M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.A. in Film Studies
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
UNCW's M.A. in Film Studies is a two-year graduate program that delves deeply into the history, theory, and aesthetics of cinema. Designed for students passionate about the analytical and critical aspects of film, the program offers a comprehensive understanding of moving image media. It prepares graduates for diverse careers in academia, journalism, curatorial practice, archiving, and cultural arts management, among others. The program emphasizes close interaction with faculty due to small class sizes, allowing for individualized course planning that supports students' research interests and career aspirations.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides advanced coursework in various facets of film. Students explore film style and aesthetics, historiography, global cinema, and even gain insights into film production. While the M.A. focuses on critical studies, the program recognizes the importance of understanding the filmmaking process, offering a comprehensive look at the art and industry. Sample courses include Film Theory, Film Historiography, Studies in Film History (e.g., Hollywood Cinema of the 1970s), and Studies in Global Cinema (e.g., Contemporary French Cinema). The curriculum is designed to develop strong analytical, research, and writing skills, enabling students to critically engage with and interpret film.
Research Focus: As an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity institution, UNCW encourages significant research across its departments, and the Film Studies program is no exception. The research focus within the M.A. program centers on the critical analysis, history, and theory of film. Faculty members have diverse research interests, including French and world cinema, film aesthetics, narration, American film history, African cinemas, digital feminism, experimental cinema, documentary, and the intersection of film with other arts and media. Students are encouraged to develop their own research agendas, culminating in a master's thesis that demonstrates their expertise in a chosen area of film studies. Opportunities for students to serve as research assistants or manuscript editors further enhance their research capabilities.
Industry Engagement: UNCW's location in Wilmington, often called "Hollywood East," provides a unique advantage for film studies students. While the M.A. in Film Studies is primarily an academic program, it benefits significantly from the university's strong ties to the local film industry. The Department of Film Studies has robust relationships with area filmmaking professionals and EUE Screen Gems Studios, a major film and television production facility. Students gain practical experience through applied learning opportunities, including teaching, festival programming, conference planning, and curatorial practice. The university's active participation in the annual Visions Film Festival & Conference, a student-run event, offers a valuable platform for students to showcase their work, network with industry professionals, and engage with the broader film community. The Building a Better Wilmington Campaign also partners with UNCW film students to produce community spotlight films, providing real-world production experience.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Film Studies at UNCW deeply integrates a global perspective into its curriculum and research. Courses like "Introduction to World Cinema" and "Studies in Global Cinema" expose students to diverse cinematic traditions from around the world. Faculty research interests frequently encompass international and transnational cinema, including African cinema, French cinema, and various global film movements. The presence of international students and scholars within the university community further enriches classroom discussions and perspectives. The program's emphasis on diverse film histories and theories ensures that graduates are well-equipped to understand the globalized nature of contemporary media and its cultural impact.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Film Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) equips graduates with a deep theoretical understanding and critical analytical skills, making them highly competitive for a variety of roles within and outside the film industry. The program's focus on film history, theory, and aesthetics, combined with opportunities for applied learning, prepares students for careers that require nuanced understanding of media, strong research abilities, and effective communication.
Film Critic/Journalist: Graduates can leverage their advanced analytical and writing skills to review and critique films for online publications, newspapers, magazines, or specialized film journals. This role requires a profound understanding of cinematic techniques, historical context, and theoretical frameworks.
Film Archivist/Preservationist: With a strong grasp of film history and preservation techniques, graduates can work in film archives, museums, or cultural institutions, responsible for cataloging, restoring, and preserving cinematic heritage for future generations.
Film Festival Programmer/Curator: M.A. graduates are well-suited to roles in film festivals, where they can curate film selections, manage screenings, and organize events. This involves a comprehensive knowledge of global cinema, emerging trends, and audience engagement.
Academic/Educator (Community College or K-12): Many M.A. in Film Studies graduates pursue careers in education, teaching film studies, media literacy, or related humanities courses at community colleges or secondary schools. For university-level professorships, the M.A. often serves as a strong foundation for further doctoral studies (Ph.D.).
Media Researcher/Analyst: The rigorous research training in the UNCW program prepares graduates to work as media researchers for production companies, media analytics firms, or academic institutions, analyzing film trends, audience reception, and cultural impact.
Content Developer/Strategist (for streaming platforms/media companies): Graduates can apply their understanding of narrative, audience, and media trends to develop and strategize content for streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video), television networks, or other digital media platforms.
Public Relations/Marketing Specialist (Film & Entertainment): With strong communication and analytical skills, M.A. graduates can work in public relations or marketing for film studios, independent production companies, or film festivals, creating campaigns to promote films and engage audiences.
Arts Administrator (Film Organizations/Non-profits): Individuals with a passion for film and strong organizational skills can find roles in arts administration, managing operations, fundraising, and programming for film-related non-profit organizations, cinemas, or cultural centers.
Professional Writer/Editor (Film-related): This can include roles as script readers, development assistants, or writers for film encyclopedias, documentaries, or educational materials related to cinema. The program's emphasis on critical writing is a direct asset here.
Film Production Coordinator/Assistant (Entry-Level): While the M.A. in Film Studies is not a production degree, the theoretical understanding and knowledge of the filmmaking process gained can be valuable for entry-level roles in film production, such as production coordinator or assistant, where an analytical mind and understanding of the larger cinematic context are beneficial. This can also serve as a pathway to more creatively driven production roles with further hands-on experience.
