BA in Filmmaking

Telling stories is a fundamental part of being human, and filmmaking is the predominant storytelling medium of our age. We provide you with the tools and knowledge to tell the stories that are important to you.

Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of construction.

About the study

The BA in Filmmaking is a 180-ECTS course of study intended for those who have already completed a secondary education, express an interest or talent in visual storytelling, and wish to become professional filmmakers or go on to study at the postgraduate level.

While the programme places special emphasis on key creative roles, it also provides wide-ranging education across six traditional filmmaking disciplines – directing, screenwriting, producing, cinematography, editing, and sound. It’s primarily a programme in narrative filmmaking, with some training in documentary.

In addition to providing students with the skills and tools to tell their stories in film, the programme aims to foster creative collaboration across disciplines, encourage students to think critically about the development of their work and the art form, and nurture the giving and receiving of constructive criticism at all levels.

The programme also promotes responsible and sustainable practices in filmmaking and embraces new challenges brought by emerging technologies.

Study structure

The BA in Filmmaking is a three-year programme. In the first year, all students take the same courses, and each student authors a series of exercises designed to teach fundamentals across six traditional filmmaking disciplines.

Students begin the second year by making short documentaries. The rest of the year is focused on the making of each student’s first proper narrative short. Along the way, each student begins to define their own path through a series of focused electives.

In the third year, students get real-world experience in the form of a traineeship, research and write a BA Thesis, make their BA Project, and begin to prepare for life after graduation.

After graduation

At the end of their studies, students will have broad, foundational knowledge and practice across the six traditional filmmaking disciplines, plus further experience in their chosen specialization. They will have the tools necessary to enter the field or pursue postgraduate education in filmmaking.

Applications are submitted electronically through the application portal. 
Note: All required fields must be completed, requested documents uploaded, the application fee paid, and the application confirmed. 

• Certified copies of diplomas (photocopies are not accepted), stamped by the issuing institution, along with a scanned academic transcript, must be uploaded. 
• If supporting documents are incomplete, applicants will be notified by email and given an opportunity to amend their application.
• Applicants will receive confirmation once the electronic application is valid.
• If the number of applicants meeting the admission criteria for a study programme falls below the minimum threshold, the programme will not be offered for the upcoming academic year. Applicants will be informed of this as soon as possible, and the registration fee will be refunded if it has already been paid.

An admissions committee made up of professionals from the filmmaking field and/or teachers at the film arts department reviews all applications from applicants who meet the department's admissions criteria.

The following documents must be included with the application for a bachelor's degree in filmmaking