Overview

The Cinema Studies programme at New York University provides students with a comprehensive framework for the scholarly analysis of moving images. This curriculum balances historical perspectives with contemporary theoretical approaches to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the global film community. By engaging with diverse cinematic traditions, students develop the critical tools necessary to navigate the evolving media landscape.

Why Cinema Studies at New York University?

The department is home to the Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies, reflecting its prestigious standing in the field. Students benefit from being part of the Tisch School of the Arts, which was recently ranked as the second-best film school in the United States. The programme offers a unique blend of theoretical rigour and practical application, supported by world-class faculty and a vibrant New York City location that serves as a living laboratory for film culture.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 76646 per year
National fee: USD 76646 per year
Local fee: USD 76646 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around core requirements, advanced seminars, and theory-practice modules. Students must also pass a comprehensive examination involving in-depth essays based on a departmental filmography and bibliography. Modules may include:

Film Form/Film Sense
Film Theory
Film History/Historiography
Television: History & Culture
Global Cinema
Film Criticism
Moving Image Archiving & Preservation
Scriptwriter's Craft
Culture & Media

Careers with Cinema Studies

Graduates from this programme are equipped for a wide variety of professional paths within the arts and entertainment sectors. Many alumni have secured successful positions as film curators, festival programmers, and archives preservationists. The analytical and writing skills developed during the course also support careers in film journalism, screenwriting, and filmmaking. Additionally, the programme provides a strong foundation for those pursuing roles as instructors or industry professionals within major media organisations and academic institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Film Form

Film Theory

Film History

Historiography or Television: History & Culture

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies View 211 other Masters in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A professional résumé listing academic background, work experience, honors, affiliations with professional organizations, papers presented at conferences, published work, language ability, etc.
A statement of purpose (two to three double-spaced pages) outlining your academic and professional background, goals, and what you hope to gain from the program.
A writing sample (15-20 double-spaced pages) that reflects your ability to carry out sustained critical, theoretical, and/or historical thinking on film, television, video, and/or new media. In the absence of a moving image–related topic, a piece of writing on a subject in the arts or humanities is acceptable.
Standardized Test Information – GMAT or GRE (and TOEFL if required);
Transcripts & Degrees;
Professional Information;
Essays;
EQ endorsements must be submitted online;
International Student Supplement.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year
Out-of-State

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Cinema Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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