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BSc Cinematic Arts Degree

Key Fact
  • Program name
    BSc Cinematic Arts Degree
  • Program code
    CA
  • Program Chair
    Dr. Mohamed Ghazala
  • Program length
    4 Years
  • Credit hours
    132

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts (B. Sc.CA) is a pioneering program for students who aspire to pursue higher studies in the fields of film production.  In the higher education landscape of Saudi Arabia, this program stands as the first university degree that graduates qualified professionals to satisfy the market needs for this flourishing industry. Moreover, the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and its renewed and revitalized emphasis on media and entertainment have generated increased demand for creating professional contents in media and film production that inspire the enhancement of a vibrant society.  In this social, economic, and political context, Effat University Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts program is strategically grounded to become a preeminent program not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the entire Gulf Region.  

The program is a professional skill-oriented program that functions in accordance with the best practices in the leading universities in the world.  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 and to contribute to writing the history of film making in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

The Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts (B. Sc.CA) provides two concentrations as follows.

  1. Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts - Film Production and Direction
  2. Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts ​​- Animation

Vision, Mission, and Goals

Vision

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.​

Educational Objectives

  1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of cinematic arts and game design, fostering creative thinking, analytical approaches, and applied research skills to address complex challenges in film production, animation, and game development.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems using critical thinking, technical documentation, and digital tools, while effectively communicating complex ideas across diverse audiences in cinematic arts and game design.
  3. Apply advanced digital, traditional, and AI-driven tools to produce high-quality visual content, including two- and three-dimensional animations, film projects, and game environments that adhere to industry standards.
  4. Exhibit ethical conduct, professional standards, and social responsibility while pursuing personal and professional growth through independent learning and collaboration in diverse teams, contributing to cinematic and interactive media innovation.
  5. Conduct innovative research and conceptualize sustainable development solutions to advance the fields of film production, animation, and game design, driving creativity and societal impact in these disciplines.​

Concentration

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

  1. Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts - Film Production
  2. Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts ​​- Animation

Learning Outcomes

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

Knowledge and Understanding

  1. Examine a broad range of knowledge areas in cinematic arts with an emphasis on developing creative thinking and analytical approaches. (Itqan/NQF20-K1)..
  2. Collect and present information about cinematic arts and related fields from different sources using applied research methodologies. (Itqan/NQF20-K4)​.

Skills

  1. Solve problems deploying critical thinking and the use of technical documentation methods, digital programs, and versatile communication media in the fields of film production and animation. (Itqan/NQF20-S1.3).
  2. Initiate inquiries, conduct critical research investigations, and conceptualize sustainable development solutions for complex issues within film production and animation. (Itqan/NQF20-S1.4).
  3. Utilize a range of digital, traditional, and AI-driven graphic representation tools to create two- and three-dimensional drawings, renderings, and project briefs that meet industry standards and regulations in the fields of film production and animation. (Itqan/NQF20-S2.1).
  4. Communicate effectively to showcase an understanding of theoretical knowledge and the ability to transfer specialized skills and complex ideas to diverse audiences in the fields of film production and animation. (Itqan/NQF20-S3.1).
  5. Deploy a range of standard and specialized digital tools and ICT applications to process and analyze data, supporting and enhancing research and project outcomes in the fields of film production and animation. (Ambassador/NQF20-S3.3).

Values

  1. Demonstrate a commitment to ethical conduct, academic integrity, professional standards, legal responsibilities, social accountability, and civic duties. (Ihsan/NQF20-V1).
  2. Achieve academic or professional growth by evaluating personal learning and performance while independently making decisions about self-improvement and tasks based on solid evidence. (Stewardship/NQF20-V2).
  3. Collaborate collaboratively in diverse teams, taking leadership roles to drive creative project solutions, boost team performance, and enhance both individual and group professional development opportunities. (Stewardship/NQF20-V3).

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts program prepares graduates to be creative managers and skillful professionals in various industry related careers including but not limited to the following​:

  • 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​​​

Graduation Requirements

This section explains in detail the total credit hour requirements and the distribution of credit hours among the general education, core, and concentration requirements. The BSc. CA program requires 132 credits covering 4 years of study (8 semesters).​
  • General Education Requirements: 42
  • Core Requirements: 36
  • Concentration Requirements: 48
  • Elective Requirements: 6
  • TOTAL: 132​​​
Minimum GPA to Graduate = 2.0

Why Study Cinematic Arts at Effat?

