Study Film at Victoria University of Wellington and learn to interpret narrative, lighting, camera work, editing and sound. Develop practical skills in production including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing and sound recording. Discover how films create different meanings for audiences. Analyse how gender, race and sexuality are represented in cinema, and consider the relationships film has with other media.
Film and Media Studies
Looking for the Film and Media Studies study area? We’ve split them into two, so you can get to know more about the unique aspects of each.
Film
Film is a powerful means to tell stories, share knowledge and communicate. Explore the historical, cultural and technological perspectives of cinema in the city that is home to New Zealand’s film industry.
Media Studies
From print media to television, popular music and the internet, the media is integral to how we navigate and understand the world. Explore one of the main ways we come to know ourselves and our society.
Explore the Media Studies study area
Course information
Information for new and current students on courses taught by the School of English, Film, Theatre, Media Studies, and Art History.
Blackboard
Blackboard is Victoria University of Wellington’s e-learning environment. It is used in all English Literature, Film, Theatre, Media Studies, and Art History undergraduate and Honours courses. Each Blackboard site includes a Frequently Asked Questions section as well as a substantial range of resources, including the SEFTMS Student Handbook, staff and tutor contact details, course outlines and information about assessment, course readings and class representatives.
Only students enrolled in a course can access a course Blackboard site – specific details are emailed to students before the course commences.
Class formats
Lectures
Each course usually includes weekly lectures at which new material is presented. In addition, courses usually also include discussion sessions such as tutorials, seminars, workshops or screenings. Lectures starting before 1:00 p.m. start on the hour and last 50 minutes (or one hour 50 minutes); lectures from 1:00 p.m. start 10 minutes after the hour and finish on the hour.
Tutorials
These generally last 50 minutes and involve small groups of students meeting with a staff member a tutor. Tutorials provide the opportunity to discuss course content, course work and readings, to exchange ideas and become acquainted with other students.
Seminars
A seminar is a class discussion group that centres on set readings or material prepared and presented by students.
Workshops
Workshops are interactive group sessions concentrating on learning practical skills.
Screenings
Several courses, particularly in Film, have audiovisual screening sessions that students must attend.
Course fees
Please visit the online Course Finder to see all available courses and course fees.
Course materials
Textbooks and Student Notes (course readers) can be bought from VicBooks on Kelburn Parade. Consult the course finder for your course to find out what course materials you need to buy. Some Film and Theatre courses require you to buy additional materials—see the course finder for details.
Course outlines
At the beginning of each course, all students receive a course outline. This document contains all essential information about the course, including the number and types of class meetings (lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops or screenings), readings lists, assignments, tests and examinations, and mandatory course requirements (minimum class work in order to complete the course).
Exam timetables
Students enrolled in courses that have a final examination are expected to be available in the relevant examination period. Not all courses are assessed by examination. For those courses that use an examination, you can visit the official University Timetables page to check for the date and time of your examination. Examination timetables are not released until approximately halfway through the trimester. Information about examinations will also be posted to Blackboard and you can always ask your Course Coordinator.
Student computing: Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services provides access to all Student IT Services.