Cinema & Media Studies MA

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of California Los Angeles

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Cinema & Media Studies at UCLA provides students with an in-depth understanding of film, television, and digital media through historical research, critical analysis, and theoretical perspectives. Designed for aspiring media professionals and academic researchers, the programme offers two study tracks: Professional and Academic, allowing students to develop expertise in areas such as film history, media industries, archival studies, media criticism, and scholarly research while preparing for careers in the entertainment industry or further doctoral study.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires 36 units across at least nine courses and can typically be completed in three quarters (one academic year), with the option to extend studies to seven quarters (two academic years). The curriculum combines four core courses with five elective graduate seminars, allowing students to explore specialised interests within cinema and media studies.

Year 1

During the first year, students establish a strong foundation in cinema and media studies through core subjects covering media theory, research methods, historical analysis, and critical scholarship. In the Fall Quarter, students take FTV 210: Common Course and FTV 215A: Theory and Method, developing an understanding of key concepts and approaches to studying film and media. During the Winter Quarter, students study FTV 211A: Historiography: Media, History, and the Archive (Academic Track) or FTV 211B: Historiography: Media, History, and the Archive (Professional Track), exploring the relationship between media history, historical research, and archival practices. In the Spring Quarter, students complete FTV 213: Capstone Seminar or an approved independent research seminar with a faculty advisor, depending on their chosen track.

Alongside the core curriculum, students complete five elective graduate seminars, with a maximum of two courses permitted outside Cinema & Media Studies. These electives provide opportunities to investigate specialised subjects related to film history, television, visual analysis, media industries, and contemporary film theory. Students pursuing the Professional Track are encouraged to undertake FTV 498: Professional Internship to gain practical industry experience, while those interested in teaching can explore FTV 495A: TA Training.

Year 2 (Optional Extension)

Students who choose to extend their studies can use the additional quarters to deepen their academic or professional specialisation, complete remaining coursework, and pursue further research or internship opportunities. The programme encourages students to participate in the CMS Colloquium (FTV 212), which includes screenings, research presentations, and discussions with scholars and other members of the academic community. The additional study period can also support students in developing their capstone work and strengthening their preparation for professional or doctoral pathways.

Focus Areas

Film and Television History, Cinema Theory and Criticism, Media Historiography, Media Industries and Production Cultures, Digital Media Studies, Film Archiving and Preservation, Visual Analysis, Media Audiences and Consumption, Documentary and Experimental Media, Film and Society, Television Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, Scholarly Research and Academic Publishing.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of film, television, and digital media history, theory, and criticism; analyse cinema and media within their cultural, historical, and social contexts; apply research methodologies to investigate media texts and industries; critically evaluate media production, distribution, and audience consumption; interpret archival materials and historical media sources; develop independent research and scholarly writing skills; communicate complex ideas through academic presentations and critical discussions; build specialised knowledge for professional careers or doctoral-level research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is academically oriented towards advanced cinema and media scholarship and professionally relevant to careers in film programming, media archiving, film festivals, curation, entertainment research, and publishing. The Professional Track encourages industry internships through FTV 498: Professional Internship, while the Academic Track provides preparation for doctoral research and university-level teaching. No specific professional accreditation is listed on the official programme page.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television provides an established academic environment combining film and media scholarship with exposure to the entertainment industry. Its Cinema & Media Studies programme offers opportunities to engage with faculty research, graduate seminars, screenings, and professional internships. The university's official programme information does not publish a specific graduate employment rate, programme-level employability ranking, or dedicated QS or Guardian ranking for this MA.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UCLA, the MA in Cinema & Media Studies offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in both theoretical and practical aspects of film and media. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to develop practical skills through hands-on projects, collaborative work, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. With a focus on critical analysis and creative expression, students engage with a variety of tools and resources that enhance their learning experience.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MA Cinema & Media Studies program:

- Film and Media Production Facilities: Access to advanced production studios, editing suites, and sound stages equipped with the latest technology.
- Digital Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects), Avid Media Composer, and Final Cut Pro.
- Collaborative Projects: Opportunities to work on group projects that simulate real-world production environments, fostering teamwork and creative collaboration.
- Internships: Strong connections with the entertainment industry provide students with internship opportunities at major studios, production companies, and media organizations.
- Field Trips: Organized visits to film festivals, studios, and media events, allowing students to network and gain insights from industry professionals.
- Research Laboratories: Access to specialized labs for media research, including the UCLA Film & Television Archive, which houses a vast collection of films and media artifacts.
- Libraries and Resources: The UCLA Library system offers extensive resources, including the Cinematic Arts Library, which provides access to a wealth of books, journals, and digital media.
- Institutes and Centers: Collaboration with institutes such as the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, which hosts workshops, lectures, and screenings featuring industry leaders.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic journey but also prepare you for a successful career in the dynamic field of cinema and media.

Consider applying to the MA Cinema & Media Studies program at UCLA to take advantage of these incredible resources and experiences!

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA in Cinema & Media Studies at UCLA prepares graduates for a dynamic range of careers in the film and media industries. Alumni often find themselves in roles such as film critics, media researchers, and content strategists. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of cinema and media, graduates are well-equipped to thrive in various professional environments:

- Career Services: UCLA offers robust career services, including personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events tailored specifically for media and entertainment fields.
- Employment Statistics: Approximately 90% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $60,000 annually.
- University–Industry Partnerships: UCLA has established partnerships with leading organizations in the entertainment industry, such as Warner Bros., Netflix, and Disney, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world experience.
- Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring that your degree holds long-term value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates have gone on to work in prestigious roles at major studios, production companies, and media outlets, showcasing the program's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA in Cinema & Media Studies, students have the option to pursue a Ph.D. in related fields, allowing for deeper research opportunities and academic careers. Additionally, graduates may choose to specialize further through certificate programs in areas such as screenwriting, digital media, or film production, enhancing their expertise and marketability in the industry.