Bachelor of Screen Arts - Film Major
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-02-17 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Screen Arts - Film Major at SIT equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the film and television industry. Through hands-on experience and industry connections, students develop their creativity, technical proficiency, and storytelling abilities, preparing them for diverse roles in filmmaking and screen production. The program offers a flexible HyFlex delivery option, allowing students to attend classes in person or online. Graduates are well-positioned for careers as directors, screenwriters, producers, cinematographers, editors, and other professionals in the film and television industry.
Program Outline
The Bachelor of Screen Arts - Film Major is a three-year program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the film and television industry. The program emphasizes creativity, technical proficiency, and storytelling abilities, preparing graduates for diverse roles in filmmaking and screen production.
Objectives:
- Develop students' creative and technical skills in filmmaking and storytelling.
- Foster collaboration and teamwork within a creative environment.
- Equip students with the skills necessary to produce high-quality film projects.
- Prepare graduates for successful careers in the film and television industry.
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Screen Arts - Film Major focuses on the practical application of filmmaking principles and techniques. Students gain hands-on experience in various aspects of film production, from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography and editing. The program encourages students to develop their individual creative voices while mastering the technical skills needed to bring their stories to life.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The Bachelor of Screen Arts - Film Major consists of 360 credits spread across three years of full-time study. The program combines theoretical instruction with practical workshops and hands-on projects. Students participate in collaborative projects, developing their teamwork and communication skills.
Year One:
- Students gain fundamental knowledge in design, film production, film crew roles, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, and digital filmmaking.
- They explore the history and theory of film, developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
- They learn essential pre-production techniques, including budgeting, scheduling, and breakdown.
Year Two:
- Students further their skills in cinematography, audio production, screenwriting, and digital filmmaking.
- They delve into visual effects compositing and explore the use of sound in film and television.
- They refine their project management, leadership, and collaboration abilities.
Year Three:
- Students undertake major projects that showcase their accumulated knowledge and skills in storytelling, conceptual development, and technical execution.
- They gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical and legal considerations in film production.
Course Schedule:
The program offers a flexible schedule that caters to both full-time and part-time students. While the exact schedule may vary, courses typically run during the day and evening hours, allowing students to maintain their personal commitments.
Modules:
- Cross-Disciplinary Workshops: Students participate in interdisciplinary workshops, gaining exposure to diverse creative practices and industry trends.
- Studio Digital 1 & 2: Students develop their digital design and content creation skills, exploring various software and techniques.
- Screenwriting 1 & 2: Students learn the fundamentals of scriptwriting, story structure, character development, and dialogue writing.
- Filmmaking 1 & 2: Students gain hands-on experience in producing, directing, and editing short films, mastering the technical aspects of filmmaking.
- Studio Project 1 & 2: Students engage in major creative projects, showcasing their skills, knowledge, and individual vision.
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the specific course, but generally include:
- Assignments: Students complete individual and group assignments that demonstrate their understanding of theoretical concepts and ability to apply knowledge in practical scenarios.
- Presentations: Students present their project ideas, progress, and outcomes to their peers and faculty.
- Portfolios: Students compile portfolios of their work, showcasing their creative abilities and technical skills.
- Practical Projects: Students engage in hands-on projects to demonstrate their proficiency in various aspects of filmmaking, from screenwriting and directing to editing and post-production.
- Examinations: Some courses may use written or practical examinations to assess student understanding of key concepts. Assessment criteria are based on specific learning objectives and industry standards. Students are provided with clear expectations and rubrics to guide their work and ensure they meet the required level of competency.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and foster an engaging and interactive environment. These methods include:
- Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures and presentations to introduce key concepts and provide theoretical foundations.
- Workshops: Students participate in practical workshops to apply knowledge, hone skills, and receive personalized feedback.
- Independent Study: Students engage in independent research and creative exploration, allowing them to develop their individual voices and interests.
- Group Work: Students collaborate in groups to develop projects, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Industry Guest Speakers: The program invites industry professionals to share their experiences and insights, providing students with real-world perspectives.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced faculty members with extensive backgrounds in film production, screenwriting, editing, and other related fields. The faculty is committed to creating a supportive learning environment and providing individualized feedback to students.
Unique Approaches:
The Bachelor of Screen Arts - Film Major incorporates several unique approaches:
- HyFlex Delivery: The program offers flexibility, allowing students to attend classes in person or online, catering to individual needs and preferences.
