The Design Village MA in Digital Film Making and Recording Arts Admission 2024-25, Last Date To Apply, Year Wise Comparison for Students Placed, FAQs

MA in Film Studies About

MA Film Studies is a 2 year long postgraduate course. It is generally studied by the candidates who want to know about the history of Indian and world cinema, learn about the various forms and techniques of cinematography, etc. Most importantly, MA Film Studies candidates will be trained to critically analyse a cinematic piece through different aspects. To be eligible for MA Film Studies, a candidate should be a graduate in any stream from a recognised institute or university. The minimum required aggregate marks ranges between 45-55%, and varies with colleges. The admission is mostly granted on the basis of marks scored in the last qualifying examination. Very rarely, the colleges may also conduct written examinations. However, most colleges conduct a Group Discussion and Personal Interview round before final selection. The candidates completing MA Film Studies get multiple employment options. They can work as Bloggers, Editors in Film Magazines, Film Critics, Script Writers, Production Managers, and many other roles.

MA in Film Studies Course Highlights

MA in Film Studies Duration

The MA in Film Studies course duration is two years.

MA in Film Studies Eligibility Criteria

• The candidates should be a graduate from a recognised university. They can be from any stream. 
• The minimum required marks in graduation varies between 45% to 55%.
• Some colleges grant direct admissions to candidates with marks above 50% while conducting written tests for others.

Why Study MA in Film Studies? 

• The candidates who are really passionate about knowing the history of cinema, the evolution of cinema with time, should consider studying this course. 
  
• The candidates studying this course will have a deep knowledge of every process involved in filming. So, these candidates can easily work as Production Managers, assistant Production Managers and similar jobs in various film studios. 
• The candidates will also learn to critically analyse a movie, so these candidates will easily get work as film critics in various newspapers, film blogs and magazines. 
• Also, the candidates can start their own blogs, or work as editors in various websites publishing film related news. 
• The salary offered to MA Film Studies candidates is quite good. The candidates get an average salary of INR 4,00,000 to 6,00,000 per annum.
• Not only this, the candidates who want to write their own books on film industries and other film related aspects, will find this course extremely beneficial.

MA in Film Studies How to Apply

• Visit the official website of the institute offering the course.
• Download the application form from the website.
• Fill in the application form with the required details.
• Attach the necessary documents, such as academic records, portfolio, and photographs.
• Pay the application fee (if applicable).
• Submit the application form either online or in person.

MA in Film Studies Admission Process

Application: The candidates will have to apply to the colleges. The application forms are usually available online. 

Shortlisting of Candidates: The colleges will shortlist the candidates on the basis of marks in graduation. Accordingly, the students may either be given direct admission, or, the eligible candidates will be called for further rounds of selection. 

Written Test: Some colleges take a written test of the shortlisted candidates. The questions are generally asked on various events, history and types of synema, along with some Aptitude and GK questions. 

Group Discussion and Personal Interview: GD and PI rounds are generally common for admission to MA Film Studies course. These rounds check the communication skills, knowledge of the candidates and also the future plans of the candidates. 

Enrollment: The candidates who clear all the rounds will be enrolled for the course.

MA in Film Studies Selection Process

The selection process for the MA in Film Studies program is a meticulous and comprehensive procedure designed to identify candidates with a deep passion for cinema, a strong academic background, and the potential to excel in graduate-level studies. Applicants are evaluated holistically, considering various aspects of their academic and professional experiences, as well as their personal statements and letters of recommendation. The admissions committee looks for individuals who demonstrate a keen understanding of film theory, history, and criticism, as well as a capacity for critical analysis and original thinking. Additionally, candidates with relevant research interests and a clear articulation of their career goals within the field of film studies are highly regarded. The selection process aims to assemble a diverse cohort of students who will contribute meaningfully to the academic community and thrive in the dynamic environment of the program.

MA in Film Studies Top Colleges

• Jadavpur University 
• Mumbai University 
• Ambedkar University 
• West Bengal State University 
• Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University
• Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University

MA in Film Studies Syllabus

Semester I 

• Film Language: Introduction to Practical Criticism 
• Early Film Forms
• Non-Fiction Film
• Hollywood Cinema and Its Peripheries
• Evolution of Cinema as Art
• Sequence and Script Analysis 
• Basics of Visual and Sound Images

Semester II 

• Film Theory 1
• Cinematic Realism in Global Context
• Indian Cinema: Industry and Popular Forms
• New Waves across the World
• Facets of Indian Cinema 
• Basics of Filmmaking 
• Contemporary Critical Theory

Semester III 

• Film Theory 2
• Indian Cinema: Alternative Practices
• Television and Popular Culture in India
• Practical Filmmaking
• Sound and Music in Cinema
• Subject and Sensorium 
• Psyche and Screen 

Semester IV 

• Globalization, Culture and New Media
• Film Theory 3
• Contemporary Asian Cinema
• Media Theory
• Stardom and Commerce 
• Images and Signs in Cinema 
• Dissertation

MA in Film Studies Career Opportunities

MA in Film Studies is a master level course in Video Recording and Editing. Areas covered by the course are web animation, programming, story boarding, film production, and computer graphics design, lighting & camera techniques, art direction, sound design, broadcast production, studio management and business management. The course teaches the importance film making and  provides comprehensive training in it that sound plays in the making of a film. After completing the course candidate can go for various media and film industry related jobs. 

Various types of Jobs after MA in Film Studies

• Sound Recorder
• Radio Jockey
• Camera Operator
• DVD Author
• Filmmaker
• Film Producer
• Advertising Firms Animation
• Sound Designer

Various Areas for Employment after MA in Film Studies

• Cinematography
• Radio stations
• Private TV. Channels
• Recording Studios
• Multimedia Design
• Film Industry
• Newspaper
• Scriptwriter
• Lighting Fields