Film, television and other media are central to all aspects of contemporary society. An informed knowledge and understanding of film, television and media provides insight into how we communicate, represent and reflect on ourselves and our world.

In Film, Television and Media Studies you can study all forms of media, from film and television to the internet, music video and digital media. We examine aesthetics, content,  audiences, social context, technology and production. While the scope is international, there is a strong focus on media in Aoteoroa/New Zealand.

Film, Television and Media Studies and your career

Our graduates have careers in film and television production and distribution, advertising, broadcasting, marketing, public relations, curating, archiving, editing, publishing, journalism, reviewing and other forms of media writing, public policy, funding and regulatory bodies, web-based activities and teaching. Film, Television and Media Studies is also useful for careers in business, politics or the cultural sector.

Study options in Film, Television and Media Studies

Film, Television and Media Studies is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. It is taught by the Department of Film, Television and Media Studies.

What can you study?

You can explore film, television and media from academic or practical perspectives. You can take historical, critical and theoretical approaches, and study production and script-writing. Because we have strong links with the local film and television industries, we emphasise media production in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

You can combine any courses or focus your study through one of the following pathways.

Film studies/film theory

Introduces and develops key concepts, theories, histories and methodologies in film studies. You can take courses on Hollywood, Bollywood, European, Asian and New Zealand film.

Media, new media and television studies

This field includes television, print media, music video and new interactive media. You can study the media as it relates to politics, identity, sport and other aspects of social life.

Television production and media writing

Courses allow you to study television studio production, documentary and drama, script-writing and other kinds of media writing. (Many of the courses in this pathway are limited entry.)

Aotearoa/New Zealand and the Pacific

If you want a local dimension to your study, you can study aspects of film, television and other media in Aotearoa/New Zealand and the Pacific.

Undergraduate programmes in Film, Television and Media Studies

You can study Film, Television and Media Studies as:

• a BA major or minor subject
• elective courses in the BA
• a subject within the Certificate in Arts.

Find out more about these undergraduate programmes.

Enrolling in Stage I courses

You should take  FTVMS 100 Media Studies and FTVMS 101 Film Studies. These core courses explore fundamental concepts in Film, Television and Media Studies, and enable you to enrol later in Stage II courses.