Overview

The Film and Digital Media programme at University of California, Santa Cruz offers an integrated curriculum that examines the cultural impact of movies, television, video, and the internet. Students engage with a rigorous academic framework that balances critical analysis with the opportunity to create original work in video and interactive digital media. This approach ensures that graduates possess both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the evolving media environment.

Why Film and Digital Media at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Choosing this programme means joining a community with a proven track record of success in the professional world and academia. The department provides a unique environment where critical practice is central to the learning experience. Students benefit from a curriculum that bridges the gap between traditional film studies and modern digital innovation, supported by a faculty dedicated to media education and artistic excellence.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on a blend of theory and production. Modules may include:

Film Production
Broadcasting
Integrated Critical Practice
Screenwriting
Digital Video
Critical Studies

Careers with Film and Digital Media

Graduates of the programme have established successful careers across various sectors of the entertainment and technology industries. Many alumni work as professional filmmakers, editors, digital media artists, and film archivists. Others have found success as media educators, script analysts, cinematographers, television producers, computer programmers, and studio executives.

The professional impact of the programme is evidenced by graduates who have screened their work at prestigious venues such as the Sundance Film Festival, Cinequest, and the Milan Film Festival, as well as on major networks like HBO. The degree also serves as a strong foundation for further academic pursuit, with many students gaining admission to elite graduate programmes at institutions such as USC, UCLA, NYU, and Columbia.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Film Theory Seminar

New Media Theory Seminar

Film History Seminar

International Cinemas

New(s) Media

India and Indian Diaspora through Film

International Cinema to 1960

International Cinema, 1960 to Present

Film, Video, and Gender

Race on Screen

Lesbian, Gay, and Queer Film and Video

Asian Americans and Media

Gender and Global Cinema

Media and Nationalism

Brazilian Cinema

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Digital Media Digital Marketing View 464 other Bachelors in Digital Media in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Film and Digital Media.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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