Overview

The Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts programme at the University of Colorado at Boulder offers an intensive professional education designed for aspiring independent filmmakers and scholars. This bachelor degree integrates hands-on technical training with a rigorous exploration of the historical and theoretical frameworks of the moving image. Students develop a sophisticated artistic portfolio while mastering the critical skills necessary to interpret media in a global context.

Why Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts at University of Colorado at Boulder?

The university provides an exceptional environment for creative growth, ranking as the 46th top public university in the country. Students benefit from access to high-end facilities, including a RED Digital Cinema camera, 16mm and 35mm equipment, a dedicated darkroom, and a greenscreen studio. The department also hosts prestigious exhibition venues such as the International Film Series and First Person Cinema, allowing students to engage with diverse cinematic traditions.

Learning is supported by a distinguished faculty of active artists and scholars. The curriculum utilises industry-standard technology, ensuring proficiency in software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and AVID Media Composer. This combination of elite resources and expert instruction prepares graduates to become competitive original filmmakers or to pursue advanced graduate research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46848 per year
National fee: USD 44748 per year
Local fee: USD 14606 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum for this competitive programme requires students to complete specific prerequisites before formal admission to the professional track. Modules may include:

Cinema Studies
Moving Image Arts
Film Analysis
Media Theory
Visual Arts
Digital Filmmaking
Film History

Careers with Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts

Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles within the 21st-century media landscape, entering an industry with significant projected growth. Alumni have secured successful positions across the globe, earning prestigious accolades including Emmy awards and Academy Award nominations. The programme provides a strong foundation for diverse professional paths in the creative arts and journalism.

Common career destinations for graduates include:

Videographer
Multimedia Journalist
Film Director
Production Assistant
Film and Video Editor
Television Producer
Film Producer

The department boasts a strong network of alumni who have worked on major productions such as American Horror Story and South Park, as well as those who have transitioned into academic roles at leading institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Form, Structure, and Narrative Analysis

Cinema Studies

Recent International Cinema

Film History

Lights, Camera, Action

Experimental Digital Animation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

122 SCH

122-124

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boulder, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Liberal Arts View 757 other Bachelors in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.3

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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

Application

Application fee ($65 for domestic applicants, $70 for international applicants

Personal Essay (required, 250–650 words)

Letter of recommendation

High school or secondary school transcripts

In addition to the general admission requirements, all international applicants are required to meet a minimum standard 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

46848 USD / year

≈ 46848 USD / year
Out-of-State

44748 USD / year

≈ 44748 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14606 USD / year

≈ 14606 USD / year

Living costs

Boulder

United States

950 - 1350 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 Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts.

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

Boulder

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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