Bachelor of Screen Arts – BSA
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
The Bachelor of Screen Arts (BSA) is not just a degree – it’s an integral part of the new National Academy of Screen Arts. You’ll be immersed in a world-class screen arts environment, with access to cutting-edge production tools, in-demand technologies, and industry-connected mentors who know how to turn creativity into a career.
Year 1: Explore & create
Your journey begins with hands-on experiences across the screen arts. You’ll explore world-building, character creation, and narrative through a range of media—animation, AI, filmmaking, gaming, asset creation and documentary. This is your chance to experiment, discover your strengths, and ignite your creative spark.
Year 2: Dive deep
In your second year, you’ll focus on your chosen medium. Animators, gamers, VFX artists, and creative tech students work with cutting-edge tools like VR headsets, performance capture, and one of the largest permanent virtual volumes in Aotearoa. Filmmakers and documentarians refine their craft in sound, camera, directing, screenwriting, and production design. Many projects are client-based, helping you build a real-world portfolio as your personal creative voice begins to shine.
Year 3: Make it real
You’ll lead a year-long capstone project, collaborating with your peers and working alongside industry professionals. From brainstorming to final cut, you’ll experience every phase of the production cycle—and come out with a calling card to start your career.
Throughout the three years, you’ll be supported by Professional Culture courses. You’ll explore how your role as a creative maker fits within your specific industry, gaining a clear understanding of how the sector operates. You’ll learn how to pitch ideas, navigate feedback with confidence and develop the professional skills essential to step into the creative workforce after graduation.
Learn from industry professionals
The Bachelor of Screen Arts is taught by people who know the industry, including current and former staff of Wētā FX, Wētā Workshop, Paramount Pictures, Disney, Universal Studios, Park Road Post, TVNZ, PikPok, SKY, A44 Games and the BBC.
Get the full picture
Further study
Extend your study and work on an independent research project in the Bachelor of Screen Arts with Honours or take a creative product or idea to market in the Master of Screen Arts.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification other than those required to study at university. Once you have applied and enrolled we encourage you to book a Creative Review to ensure you are on the right track.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
About the provider
Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa is a leading New Zealand university, world-renowned for unique practical qualifications, ground-breaking research, and online courses.
Each year over 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries find a warm welcome at Massey. We are ranked in the top 250 universities in the world by QS World Rankings and have a well-established reputation for academic leadership, research excellence and innovative teaching.