Our Cinematic Arts program is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. That means we’re at the forefront of the academic discipline, and you’ll be learning from the best academics that the Kingdom has to offer. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are passionate about developing the country’s cultural offering. 

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. ​​

Study Plan (Animation)

Cinematic Arts - Animation Concentration Study Plan (PDF)

    Freshman Year: Semester 1

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 115
    Fundamentals of Visual Design
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 113
    Introduction to Photography
    None
    2-2-3
  • GCUL 162
    History of Art
    None
    2-2-3
  • GFIL 112
    Fundamentals of Filmmaking and Visual Production II
    None
    2-2-3
  • GMTH 181-A
    Pre- Calculus A (Quantitative Science)
    None
    0-0-3
  • GENG 131
    Advanced English Language Skills & Critical Thinking
    None
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    18
  • Freshman Year: Semester 2

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 110
    Introduction to Animation
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 111
    Freehand Drawing
    None
    0-6-3
  • CINA 118
    Fundamentals of Cinematography
    None
    2-2-3
  • GSTA 181
    Introductory Statistics (Quantitative Reasoning)
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    Computer Science and Technology (Formal Sciences)
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    English Language II
    GENG 131
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    18
  • Sophomore Year: Semester 3

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • ANIM 216
    Writing for Animation
    None
    2-2-3
  • ANIM 217
    History of Animation
    None
    3-0-3
  • ANIM 218
    Character Design Workshop
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 214
    Introduction to Video Editing
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 212
    Introduction to Sound Design
    None
    2-2-3
  • GSEM 100
    Research Seminar
    None
    0-0-2
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    17
  • Sophomore Year: Semester 4

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • ANIM 211
    Storyboarding
    None
    2-2-3
  • ANIM 220
    Landscape & Background
    None
    2-2-3
  • ANIM 210
    2D Digital Animation I
    CINA 110
    2-2-3
  • GAME 230
    Introduction to Game Design
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    Foreign Language I
    None
    0-0-2
  • GISL 121
    Islam and Civil Society (Mandatory)
    None
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    17
  • Junior Year: Semester 5

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • ANIM 321
    Stop Motion Workshop
    CINA 110
    2-2-3
  • ANIM 324
    Introduction to 3D Modelling & Animation
    None
    2-2-3
  • ANIM 323
    2D Digital Animation II
    ANIM 210
    2-2-3
  • CINA 306
    Film Theory and Criticism
    None
    3-0-3
  • Choice
    Physical & Environmental Sciences
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    Arabic Language
    None
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    18
  • Junior Year: Semester 6

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • ANIM 325
    Short Animation Production
    ANIM 211
    2-2-3
  • ANIM 327
    Character Development for 3D Animation and Games
    ANIM 324
    2-2-3
  • GAME 330
    Advanced Game Design
    GAME 230
    2-2-3
  • ANIM 350
    Animation Capstone I
    None
    0-6-3
  • Choice
    Foreign Language II
    None
    0-0-2
  • GSEM 201
    Interdisciplinary Seminar and Research
    None
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    17
  • Summer Session

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 460
    Co-op 1
    85 Credit Hours
    0-0-3
  • Senior Year: Semester 7

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 461
    Co-op 2
    CINA 460
    0-0-9
  • Senior Year: Semester 8

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • ANIM 451
    Animation Capstone II
    ANIM 350
    0-6-3
  • Choice
    Technical Elective (1)
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    Technical Elective (2)
    None
    0-0-3
  • ANIM 420
    Visual Effects
    None
    2-2-3
  • Choice
    Social Structure and Global Awareness II
    None
    3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    15


    Technical Electives

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 216
    Principles of Interactivity
    GFIL 112
    2-2-3
  • CINA 331
    Special Topics
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 332
    Commercial Photography
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 433
    Advanced Post Production
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 434
    Set Design
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 435
    Adaptation for Film
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 436
    Marketing and Distribution
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 437
    Music Appreciation
    None
    2-2-3​

Study Plan (Film Production)

Cinematic Arts - Film Production Concentration Study Plan (PDF)

    Freshman Year: Semester 1

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 115
    Fundamentals of Visual Design
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 113
    Introduction to Photography
    None
    2-2-3
  • GCUL 162
    History of Art
    None
    2-2-3
  • GFIL 112
    Fundamentals of Filmmaking and Visual Production II
    None
    2-2-3
  • GMTH 181-A
    Pre- Calculus A (Quantitative Science)
    None
    0-0-3
  • GENG 131
    Advanced English Language Skills & Critical Thinking
    None
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    18
  • Freshman Year: Semester 2

