Overview

The Cinematography programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers an intensive Master of Fine Arts experience designed for aspiring visual storytellers. This curriculum focuses on the intersection of artistic vision and technical mastery, preparing students to lead in the evolving landscape of global media.

Students engage in a comprehensive professional training environment guided by a faculty of seasoned industry experts. The course emphasises the essential relationship between story structure, character development, and the technical application of light and movement. By mastering both traditional and emerging technologies, participants learn to translate narrative concepts into compelling visual imagery.

Collaboration serves as a cornerstone of the educational philosophy at this institution.

Why Cinematography at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The university provides access to world-class facilities and the UCLA Library Film & Television Archive, the largest university-held collection of its kind. Students benefit from the Cinematographer in Residence initiative, which facilitates direct collaboration with acclaimed industry veterans at the peak of their careers.

The programme is housed within a legendary school with roots dating back to 1941, offering a rich history of excellence in media education. Its location in Los Angeles provides an unparalleled connection to the heart of the global entertainment industry and professional networks. Distinctive teaching features include a curriculum that integrates theory with advanced technical practice in both fiction and documentary forms.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build foundational skills before moving into advanced research and specialised practice. Modules may include:

Cinematography
Documentary Cinematography
Lighting for Film and Television
Motion Picture Lighting
Collaboration: Producers, Directors, Cinematographers, Production and Costume Designers
Emerging Techniques and Technologies in Cinematography
Color Grading
Digital Workflow
Cinematography Thesis Research Project
Advanced Fiction and Documentary Cinematography

Careers with Cinematography

Graduates are prepared for high-level roles as directors of photography and camera operators within the international film and television sectors. The programme produces versatile professionals who work across independent cinema, major studio productions, and documentary filmmaking. Alumni often find success as visual innovators and industry leaders in the digital and analogue media landscapes.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Digital Cinematography

Lighting for Film and Television

Motion Picture Lighting

Cinematography and Directing

Emerging Techniques and Technologies in Cinematography

Post Production Pathways

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

90 alternative credits

Quarter Unites

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Media Studies & Mass Media View 434 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Have at least a 3.0 GPA

Satisfy the University of California’s Graduate Admission Requirements

Complete equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree

Statement of Purpose

Essay on Cinematography as Storytelling

Upload Unofficial copies of all Transcripts

Submit Three Letters of Recommendation

Any international applicant whose first language is not English must certify proficiency in English when applying to UCLA, and, if admitted, upon arrival

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

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

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

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

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

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.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Cinematography.

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

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners