Cinema and Media Studies

The Cinema and Media Studies program at the University of California offers an in-depth exploration of the history, theory, and criticism of film and other visual media. Designed for students passionate about understanding the cultural, aesthetic, and technological developments that have shaped moving images, the program provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical analysis with practical insights into film production and media industries. Students will engage with a diverse range of courses covering topics such as film history, film theory, media criticism, digital media, and the social impact of visual culture. The program encourages critical thinking about media representation, narrative techniques, and the relationship between media and society, preparing graduates for careers in film criticism, media analysis, production, curation, and academia. Through access to extensive resources, including state-of-the-art screening facilities, film archives, and digital labs, students gain both scholarly knowledge and practical skills necessary for engaging with contemporary media landscapes. Collaborative projects, internships, and opportunities to participate in film festivals and media-related events further enrich the educational experience. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to integrate insights from cultural studies, communications, art history, and technology, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the media environment. Graduates of the program are equipped to analyze and critique visual culture critically, contribute to media innovation, and pursue advanced degrees in related fields. Whether aiming for a career in filmmaking, media criticism, curation, or academia, students receive a rigorous education that emphasizes both theoretical foundations and real-world applications, making the Cinema and Media Studies program a leading choice for prospective students interested in the dynamic world of visual media.

I. Area: M.A. Cinema and Media Studies (See sections I to V for all requirements)

II. Summary:The M.A. in Cinema and Media Studies has the following time-to-degree requirement: a minimum of four quarters; maximum of seven quarters. The minimum total units required to graduate is 36 units (nine courses). Five courses must be 200 level courses in film and/or television history, theory, and criticism. Of the Five Courses, four specific courses, FTV 200, 206C, 208B and 217A are required. All five of the graduate-level courses must be completed with a grade of B or better.

Only eight units of FTV 596A, B, C and 598 may be applied towards the total course requirement, and none of these may be applied towards the minimum graduate course requirement.

III. Courses:

A. Required Courses:

A minimum of nine courses is required for the M.A. degree, five of which must be 200 level courses in film and/or television history, theory and criticism. Of the five courses, four are required M.A. Core Courses and should be taken in the first year of residence:

• 200 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND METHODS OF RESEARCH IN FILM AND TELEVISION
• 206C AMERICAN MOTION PICTURE HISTORY
• 208B CLASSICAL FILM THEORY
• 217A TELEVISION HISTORY

Elective Courses: Three courses should be taken outside the M.A. program. At least two of these must be from other programs in the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media, in consultation with the M.A. advisor that is assigned to you. All students admitted to the M.A. program must demonstrate basic competence in the areas of scriptwriting, television production or film production. Normally, competence is demonstrated through coursework, which may be used to fulfill the non-Cinema & Media Studies course requirements. However, students may also petition to use prior work to demonstrate their basic competence. Prior work may not be used to fulfill M.A. course requirements.

Seminars vary from year to year, but are selected from the following list of courses:

• 201 MEDIA INDUSTRIES AND THE CULTURE OF PRODUCTION
• 202 MEDIA AUDIENCES AND THE CULTURE OF CONSUMPTION
• 203 FILM AND OTHER ARTS
• 204 VISUAL ANALYSIS
• 206A EUROPEAN FILM HISTORY
• 206B SELECTED TOPICS IN AMERICAN FILM HISTORY
• 206C AMERICAN FILM HISTORY**
• 207 EXPERIMENTAL FILM
• 208B CLASSICAL FILM THEORY **
• 208C CONTEMPORARY FILM THEORY
• 209A DOCUENTARY FILM
• 209B FICTIONAL FILM
• 209D ANIMATED FILM
• 217A AMERICAN TELEVISION HISTORY
• 217B SELECTED TOPICS IN AMERICAN TELEVISION HISTORY **
• 218 CULTURE, MEDIA AND SOCIETY
• 219 FILM AND SOCIETY
• 220 TELEVISION AND SOCIETY
• 221 FILM AUTHORS
• 222 FILM GENRES
• 223 VISUAL PERCEPTION
• 224 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS FOR FILM STUDY
• 225 VIDEOGAME THEORY
• 246 ELECTRONIC CULTURE
• 270 FILM CRITICISM
• 271 TELEVISION CRITICISM
• 276 NON WESTERN FILM
• 277 NARRATIVE STUDIES
• 298AB SPECIAL STUDIES (select classes must see Graduate Counselor)

** - Core classes for M.A. students only 

IV. Comprehensive Exam In order to earn an M.A. from the UCLA Department of Film, Television and Digital Media, students must satisfactorily complete a Comprehensive Examination. The M.A. Comprehensive Exam is a take-home exam that is given in the spring quarter only, generally in the sixth week. Candidates will have several days to complete the exam, which will be evaluated by the Cinema & Media Studies faculty.

Requirements

• Have at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Complete equivalent to a 4 year US Bachelor’s Degree.
• If you achieved a score of 100 or higher on the TOEFL iBT, or 7.5 or higher on the IELTS, the ESLPE requirement is waived.
• If you scored below 100 on the TOEFL iBT, or below 7.5 on the IELTS, you mustsit for the ESLPE upon arrival at UCLA and immediately enroll in any assigned English as a Second Language courses.
• Upload Unofficial copies of all Transcripts.
• Submit Three Letters of Recommendation
• Upload and Mail the Statement of Purpose.
• Upload and Mail a Resume/CV.
• Upload and Mail a sample of Scholarly Writing.
• Mail an Official copy of all Transcripts from each Undergraduate and Graduate institutions attended.
• Applicants must complete equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s Degree. International students who hold three-year ordinary pass degrees, or who hold professional diplomas in accounting, business, librarianship, social work, physical education, health education and so on, or four-year degrees, diplomas or higher certificates from technical, vocational or post-secondary specialized schools are NOT eligible for graduate admission.
• U.S. immigration law requires that international applicants, if admitted, show documented evidence that sufficient funds to cover all tuition, fees, transportation, and living expenses are available for the first year of their studies at UCLA. This must be proven before a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS2019) for a visa can be issued. 

Scholarships

DREAM Act

For non-US Citizens or non-Permanent Residents who are approved to pay in-state tuition because they graduated from a high school in California; they will need to complete the California DREAM application by the March 2, 2017 deadline. The DREAM application can be accessed at https://dream.csac.ca.gov. If applying after March 2, please check with the Financial Aid Office for available funding opportunities. www.financialaid.ucla.edu 

The Cinema and Media Studies program at the University of California offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the history, theory, and criticism of cinema and media. Students enrolled in this program explore a wide range of topics, including film aesthetics, narrative techniques, media technology, cultural impact, and industry practices. The curriculum is designed to equip students with analytical skills and a deep understanding of the role of visual media in contemporary society. Courses often cover film history, media theory, visual culture, and digital media, providing students with a comprehensive foundation in both traditional and emerging media forms. The program emphasizes critical thinking, media literacy, and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in film criticism, media production, archiving, education, or further graduate study. The faculty comprises renowned scholars and industry experts who bring diverse perspectives to their teaching and research. Students may have opportunities for hands-on experiences, including internships, collaborations with media organizations, and participation in film festivals or media projects. The program encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing students to combine media studies with other fields such as anthropology, history, or communication. Overall, the Cinema and Media Studies program aims to foster an understanding of media as a powerful cultural force and to develop professionals who can critically analyze and creatively engage with media in all its forms.