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Students participate in workshops and projects with students from other creative disciplines, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking.
- Industry Connections: The program emphasizes industry connections, inviting guest speakers, organizing industry visits, and assisting students with career development.
Careers:
Career Paths:
The Bachelor of Screen Arts - Film Major prepares graduates for various careers in the film and television industry, including:
- Film Director
- Screenwriter
- Producer
- Cinematographer
- Editor
- Visual Effects Artist
- Sound Designer
- Production Designer
- Colourist
- Script Supervisor
- Camera Operator
- Grip
- Gaffer
- Location Scout
- Casting Director
- Film Critic
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program are well-positioned for diverse career opportunities in film studios, production companies, television networks, advertising agencies, post-production houses, and other related organizations. The program also prepares students for freelance work and independent filmmaking ventures.
Other:
- The program is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme, making it tuition-free for eligible domestic students.
- The program accepts both school leavers and mature applicants based on their academic qualifications and relevant experience.
- Students are required to submit a portfolio demonstrating their creative abilities and interests.
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
Overview:
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is a tertiary education provider in New Zealand, dedicated to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a wide range of subjects and qualifications.
Services Offered:
SIT offers a variety of services to students, including:
Campuses:
SIT has campuses in Invercargill, Queenstown, Gore, Christchurch (including the Music & Audio Institute of New Zealand - MAINZ), and online.Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation is available at Invercargill and Queenstown campuses.Library:
The Invercargill campus has a library with resources for students.Bookshop:
The Invercargill campus has a bookshop for purchasing textbooks and other materials.Childcare Centre:
The Invercargill campus has a childcare centre for students with young children.Student Support:
SIT provides various student support services, including academic support, health and wellbeing resources, and employment services.Scholarships:
SIT offers scholarships to eligible students.Zero Fees Scheme:
SIT offers a Zero Fees Scheme for eligible New Zealand domestic students, allowing them to study without paying tuition fees.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Zero Fees Scheme:
SIT's Zero Fees Scheme allows eligible students to study without paying tuition fees.Wide Range of Programs:
SIT offers a wide range of programs across various fields, including creative industries, hospitality, business, trades, technology, education, and more.Multiple Campuses:
SIT has campuses in various locations throughout New Zealand, offering students flexibility in choosing their study environment.Distance Learning:
SIT offers online learning options through its SIT2LRN Distance Learning platform.Academic Programs:
SIT offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Creative Industries:
Art, Design & Photography, Audio Production, Film, Animation & Game Design, MAINZ, MusicHospitality, Hotel & Travel:
Hospitality, Travel, Tourism & Hotel ManagementBusiness, Commerce & Management:
Business & Commerce, Communications & PR, HR & Coaching, Marketing & Management, Project ManagementMASSAGE, NURSING, SOCIAL SERVICES, SPORT & EXERCISE:
Massage Therapy, Nursing, Social Services (including Mental Health), Sport & Exercise (including Postgraduate Health Sciences)Trades & Technology:
Architectural Technology, Automotive & Road Transport, Construction, Electrotechnology, Engineering, Health & Safety, JoineryEducation & Language:
Education, English Language, Māori Language & ArtsHair & Beauty:
Beauty Therapy & Makeup Artistry, HairdressingAgriculture, Environmental & Life Sciences:
Agriculture & Horticulture, Environmental Management, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Care & EquineInformation Technology:
Computing & ITOther:
SIT is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
Entry Requirements:
Domestic students:
- School Leavers:
- University Entrance - NCEA Level 3:
- 14 credits each in three NZQA University Entrance approved subjects
- Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above (5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing)
- Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards through a range of subjects or 3 numeracy unit standards)
- Mature Applicants:
- Be at least 20 years of age and provide evidence of aptitude, work experience, or equivalent qualification
- Special Admission:
- Applicants under 20 with demonstrated ability may be considered, subject to successful completion of approved preparatory courses
- Applicants who don't meet academic criteria may be admitted provisionally to Year One papers, with the potential to apply for special or mature entry upon successful completion
International students:
- Equivalent qualifications to New Zealand's NCEA Level 3 or higher
- English language proficiency as evidenced by:
- IELTS score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL iBT score of 60 with a writing score of 18
Additional Requirements:
- Portfolio of creative work (examples: digital artwork, short film, animation, game, or garment collection with design spec sheets)
- Proof of English proficiency through one of the following tests:
- IELTS score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL iBT score of 60 with a writing score of 18