Film Pepperdine University

Overview

The Film programme at Pepperdine University offers an expansive curriculum that investigates cinema as a dominant modern art form. Students engage with the moral, aesthetic, and ideological questions essential to a contemporary humanities education while developing professional skills in digital media production.

This degree encourages learners to examine film as a significant cultural force, exploring how moving images intersect with global politics, religion, gender, and social values. By balancing critical writing with hands-on technical experience, the curriculum prepares graduates for diverse roles within the creative industries and beyond.

The academic structure is designed to provide a broad understanding of cinematic movements and criticism.

Why Film at Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University is consistently recognised as a top-ranked institution in California and the United States. As a Christian liberal arts university, it provides a unique environment where students can grow both intellectually and spiritually within a supportive and diverse academic community.

The programme benefits from an exceptional location in Malibu, offering a direct relationship with the Hollywood film community and industry professionals. This proximity allows for unique collaborations, such as the co-sponsorship of the City of Angels Film Festival, which explores the artistic and spiritual impact of cinema.

Students enjoy a low 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalised mentorship from experienced educators. Furthermore, the university boasts a robust international focus, with 80% of students participating in global programmes, and a vast network of over 120,000 alumni worldwide to support career development.

The department frequently hosts celebrated industry figures, including award-winning directors, writers, and actors. These visiting professionals provide invaluable insights into the reality of the film and television industry, bridging the gap between classroom theory and professional practice through guest lectures and specialised teaching.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 71860 per year
• National fee: USD 71860 per year
• Local fee: USD 71860 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Film History
• Film Theory
• Cinema Aesthetics
• Social Impact of Cinema
• Digital Media Arts
• Film Criticism
• Digital Media Production
• Writing for Screen and Television
• Cinematic Arts

Careers with Film

Graduates from the Film programme are highly successful in securing professional roles, with a high percentage of the class of 2024 employed or entering further study shortly after graduation. The skills gained in critical analysis and production are applicable across a wide range of sectors in the arts and media industries.

Qualified students have the opportunity to undertake internships at major television and film production companies throughout Los Angeles. These placements provide essential networking opportunities and practical experience that often lead to full-time employment within the competitive Hollywood landscape.

Common career paths for graduates include roles in film and television production, screenwriting, digital content creation, and media criticism. The rigorous humanities foundation also prepares students for advanced graduate studies in film, visual arts, or communication, as well as roles in cultural organisation management.