A graduate certificate or diploma (the terms are used interchangeably in North America) in film and film studies denotes specialization in a sub-field or discipline of film gained through intensive graduate-level study. As such, it supplements an already established area of expertise (in film or not related to the field) and adds value to a previously earned Bachelor's or graduate degree. Delivered in various formats from residential to online, graduate certificates in film comprise 4 - 6 courses (typically 12 - 18 credit hours) taken in a prescribed sequence at the graduate level.
The concurrent graduate certificate or diploma in film allows students currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree program in the field to pursue an in-depth exploration of one aspect of their field. For example, a student working towards a Master's in Film with a specialization in Film Making may take the Graduate Certificate in History of Film to augment their expertise.
The stand-alone, direct-entry graduate certificate/diploma program in film provides an opportunity for graduate-level study of theory and research to students who are not interested in pursuing a full graduate degree. This could include professionals with a Bachelor's degree working in the field or anyone who does not have the time or interest in a traditional graduate program in film. Then too, some students who take the stand-alone certificate already have a graduate degree and use their certificate to augment a particular area of interest.
A selection, but not inclusive list, of graduate certificates/diplomas in film includes
Graduate Certificate in Cinema Studies
Graduate Certificate in Documentary Media Studies
Graduate Certificate in Film Studies
Graduate Certificate in Writing for Screen and Television
Graduate Certificate in History of Film
Graduate Certificate in Visual Effects for Film and Television
