teaching positions, an M.A. degree and/or a Ph.D. degree are required.
Curriculum – Modules – Application & Admission
If Film Studies is studied as a major (90 credit points), it is combined with a 60-credit minor or two 30-credit minors. As a 60-credit minor, Film Studies is combined with a 90-credit major.
The Film Studies program is divided into three phases: an introductory phase, an advanced phase, and a specialization phase. Each of these phases corresponds with modules consisting of two thematically related courses – e.g., an introductory course and a practice session in the Film History basic module.
If studied as a major, the program concludes with a bachelor’s thesis: students independently work on a topic of their choice in order to gain a deeper and more differentiated understanding of a spezialized area of study.
In addition, students are required to enrol in modules of the General Professional Skills program. The program consists of an internship as well as the following skills areas: foreign languages, information and media literacy, gender and diversity skills, organizational and management skills, personal and social communication skills, as well as study-related further qualification providing additional practical knowledge and skills.
The curriculum of the Film Studies program is governed by the Film Studies Degree Program and Examination Regulations, which contain detailed descriptions of the contents and qualification goals of each individual module, as well as a sample curriculum. The goals, contents, and structure of the General Professional Skills program are defined by the General Professional Skills Program and Examination Regulations. The regulations define the examination requirements of each module and list the credit points for each module or course as well as the workload in hours for the entire course of study.
B.A. students are recommended to study abroad between their third and fifth semester. The Film Studies Department has international partner universities in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Istanbul, Paris, Prague, and many other places.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
The B.A. in Film Studies comprises different kinds of modules that are offered with different methodological and thematic concentrations depending on the study phase (introductory phase, advanced phase, specialization phase). In the introductory phase, students are required to enrol in obligatory introductory modules on film history, film analysis, and film aesthetics and theory. In the advanced and specialization phases, students complete a module in film analysis and history as well as a module in film aesthetics and art/media theory each. Here, they can choose from a wide range of thematically focused courses. In the advanced phase, students additionally need to enrol in the Research Practice and Media Culture module.
General Information on Modules and Credit Points (CPs)
The application and admission procedure is centrally organized by Freie Universität Berlin.
For more information on application deadlines etc., visit: Application and Admission.
Please also see the information on Transferring between Higher Education Institutions in Higher Semesters.
The B.A. in Film Studies is a limited admission program.