The first theatre faculty in Romania begins its activity in 1834 within the Philharmonic School.
A Faculty of Stage Direction opens in 1948 within the Romanian Art Institute – at that time (1948-1950), the center of all Romanian higher education in the arts.
1950 sees the founding of both the Institute for Film and the Institute for Theatre I. L. Caragiale (named after the classic Romanian playwright). In 1954, the two institutions merge into the Institute of Theatre and Film I.L. Caragiale (IATC). The Institute will function under this name until 1990, when it will become the Academy of Theatre and Film (ATF) – the only such school in Romania to enjoy a ranking equal to that of a university, as well as international recognition.
Since 1990, the Academy of Theatre and Film has undergone a continuous reform process. New specializations have been added,such as Audiovisual Communication and Multimedia: Sound-Editing (both at the Film Faculty), Puppets-Marionettes, Choreography and Scenography (at the Theatre Faculty). The number of students has gone up, while the curricula and study programs have been continuously improved and diversified.
In 1998, the Academy of Theatre and Film became the University of Theatre and Film I.L. Caragiale (UATC). In 2001, it became the National University of Theatre and Film I.L. Caragiale (UNATC)
UNATC is one of the most prestigious film and theatre schools globally with students and alumni with great international accomplishments like festival Awards ranging from Cannes to Berlin or Sundance or Avignon. UNATC is providing regularly new educational programs coordinated with the international and national development of the fields.
UNATC develops research and innovation in digital interaction and applicative neuroscience in the field of performative arts at the CINETic international research centre. The centre has state of the art capabilities for research and production.
The university is located in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania providing access to a vibrant and rich cultural scene and the strong universitary life.
