For this reason, the 200-level core courses and the 300-level foundation courses are necessary prerequisites to advanced work in the major. Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) courses in cinema are an exception; if the necessary prerequisites have been completed, GWAR courses may be taken concurrently with core or foundation courses, provided the student is an upper-division Cinema major. The School of Cinema enforces the completion of the core courses before enrollment in all other courses. Additional required courses may be taken once 200-level core courses are completed, provided the student is an upper-division cinema major.
Students should be aware that filmmaking is time-consuming and expensive. Although course requirements seldom demand it, students often spend considerable sums of money on their film projects. Production courses require hands-on practice and experience; this necessarily limits the number of students enrolled in such courses.
Acquire basic skills in the critical analysis of films, focused by the analysis of representative film texts from a range of periods and cultures.
Acquire the basic technical skills necessary for cinematic expression (animation, filmmaking, and screenwriting).
The International Year One is the perfect pathway if you want a undergraduate degree from a UK, EU or US University but do not meet the requirements for direct entry.
The IY1 course provides an intensive combination of first year University subject modules with English language skills.
Following successful completion of the IY1 you will continue onto your second year degree study directly with the University of your choice.
Learn more about International Year One| Intake | Admissions Deadline* |
Arrival to SF State |
Program Start Date |
| Fall 2024 | Jul 1, 2024 | Aug 17, 2024 | Aug 19, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | Dec 2, 2024 | Jan 18, 2025 | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | Apr 15, 2025 | PSE: May 28, 2025
UP: Jun 1, 2025 |
PSE: May 29, 2025
UP: Jun 2, 2025 |
*Key dates for PSE and UP are the same except for arrival and program start dates in the Summer 2025 term, which are indicated in the table above.
Pre-Sessional costs vary by term and by the number of terms assigned:
Your invoice total will also include your University Pathway Program Costs.
• IELTS 5.0 Entry: $28,500
• IELTS 5.5 Entry: $26,000
| IELTS Exam Score | Pre-Sessional English # of Terms |
University Pathway # of Terms |
IY1 # of Terms |
Total IY1 Tuition Fees Spring 2024 Intake* |
| 4.0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | $40,490 |
| 4.5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | $34,495 |
| 5.0 | N/A | 2 | 2 | $28,500 |
| 5.5 | N/A | 2 | 2 | $26,000 |
*The tuition list is current for 2024- 2025 and will be subject to increase each year.
*Prices of PSE terms vary for Summer 2025
Applying is easy. Complete the online application form and follow the instructions. If you have any queries please contact us.
Founded in 1889, SF State offers world-class academics, a diverse campus and an incredible location for students.
With around 27,000 students from all over the globe, international students find SF State a truly welcoming community and diverse place to live in.
SF State has been included in the Top 20 colleges nationwide for best location. It was also rated one of the most diverse colleges in America, according to Wall Street Journal’s 2022 College Rankings.
