Bachelor of Film Arts Course Requirements at Open Window
Open Window Institute · Film Arts
The Bachelor of Film Arts is a bachelor's Degree offered by Open Window for 2027 learners, taking 3 years full-time (up to 6 years maximum) to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Bachelor of Film Arts at Open Window
- National Senior Certificate with a pass that allows entry to bachelor's degree study, or an equivalent NC(V) or Senior Certificate result
- At least 55% for English
- A portfolio of three creative works in any discipline
- All applicants go through Open Window's admissions vetting process
- International applicants must contact admissions for guidance and need a SAQA evaluation of their school qualification
- Applicants who do not meet the formal requirements may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (a limited number of places)
About this course
The Bachelor of Film Arts (SAQA ID 94670, NQF 7, 360 credits) is Open Window's degree for storytellers who want to work in film, television and other screen media. It is aimed at future scriptwriters, directors and producers, sound designers, production designers and screen actors.
How the degree is structured:
- Year 1: the three compulsory subjects shared by all Open Window degrees, Academic Practice, Drawing and Narrative, and Media Perspectives, plus four choice subjects from Film and Television, Screen Acting, Production Design, Screenwriting and Sound Design.
- Year 2: Research Foundation and Moving Image Theory, together with one or two majors chosen from your first-year subjects and a focus area such as cinematography, editing or creative writing. Work-integrated learning is part of the programme.
- Year 3: Professional Practice and Moving Image Theory, plus advanced production work in your major and a graduate portfolio or showreel.
You can take a single major or a double major. Narrative is the thread running through every discipline, and students collaborate on productions across majors, much as crews do in the industry. Classes combine hands-on studio and set work with live online sessions, in line with Open Window's hybrid teaching model.
Graduates can continue to the BA Honours in Visual Communication (with a film specialisation) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Film Arts
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Good sign: Book or Script Editor appears on South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand, a Department of Higher Education and Training analysis of employer hiring activity. Employers have been reporting real recruitment pressure for this role, which generally works in your favour once you’ve completed Bachelor of Film Arts.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Open Window. Ask Open Window directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Open Window’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with Open Window and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Start by booking a session with an Open Window student advisor, then submit certified copies of your ID and latest results and pay the R1 750 non-refundable application fee. Complete the application form and your portfolio, after which your application is vetted and you receive an acceptance letter. Secure your place by paying the R12 000 registration fee and completing the online registration form. Places are limited, so apply early for the January intake.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Open Window Institute’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Open Window Institute.
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.openwindow.co.za/film-arts-degree/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Open Window Institute before applying.