BA Film Studies & Television Production

The Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies & Television Production at Manipal University Dubai is a three-year undergraduate degree that blends film theory with practical television and media production skills, guiding students through the full spectrum of screen media from story conception to final cut. It suits creative individuals passionate about filmmaking, television production, cinematography, editing, sound design, and media storytelling, combining academic study with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and software. 

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in visual storytelling and media communication by exploring courses such as Visual Communication, Introduction to Film Studies, Film Language, and Introduction to Single Camera Production. These modules introduce the basics of cinematic vocabulary, narrative structure, and camera operation, while units like Art of Storytelling and Writing for Media strengthen creative and technical writing skills for different media formats. Alongside Sociology of Media and Fundamentals of Multimedia Systems, students begin to see how media reflects and shapes society through both analytical and practical lenses. 

Year 2:
In the second year, learners delve deeper into production and content creation with courses such as Introduction to Studio Production, Independent Production, and Introduction to Screenwriting, where they gain hands-on experience planning, shooting, and producing media content. Students also study VFX for Film & TV, Media & Society, and Digital Broadcasting & Distribution, which broaden understanding of post-production, digital effects, and how content is distributed across platforms. Modules like Introduction to Documentary Films and Cinematography further strengthen visual storytelling techniques and technical competence in lighting, composition, and genre-specific production. 

Year 3:
In the final year, students focus on advanced creative and technical production skills with modules such as Sound for Moving Images, Advanced Studio Production Technology, Advanced Cinematography, and specialised electives like Advanced Sound Design or Advanced Video Editing. Emphasis is placed on mastering post-production workflows, integrating sound, visual effects, and narrative pacing to produce professional-level films and television pieces. The year culminates in a Graduate Project (Film or Documentary Production) where students conceive, direct, and execute a major piece of work that showcases their creative vision and technical expertise developed throughout the programme. 

Focus areas (in a string):
Film language, visual communication, screenwriting, cinematography, single and studio camera production, digital editing and VFX, sound design, documentary production, media theory and society. 

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Demonstrate understanding of film and television production processes; apply narrative and visual storytelling techniques; operate industry-standard production and post-production tools; analyse media within cultural and societal contexts; produce creative media projects independently; and communicate professional work effectively. 

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation, ensuring it meets national higher education quality standards for media and arts education.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai is a well-established institution rated highly within the Dubai knowledge and higher education ecosystem and recognised in regional academic listings; film and media graduates are positioned for careers in screen media, television production, cinematography, editing, sound design, and digital content creation across global and local industries. (KHDA rating context indicates 5-star institutional standing)