Master of Arts - Cinema Studies

The Master of Arts (MA) in Cinema Studies at the University of Canterbury (UC) offers an in-depth exploration of cinema as an art form, examining its cultural, historical, theoretical, and critical aspects. The program immerses students in the world of cinema, fostering a deep understanding of film studies and its multifaceted dimensions.

Curriculum: The MA in Cinema Studies curriculum at UC covers a diverse range of subjects, including film theory, history of cinema, critical analysis, genres, national cinemas, and contemporary cinematic trends. Students explore theoretical frameworks and engage in critical discourse surrounding cinema, allowing them to comprehend the complexities and significance of cinematic art.

Research Focus: The program encourages students to undertake rigorous research, enabling them to delve into specific areas of interest within cinema studies. Students have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects, exploring topics such as film aesthetics, cultural representations, gender studies, or global cinematic movements.

Industry Engagement: While primarily academic in focus, the MA in Cinema Studies program fosters connections with the film industry through seminars, guest lectures, and networking events. Students benefit from interactions with filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals, gaining insights into the practical aspects of filmmaking and the broader film landscape.

Global Perspective: UC's MA in Cinema Studies program embraces a global approach to film studies, examining cinema from various cultural, geographical, and historical contexts. Students analyze films from diverse regions, understanding their socio-cultural significance and exploring how cinema reflects and shapes global perspectives.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 50% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 19.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Canterbury is dedicated to providing support to international students through various scholarship programs designed to recognize academic excellence, diversity, and specific areas of achievement. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and promote educational opportunities for talented individuals from around the world.

UC International First Year Scholarships: Geared towards high-achieving international students beginning their first year of study at UC. These scholarships acknowledge exceptional academic performance and assist students in their initial year of education at the university.

UC Master's Scholarships: For high-achieving international students pursuing Master's degrees at UC. These scholarships provide financial support to assist students in their postgraduate studies and promote research excellence.

UC Doctoral Scholarships: Aimed at international students undertaking Ph.D. studies at UC. These scholarships offer financial assistance and opportunities for research excellence in various fields of study.

Specific Field Scholarships: Additionally, UC offers specialized scholarships catering to students entering specific fields or disciplines. These scholarships encourage innovation and excellence in targeted areas of study.

Graduates of the Master of Arts (MA) in Cinema Studies program at the University of Canterbury (UC) possess a deep understanding of cinema as an art form, equipping them for diverse career paths in the film industry, academia, arts administration, and cultural sectors. 

Film Critic or Reviewer: Graduates can pursue careers as film critics or reviewers, analyzing and evaluating films for media outlets, websites, or publications, providing insights and perspectives on cinematic works.

Arts Administrator: Roles in arts administration involve managing cultural programs, film festivals, or arts organizations, coordinating events, and overseeing promotional activities within the film industry.

Cultural Institution Curator: Careers in cultural institutions such as museums or galleries allow graduates to curate film-related exhibitions, preserving cinematic history and contributing to cultural enrichment.

Film Programmer or Festival Coordinator: Graduates may work as film programmers or festival coordinators, selecting films, organizing screenings, and managing events for film festivals or cultural events.

Academic Researcher or Lecturer: Opportunities exist in academia as researchers or lecturers in film studies departments, conducting research, teaching courses, and contributing to scholarly discourse on cinema.

Media Analyst or Consultant: Roles involve analyzing trends in media and entertainment, offering insights and consultancy services to media organizations, marketing firms, or production companies.

Independent Filmmaker or Screenwriter: Graduates may pursue careers as independent filmmakers, directors, or screenwriters, creating original cinematic works or collaborating on film projects.

Arts Journalist or Film Historian: Careers as arts journalists or film historians involve writing about cinema, documenting its history, analyzing cultural contexts, and contributing to scholarly publications.

Arts and Cultural Policy Analyst: Opportunities exist in analyzing and shaping cultural policies, working with governmental or non-governmental organizations involved in arts and cultural development.

Film Production or Distribution Manager: Roles involve managing film production, overseeing distribution, marketing, and promotion of films, working with production companies or distribution firms.