Film and Media Studies

The Film and Media Studies program at the University of California offers students a comprehensive and critical understanding of the history, theory, and practice of film and media. Designed to cultivate analytical skills and foster creativity, the program encompasses a wide range of courses that explore the artistic, cultural, social, and technological aspects of visual media. Students engage with foundational texts and innovative contemporary works, gaining insights into the evolving landscape of film production, distribution, and reception. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from humanities, social sciences, and communication studies to prepare students for diverse careers in media industries, academia, and related fields. Throughout the program, students have opportunities to develop practical skills in filmmaking, editing, and digital media production, often through hands-on projects and internships. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and industry professionals dedicated to mentoring students and advancing research in film and media studies. The program aims to produce graduates who are critically aware, technologically proficient, and socially conscious, capable of analyzing media texts, understanding their cultural significance, and contributing innovatively to media creation and critique. With access to extensive resources, screening archives, and industry connections, students are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing media environment. Whether pursuing careers in filmmaking, media analysis, journalism, or academia, graduates of the Film and Media Studies program are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to their fields and to continue exploring the dynamic world of visual culture.

Departmental Requirements for the Major

Requirements

• If you are a California resident, you must receive a 3.0 GPA or higher in the required “a-g” subjects during grades 10 and 11
• If you are a non-California resident, you must have a minimum 3.4 GPA in the required "a-g" subjects in order to be eligible for the UC System

"A-G" Requirements

The “A-G” requirements, also called Academic Subject Requirements, represent the minimum academic preparation you must meet to be eligible for admission to the University of California.

A. Two years of history/social science — One year of world history, cultures and geography and one year of U.S. history OR one half-year of U.S. history and one half-year of American government or civics 
B. Four years of English 
C. Three years of mathematics (four years recommended) — Must include algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra 
D. Two years of laboratory science (three years recommended) — Must include two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, and physics 
E. Two years of a language other than English (three years recommended) — The second year or higher of the same language must be completed to fulfill this requirement 
F. One year of visual and performing arts — A yearlong course chosen from the following: dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art 
G. One year of college preparatory electives

Exams Requirement

You must submit college admission test scores from the SAT or the ACT with Writing. Submission of SAT Subject Test scores is not required, but may add positively to the review of your application. For exam requirement details, visit admission.universityofcalifornia.edu.

Other Considerations

The following faculty-approved criteria are also taken into account when reviewing your application.

• Number of, content of, and performance in academic courses completed beyond the University’s minimum eligibility requirements
• Number of and performance in honors and AP courses
• Being identified as “eligible in the local context” by ranking in the top nine percent of your high school class, as determined by the University’s academic criteria
• Quality of your senior year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned
• Quality of academic performance relative to educational opportunities available at your school
• Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas
• Outstanding work on one or more special projects in any academic field
• Recent marked improvement in academic performance
• Special talents, achievements, and awards in a particular field, or experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership or ability to contribute to the intellectual vitality of the campus
• Completion of special projects that offer significant evidence of your special effort and determination or that may indicate special suitability to an academic program on a specific campus
• Academic accomplishments in light of your experiences and circumstances, such as disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status
• Location of your secondary school and residence, to provide for geographic diversity in the student population and to account for the wide variety of educational environments existing in California

Personal Insight Questions

As of August 1, 2016, applicants will have a greater opportunity to express who they are and what matters to them on their UC Application. New personal insight questions have replaced the two previous personal statement prompts. Key points about the personal insight questions include:

• Freshman applicants will choose four out of eight questions to answer.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.

Your personal insight questions should be exactly that - personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations.

We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.

Meet English proficiency requirements for success.

If you attended four years at a high school or attended another college or university in which the language of instruction is not English, you must provide evidence of English proficiency to be successful in university studies at UCI.

If you have less than three years of instruction in English in the U.S., you must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement by achieving an acceptable score on any one of the following tests:

• Score 80 or higher on the Internet-based version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or score 550 or higher on its paper-based version
• Score 3, 4, or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition
• Score 5, 6, or 7 on the IB Higher Level Examination in English (Language A)
• Score 6 or higher on the IB Standard Level Examination in English (Language A)
• Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Score 24 or higher on the ACT combined English/Writing or English Language Arts (ELA)
• Score 560 or higher on the old SAT, Writing section, OR score 31 or higher on the SAT Writing and Language Test of the new SAT with Essay

Please note the English Language Proficiency Requirement is waived with one UC transferable English Composition course (not ESL) taken at a regionally accredited U.S. college/university with a grade of C or better.

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Merit Scholarships
• Arts Scholarship

The Film and Media Studies program at the University of California provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, theory, and practice of film and digital media. This program explores the cultural and technological developments that have shaped film and media industries worldwide. Students engage with a broad curriculum that includes courses in film history, film theory, critical analysis, screenwriting, media production, and digital storytelling. The program emphasizes both scholarly study and practical experience, encouraging students to develop a critical understanding of visual culture and to acquire hands-on skills in media creation.

Students have access to excellent resources and state-of-the-art facilities, including film and video production studios, editing suites, and media labs. The program often offers opportunities for internships in media companies, film festivals, and production houses, providing valuable industry experience. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners in the fields of film and media studies, offering mentorship and research guidance to students. The program also promotes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from literature, anthropology, cultural studies, and communication to foster a nuanced understanding of media's role in society.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in filmmaking, media production, broadcasting, journalism, media criticism, and academia. Many alumni go on to work in the entertainment industry, digital media firms, or pursue graduate studies. The program encourages global awareness and critical engagement with media issues such as representation, normativity, and technological change. Overall, the Film and Media Studies program at UC is designed to cultivate critical thinkers, creative producers, and informed citizens who are capable of analyzing and contributing to the evolving landscape of film and digital media.