of a postgraduate course with master's degree in Screenwriting in 1985, followed by the construction of the undergraduate program on Film Theories in 1987. Further postgraduate courses for Ph.D. students in Screenwriting were set up in 2004. Academics The academy offers associate, bachelor, and master's degrees in many areas of film. BFA offers courses in script writing, film theory, film directing, film and television production, film acting, film and television art design, advertisements, animations, sound art, cinematography, photography, and entertainment management. Courses other than the undergraduate and postgraduate studies are also offered. These are: Correspondence courses Night school courses Vocational courses Schools and departments Presently, there are nine schools that make up the Beijing Film Academy: Management School International Studies School Continuing Education School Audio-Visual Arts and Communication School Animation School Photography School Fine Arts School Sound School Performing Arts School The eight departments and their twelve associated specialities are: Department of Film and TV technology/Digital Media Institute Digital film and television technology Film and television technology Film and television technology Department of Film directing Film directing Department of Film Theory Film studies Department of Management Film production management and distribution Department of Photography Cinematography Department of Screenwriting and Cinema Studies Film screenwriting Department of Sound Recording Basic Education Admissions The admission rate at Beijing Film Academy is one of the lowest in the country, as well as globally. Admission is extremely competitive. Over 40,000 students apply annually to participate in entrance exams. Only 400-500 students are accepted. The majority of the admissions process takes place in February and March. The entrance examinations include subject tests as well as the National Humanities Examination. Prospective acting majors usually have the most intense competition. International students looking to study at Beijing Film Academy may apply through the International Training Center. In 2013, the Academy will conduct its first undergraduate film production program in English. This program will be conducted by the Cinematography department with a focus on cinematography, directing and post-production. Notable alumni For over forty years, graduates of the Beijing Film Academy have won national and international acclaim for their contributions to film and television. Their notable alumni include directors, producers, screenwriters, as well as actors and actresses. The majority of famous recent graduates are actors and actresses, as well as a few directors. BFA's older famous graduates mostly consist of fourth-generation, fifth-generation, and sixth-generation directors. The most well-known fourth-generation directors