Film Studies (BA) + Vancouver Film School Diploma

Laurier’s unique partnership with the Vancouver Film School (VFS) allows you to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies and a VFS diploma in just four years. Spend years 1 and 2 at Laurier, year 3 immersed in hands-on training at VFS, and return to Laurier for year 4.

Located in Vancouver (also known as Hollywood North), VFS is internationally recognized for excellence in film, TV, animation and digital design. With industry-grade facilities and mentorship from award-winning professionals, the Laurier-VFS pathway offers the perfect blend of academic study and real-world creative experience to launch your career in the entertainment industry.

student on set with green screen background

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete, and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Dual Degree Advantage
    Secure both an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film Studies from Laurier and a diploma from the Vancouver Film School in just four years. Maintain a minimum 5.0 GPA at Laurier to guarantee your spot at the prestigious Vancouver Film School.
  • Unique Learning Experiences
    Enjoy rich perspectives on both Canadian and international cinema and develop your skills through practical training by taking hands-on editing or animation courses. 
  • A Dynamic Curriculum
    While at Laurier, delve into film history and national cinemas through diverse introductory and advanced courses. Engage with a wide range of theories and genres, as well as industry courses on the business of film and film fandom, film practice courses in video editing and screenwriting.
  • Hands-On Learning in Film
    While you’re at the Vancouver Film School, choose one of five exciting diploma options.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more):

  • Showcase Your Work
    During your time at Laurier, share your ideas at the Undergraduate Film Symposium, where you can present your work and connect with fellow film enthusiasts. Get involved beyond the classroom through partnerships with Kitchener-Waterloo’s Multicultural Cinema Club and the Grand River Film Festival, gaining real-world experience and building connections in the local film industry.
  • Blend Storytelling and Skill
    Combine hands-on training in film production, writing, or acting with a strong academic foundation in Film Studies, giving you the creative edge and critical insight needed to thrive in the entertainment industry.
  • Step Into the Heart of Hollywood North
    Opened in 2014, the Vancouver Film School campus sits just steps from Vancouver’s top film studios and is surrounded by cafés, historic architecture, and creative energy. Inside, you'll find industry-grade facilities including a massive 280-degree green screen studio, nine fully equipped shooting studios, advanced editing suites, and a 72-seat surround-sound screening theatre designed to bring your stories to life.

Courses, Options and Pathways

Schedule and Courses

Program Options

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term) or May (spring term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; the destination matters. Let us help you get set up for a meaningful career.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • author/screenwriter
  • director/cinematographer
  • film editor
  • film producer
  • post-production technician
  • script supervisor/writer
  • web series production

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

student-business-lecture-banner.jpg

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

Attend all your classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses.

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?