University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This Bachelor of Arts with a Screen Studies major blends screen history and theory with hands-on production and contemporary media analysis. The program covers the aesthetics, industries and social contexts of cinema, television and new screen forms, while offering practical units that teach storytelling, basic cinematography, editing and sound work.

• Core theoretical units — film and television history, screen theory, genre studies, national and global cinema, documentary studies and representation on screen.
• Practical and technical units — introductory screen production, screenwriting, camera and lighting basics, editing and post-production workflows, sound for screen, and short-form production projects.
• Contemporary and digital topics — television and seriality, streaming platforms and industry trends, interactive and transmedia storytelling, and digital distribution.
• Research and capstone — final-year research projects or production capstones that allow you to undertake an extended analytical essay, an original short film, or a multi-platform media project.

The degree structure allows you to combine screen studies with other arts disciplines such as creative writing, media studies, history, sociology or languages. There is also an Honours year or honours pathway for students who wish to undertake supervised research after completing the undergraduate component.

Entry requirements

Entry is normally via completion of a recognised secondary school qualification with a competitive selection rank (such as ATAR or equivalent). Applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's general admission criteria and demonstrate satisfactory English language proficiency if their prior study was not in English.

• School leavers — admission on the basis of a school leaving certificate and selection rank; specific prerequisite subjects are not usually required for the Screen Studies major, though competence in English is expected.
• International applicants — entry by equivalent secondary qualification and meeting the University's English language requirements (for example IELTS, TOEFL or other accepted tests).
• Mature-age and pathway applicants — alternative entry routes, including recognition of prior learning, vocational education pathways and portfolio or interview-based admission processes where applicable.

Some practical units assume no prior production experience because foundational training is provided; however, applicants with previous creative media experience, study or a portfolio may find it beneficial for selection into competitive electives or honours.

Career prospects

Graduates of Screen Studies develop analytical, critical and creative skills that are applicable across cultural and creative industries as well as in broader communication roles. Typical career paths include:

• Film and television production roles (assistant producer, production coordinator, researcher)
• Scriptwriting and development for screen and online platforms
• Editing, post-production support, and technical roles in smaller production teams
• Programming and curation for film festivals, cinemas and cultural institutions
• Media analyst, critic or journalist specialising in screen culture
• Public relations, communications and content creation roles in arts organisations and cultural policy bodies
• Further study leading to research, academic or specialised industry roles (Honours, Masters or PhD)

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a humanities-focused approach to Screen Studies that emphasises critical enquiry alongside practical skill development. Students benefit from a broad arts curriculum, opportunities to cross-skill in related disciplines, and supervision by academics who publish and teach in film, television and media studies.

• Interdisciplinary teaching in a research-led university environment, enabling combinations with history, creative writing, languages and social sciences.
• Access to practical learning: editing suites, screening opportunities and small-scale production projects integrated within units.
• Industry engagement opportunities and pathways into local and national screen networks through festivals, events and guest practitioner sessions.
• Clear progression routes to honours and postgraduate research for students interested in deepening academic expertise in screen scholarship or pursuing specialised careers.