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 110
    Introduction to Animation
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 111
    Freehand Drawing
    None
    0-6-3
  • CINA 118
    Fundamentals of Cinematography
    None
    2-2-3
  • GSTA 181
    Introductory Statistics (Quantitative Reasoning)
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    Computer Science and Technology (Formal Sciences)
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    English Language II
    GENG 131
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    18
  • Sophomore Year: Semester 3

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • FILM 210
    Fundamentals of Screenwriting
    None
    2-2-3
  • FILM 211
    Lighting for Film and TV
    CINA 118
    2-2-3
  • CINA 214
    Introduction to Video Editing
    None
    2-2-3
  • FILM 220
    History of Film
    None
    3-0-3
  • CINA 212
    Introduction to Sound Design
    None
    2-2-3
  • GSEM 100
    Research Seminar
    None
    0-0-2
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    17
  • Sophomore Year: Semester 4

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • FILM 230
    Introduction to Television Production
    GFIL 112
    2-2-3
  • FILM 212
    Advanced Cinematography
    CINA 118
    2-2-3
  • FILM 213
    Practicum in Producing
    GFIL 112
    2-2-3
  • FILM 214
    Directing and Acting
    FILM 210
    2-2-3
  • Choice
    Foreign Language I
    None
    0-0-2
  • GISL 121
    Islam and Civil Society (Mandatory)
    None
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    17
  • Junior Year: Semester 5

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • FILM 310
    Intermediate Film Production
    FILM 210
    2-2-3
  • FILM 311
    Introduction to Art Direction
    FILM 210
    2-2-3
  • CINA 306
    Film Theory and Criticism
    None
    3-0-3
  • FILM 320
    Practicum in Writing Short Films
    None
    2-2-3
  • Choice
    Arabic Language
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    Physical & Environmental Sciences
    None
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    18
  • Junior Year: Semester 6

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • FILM 321
    Documentary Production
    CINA 118, CINA 212
    2-2-3
  • FILM 330
    Advanced Television Production
    FILM 230
    2-2-3
  • FILM 312
    Advanced Sound Design
    None
    0-0-3
  • FILM 350
    Film Production Capstone I
    None
    0-6-3
  • Choice
    Foreign Language II
    None
    0-0-2
  • GSEM 201
    Interdisciplinary Seminar and Research
    GSEM 100
    0-0-3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    17
  • Summer Session

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 460
    Co-op 1
    85 Credit Hours
    0-0-3
  • Senior Year: Semester 7

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 461
    Co-op 2
    CINA 460
    0-0-9
  • Senior Year: Semester 8

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • FILM 451
    Film Production​Capstone II
    FILM 350
    0-6-3
  • Choice
    Technical Elective (1)
    None
    0-0-3
  • Choice
    Technical Elective (2)
    None
    0-0-3
  • FILM 422
    Post-Production for Film and TV
    None
    2-2-3
  • Choice
    Social Structure and Global Awareness II
    None
    3
  • Total Credit Hours:
     
     
    15


    Technical Electives

  • Course Code
    Course Name
    Pre-requisite
    Credit Hours
  • CINA 216
    Principles of Interactivity
    GFIL 112
    2-2-3
  • CINA 331
    Special Topics
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 332
    Commercial Photography
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 433
    Advanced Post Production
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 434
    Set Design
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 435
    Adaptation for Film
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 436
    Marketing and Distribution
    None
    2-2-3
  • CINA 437
    Music Appreciation
    None
    2-2-3​

Fact Sheet

​​ ​

 






Professional Certifications

Professional Certification by TOON BOOM in Story Boarding​​​

Effat University has officially become a Toon Boom Centre of Excellence.

Our animation program is the only program recognized from Toon Boom Animation in the region.

Toon Boom animation is the worldwide leader in animation solutions and story boarding. It has 87% of the animation industry and educational institute's market share.

https://www.toonboom.com/education/centers-of-excellence



Admissions
High-School Percentage
Science Section
80%
Art Section
80%
Qudurat *(SAT)
65%
Math
Cut-Score
60%
One of the Following Placement Tests
iBT TOEFL
53
LNGT
162
IELTS
5.5
Additional Department Requirement
Interview
Required
Contact Information
Program Chair
Tel.+966 122137946
Assistants
Tel.+966 122137907  

    FAQs

    Program Accreditations and Partnerships

    Our qualifications are recognised globally, so you can study safe in the knowledge that wherever your path may lead, you have the whole wide world to choose from.


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