BSc Cinematic Arts Degree

​​​​​​​​The Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts (BScCA) is a pioneering program for students who aspire to pursue higher studies in the fields of cinematography, film and media production.  In the higher education landscape of Saudi Arabia, this program stands as the first and only university degree that graduates qualified professionals to satisfy the market needs for the flourishing cinematic arts industry. 

The Kingdom's Vision for 2030 and its renewed and revitalized emphasis on media and entertainment has generated increased demand for creating professional content in media and film production that inspires the enhancement of a vibrant society.  In this social, economic, and political context, Effat University’s Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts program is strategically grounded to become a pre-eminent program, not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the entire Gulf Region. 

The Cinematic Arts degree program is a professional skill-oriented program that functions in accordance with the best practices of the world’s leading universities offering cinematic arts, cinematography and media degree programs. In order to create a balance between skills and theories, the program incorporates a foundational background in the history of cinematic arts, structures of the film and media industry, functions and effects of the media, law and ethics related to cinematic arts, film analysis and criticism, and media research and marketing. The primary goal of the program is to offer an up to date curriculum in the rapidly changing field of media and cinematic arts equipping students with the necessary skills to contribute to the history of film making in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Region. ​​

Students on the BSc Cinematic Arts course are able to choose one of two concentrations for their Cinematic Arts degree program. These concentrations are: Animation and Film Production and Direction. This allows students to focus on their preferred area of the cinematic arts industry, helping to prepare them for a future career in film and media production.

At the early years of your academic journey at Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts, you will take General Education Program (GEP), attributed to the Liberal Arts – an American style education. The (GEP) covers arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technological studies to help you gain insight into varied critical learning skills, investigate essential branches of knowledge, and develop appreciation of diversity and change across time, culture, and national boundaries. ​​

To lead the Saudi Cinematic Arts education and excel globally​

Mission​

The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) program educates and inspires unique individuals to transform the future entertainment industry locally and globally by interweaving Effat University Core Values into innovative research and creative practices​. ​

Goals

1. Enhance the Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts Program's national and international recognition by strengthening its presence through the active contribution to the output of national and international media and film industry in correspondence with the program vision and mission to help attain its strategic plan goals while keeping track of their achievement progress.
2. Provide an ethical work environment that is conducive to transparency, pro and seek and obtain national and international accreditation and ranking.
3. Sustain academic excellence by providing high quality education in media and filmmaking that balances between theory and practice and encourage students to be creative and innovative while keeping to their ethics and values.
4. Attract and retain students who will graduate as highly skilled professionals in the fields of production, screenwriting, animation and interactive media as future entrepreneurs and agents of change.
5. Attract and retain highly qualified professional faculty in the areas of media and film –making and provide faculty and students with state-of–the-art learning resources to ensure having a successful teaching, learning and research environment.
6. Provide faculty and students with state-of–the-art classrooms, labs and other facilities and equipment to ensure having a successful teaching, learning and research environment.
   
7. Develop a vibrant research community in the field of the cinematic arts that correspond to current needs and help create innovative ideas in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.
8. Foster the culture of service at the Cinematic Art Program by collaborating with national and international partners to expand the community impacts through different modes of learning and training.​
   

The main educational objective of the Cinematic Arts degree program is to be at the forefront of preparing graduates who would produce and direct films, animations, and screenplays for Saudi Arabia and for the entire Middle East region. The curriculum has a balanced approach in teaching Cinematic Arts courses with a proper grounding in media theories and principles, research and ethics, and social and global responsibility.

Graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts Program (B.Sc.CA) are expected to engage nationally and globally within a few years of graduation as:

1. ​Qualified filmmakers, screenwriters, and animators.
2. Independent and innovative content designers with the ability to identify problems and provide solutions in cinematic arts industries.
3. Leaders who will inspire others in the cinematic arts industries.
4. Technically competent designers with strong fundamental understanding and ability to adapt to any pre and post-production workflow.

5. Graduates with inquiring minds who are able to create competitive intellectual property to stimulate the growth of the cinematic arts industry in KSA.​​​​​​​​​
   

​​The Cinematic Arts program has two areas of concentration:​​​

1. Animation
   
2. Film Production and Direction​​
   

By completing the Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts Program, students will be able to:​

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Apply theoretical, critical, and historical concepts when making style choices and in referencing or analyzing the medium of cinema.
2. Achieve critical awareness and creative practice with various forms of visual storytelling, and modes of production, distribution, and exhibition.
3. Apply a broadly interdisciplinary approach to demonstrate the role and history of film in society.

Skills

4. Acquire competence in various forms of audiovisual media.
5. Demonstrate competency in discussing the ways in which film is influenced and shaped by individuals, movements, institutions, and technologies with local and global dimensions.
6. Employ theoretical and disciplinary tools in the analysis and assessment of film.
7. Develop an understanding of the industry as a whole by executing all components of development, pre-production, production, and post-production.
8. Develop cinematic work based upon aesthetic, cultural, and entertainment values in society.
9. Identify the formal and stylistic elements of film language and terminology and analyze the ways in which this language constructs meaning and ideology.

10. Develop communication skills through presentation of film themes and aesthetics in essays and in public discussions.
    

Values

11. Acquire industry practices by identifying the stakeholders and various markets within the film, broadcast and related media industries, and complying with legal and ethical standards related to the film and broadcast industries.
12. Prepare a career plan based upon critical self-reflection and employer/placement feedback.

13. Work collaboratively with a team to translate a prepared script into a coherent dramatic film, documentary or television production, following industry practice.​
    

The Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts program prepares graduates to be creative managers and skillful professionals for the following fields:

• Film production
• Television production
• Animation Production
• Game Development
• Art and Creative Direction
• Copywriting
• Interactive media
• Journalism and Media
• Social Media Content
• Advertisement Industry
• Screenwriting for TV and film
• Media Analysis and Criticism
• Media Content Development
• Digital Storytelling
• Media Education​​​
  

• General Education Requirements: 42
• Core Requirements: 45
• Concentration Requirements: 36
• Elective Requirements: 9
• College Core MATH Requirements: 0
• Free Electives: 0
• TOTAL: 132​​​

Not only that, Effat University is a great place to make new friends. We have many social spaces available on campus, including cafés. We also have a state-of-the-art library where you can study together, and a sports center where you can relax and unwind with some exercise. 

Our university also has partnerships with worldwide organizations. As a result, you’ll be able to broaden your horizons and open yourself up to new perspectives. With a focus on extracurricular activities, too, you’ll receive a well-rounded university education. ​​

Cinematic Arts - Film Production and Direction Concentration Study​ Plan (PDF)

Animation Electives: 9 Credit Hours​

​All Animation​​​ students, in consultation with their academic advisor, must complete 9 credit hours from the approved list of technical electives below:​​​

Film Direction and Production Electives: 9 Credit Hours​

​All Film Direction and Production​​ students, in consultation with their academic advisor, must complete 9 credit hours from the approved list of technical electives below:​​

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