Overview

The Film and Media Studies programme at Columbia University provides an advanced academic environment for the rigorous study of moving image history and theory. Students engage with diverse cinematic traditions and media cultures through a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking and sophisticated research skills.

This master level course is tailored for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the aesthetic, social, and political dimensions of media. By examining the evolution of film and digital platforms, the programme prepares scholars for high-level engagement with contemporary visual culture and historical archives.

Why Film and Media Studies at Columbia University?

Columbia University offers a prestigious setting for media scholarship, situated within a world-renowned centre for arts and culture. The institution provides students with access to extensive archival resources and a vibrant community of leading academics and practitioners in the field.

The programme is distinguished by its emphasis on both historical depth and theoretical innovation. Students benefit from a curriculum that bridges traditional film history with emerging media studies, ensuring a versatile and comprehensive education that meets the demands of modern academia and the cultural sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 73868 per year
National fee: USD 73868 per year
Local fee: USD 73868 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a balanced overview of the discipline while allowing for specialised research. Modules may include:

Film Theory
Cinema History
Media Theory
Documentary Studies
Digital Media
Television Studies
Visual Culture
Research Methods

Careers with Film and Media Studies

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for a variety of professional paths within the global media landscape. Many alumni pursue doctoral research or secure academic positions at leading international universities and research institutes.

Beyond academia, the skills developed during the course are highly valued in the cultural and creative industries. Potential career destinations include film curation, archival management, media consultancy, and arts administration. Graduates also find success as critics, journalists, and content strategists for major media organisations.

The analytical and communication skills gained through the study of media history and theory allow graduates to adapt to the evolving needs of the entertainment and information sectors. This degree provides a robust foundation for leadership roles in film festivals, museums, and digital media companies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Historiography and the study of film style, genre, auteur
Silent and sound cinemas
The avant-garde
National cinemas
The political economy of world cinema
The transition from photochemical film to digital
Film and digital archives

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-02 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Media Studies & Mass Media View 211 other Masters in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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

Online Application
Three letters of recommendation are required for all degree program applicants
A personal statement is required for admission to each program (with the exception of Introduction to Architecture)
An academic transcript/record from each university attended and credit earned is required for all applicants. All transcripts must be received by the application deadline
Resumé/CV
English Proficiency

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

73868 USD / year

≈ 73868 USD / year
Out-of-State

73868 USD / year

≈ 73868 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73868 USD / year

≈ 73868 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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 Film and Media 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

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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