New Zealand is an attractive destination for film studies due to its vibrant and unique film industry, global reputation for innovation in film-making and its natural beauty. There is presence of companies known for their cutting edge visual effects and production design. They also offer unparalleled opportunities for learning and collaboration.
New Zealand has stunning locations with lush forests, amazing beaches and mountains masking it attractive for international filmmakers. There is a practical approach to learning in New Zealand and this makes sure students gain hands on experience in areas such as cinematography, directing, production and editing. Many programs are collaborative with local film-industry to give students study in New Zealand with real-world projects. Because of its multicultural and diverse environment, New Zealand fosters encouraging and diverse perspectives and storytelling. Here’s a comprehensive list of university that provide film programs
- Massey University
- University of Otago
- SAE institute Auckland
Massey University
The Film Production major within the Bachelor of Screen Arts with Honours degree offers a comprehensive and immersive education in the art of visual storytelling, preparing students to become well-rounded filmmakers. Through this major, students will gain essential skills in developing, producing, and delivering cinematic narratives, while also cultivating their ability to collaborate effectively with other creative professionals. The program is designed not only to enhance technical proficiency but also to nurture students’ creative visions and leadership abilities within the film industry.
Students will have access to industry-standard production equipment, giving them hands-on experience with the latest filmmaking tools, such as high-definition cameras, professional lighting setups, sound recording gear, and editing software. Furthermore, the program allows students to work in specialised film crew roles on their own creative projects, providing them with real-world exposure and invaluable industry insight. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical learning, ensuring that students study in New Zealand can apply their skills in dynamic environments, simulating the demands of professional production settings.
Course Structure
The Film Production major is comprised of 180 credits, structured across a combination of compulsory modules, electives, and project-based work. These courses provide a well-rounded foundation in film production, covering the technical, creative, and managerial aspects of the filmmaking process.
The Film Production major offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to guide students through every stage of filmmaking. The program begins with an introduction to film production, where students with New Zealand study visa learn the basics of filmmaking, followed by film production, which immerses them in hands-on experience with equipment and production techniques. Students then engage in a film project, where they apply their skills to create original works. As they progress, they work on major project development, honing their ability to develop and pitch large-scale film ideas. The screen arts major project allows students to bring these ideas to fruition, culminating in a significant piece of original work. Students also explore production planning and development, gaining practical skills in logistics, budgeting, and scheduling, before tackling more complex tasks in advanced production, where they refine their skills and manage more intricate production challenges. This structured approach ensures students are well-prepared for all aspects of professional film production.
In addition to the core modules, students with New Zealand student visa have the option to pursue a minor in a related area of study. A minor typically consists of 60 credits and can be chosen after consultation with the student advisory team. Minors provide students with the flexibility to explore interdisciplinary interests and broaden their academic portfolio. While optional, selecting a minor offers students the opportunity to diversify their skills and knowledge base, demonstrating versatility and expanding their professional opportunities.
University of Otago
The Film and Media major challenges students to critically examine how media shapes society, culture, and individual perceptions. The program is designed to prepare students with New Zealand study visa to engage thoughtfully and creatively in a media-saturated world, equipping them with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professional fields. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary, innovative, and hands-on learning, students are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives, enhancing both personal and professional growth.
The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of key areas such as the influence of audio-visual technologies on shaping reality, the historical development of film and media, and the ongoing impact of various media forms on global cultures. The Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies offers a strong foundation in media analysis, theory, and production, which gradually progresses into more specialized and critical areas of study. This approach ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in the history and theory of media, but also equipped to navigate and critically engage with its evolving landscape in the future.
Course structure
In the first year, students are introduced to core concepts through foundational courses such as Screen Form and Culture, and Media, Power, Society. In the second year, students expand their knowledge through Theory of Film and Media, which delves into the critical theories shaping the study of film and media. They also choose two additional courses that build on the skills and insights gained in the first year. Alternatively, one of these courses can be substituted with options from other disciplines like Asian Studies, Anthropology, or Gender Studies, broadening the scope of their academic exploration.
In the third year, students engage with advanced issues in the field through a course focused on Critical Problems in Film and Media. Similar to the second year, one of these courses can be replaced with offerings from other disciplines, such as Gender Studies, Political Science, Asian Studies, or Anthropology, further enhancing the interdisciplinary nature of the program.
This flexible structure ensures that students with New Zealand student visa not only gain expertise in Film and Media Studies but also develop a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education.
SAE Institute Auckland
In the bachelor of Screen production, students are taught understanding pre-production, production and post production. They get to use a range of production equipment, techniques and technology and learn more about Screenwriting and Storyboarding. Critical, Conceptual and reflective thinking, creativity and originality are valued the most and it is made sure students are encouraged to put forward perspectives that enrich those. Research Skills, Directing and Producing Editing Motion and Sound are also taught in this program. The strong industry connections of the institute ensure students graduate with the latest industry skills and have competitive insight into opportunities after graduation.
The projects usually are collaborative project-based course as the institute is output focused and interested in developing the students’ craft. That’s why at SAE students will be in the studio in small classes working on industry-driven projects and they will have opportunities to collaborate with songwriters, sound designers, music producers and other film makers.
They will learn using state of the art equipment and editing suites like using industry-standard film equipment and software, including BlackMagic, Sony and Canon cameras, DaVinci Resolve colour grading software, Avid, Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. This is so because experts in their field, the Film lecturers have extensive industry experience, connections and often a long list of film achievements.
Course Structure
There are various core modules that students need to follow, the Professional Practice course provides students with an opportunity to develop transferable skills through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and collaborative client projects. Students will gain 40 hours of professional industry placement while engaging in roles that involve mentoring and evaluating less experienced student groups. Through peer review and the Transferable Skills Framework, students enhance their employability skills. A Tuakana-Teina mentorship program pairs senior and junior students to foster leadership, cultural understanding, and collaboration within the creative community.
In the Creative Screen Specialisation, students select a topic in screen production for in-depth study and research, working on collaborative projects that involve hands-on creative practice. The Te Ao Māori course encourages students to critically engage with the cultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand, where they produce an audio-visual project reflecting Māori values and significance.
Students also participate in Screen Collaboration: Aotearoa, where they explore the history and current state of New Zealand cinema and create a screen production that addresses a cultural aspect of the country. This is a collaborative project with assigned roles, deadlines, and deliverables.
In the Fundamental Project Design course, students work on collaborative briefs, receiving feedback from peers and industry professionals, and proceed to the Fundamental Project Production phase, where they develop and deliver creative, research-based screen projects under guided supervision. This comprehensive approach ensures hands-on experience and industry readiness.
Job Prospects after Studying Filmmaking in New Zealand
Graduates are well-prepared for careers across a range of roles within the film and screen industries. They are equipped for diverse careers in the film and media industry, including roles such as director, producer, cinematographer, editor, sound designer, and screenwriter. With practical experience using industry-standard equipment and real-world exposure, they are well-prepared for positions in production management, digital media, and independent filmmaking and can pursue careers as media analysts, film critics, screenwriters, and in fields like advertising, public relations, and content creation, leveraging their deep understanding of media theory and cultural impact. They can also enter screen production roles, such as director, producer, editor, and sound designer, with strong industry connections and hands-on project experience. They are well-prepared for careers in film studios, television, independent production, and digital content creation, with opportunities to also start their own ventures.
West Highlander Immigration
For a higher chance of success in obtaining a New Zealand visa and to gain insights into Film Studies opportunities in the country, it is advisable to consult with a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), Ms. Parwinder Kaur, at West Highlander. With over 19 years of experience, West Highlander offers transparent and reliable services to help individuals achieve their dreams of studying abroad. Our expert guidance ensures a smooth application process and provides valuable information on various study options, including Film Studies in New Zealand. Reach out to us for professional advice tailored to your specific needs.