Studying film at a degree level is a relatively new concept. Film is studied across the world with a variety of approaches. From understanding the historical, cultural, political implications of cinema to studying its production techniques and aesthetic context. So if you’re looking at pursuing film studies from a university or another institute – ask yourself whether you want to study films from a critical/theoretical or a production/practical perspective. Of course, it’s not a strictly either/or situation. A grasp over any subject demands theoretical knowledge and practical aptitude. Most courses will offer you both.

Also, you can choose film studies as a major or a minor. If you choose to major in film studies – it is likely that you are looking at a career in film. BrainGain magazine brings you 5 international courses, each offering a different focus. The career outcomes for these courses are varied too. Graduates can go into film production, journalism, or marketing.

What is it going to be?

1. American Film Institute (AFI) – Master of Fine Arts (US)
   
   Easily the best-known film school there is, AFI has a unique teaching environment, in what is known as the AFI Conservatory. The school emphasizes learning by doing. This means that each year, student teams collectively produce, design, direct, shoot and edit up to 120 films.
   
   The MFA has six specializations – Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting. The course is of a two-year duration.
   
   AFI’s list of alumni is long and impressive. It includes names like Darren Aronofsky, David Lynch, Terrence Malick and many others.
   
   The approximate total cost of the first-year is $77,000.
   
    
2. University of Southern California (USC) – MFA in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production (US)
   
   USC is the largest and oldest film school in the US. Along with undergraduate programs, it offers a three-year master’s degree in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television. The degree allows students to take courses across seven specializations. Modules include ‘Creating the Short Film’, ‘Advanced Motion Picture Analysis’, and ‘Directing the Television Comedy Sketch Show’.
   
   The tuition fees per semester is approximately $26,000.
   
    
3. Toronto Film School – Film Production Diploma (Canada)
   
   Established in 2001, TFS offers a number of diplomas in film and related subjects like design, writing, marketing and graphics.
   
   The diploma duration is 18 months. Start dates for the courses are in January, April, July and October. The diploma offers students exposure to the professional technical and business aspects of film-making therefore opening a wide array of career opportunities.
   
   Modules include ‘Film History’, ‘Audio’, ‘Cinematography’, as well as ‘Marketing and Promotional Media’, and ‘Package and Proposal Development’. To apply, students must fulfil language requirements, and submit two assignments: a movie critique and a storyboard.
   
   The tuition fees is approximately $5000 per term.
   
    
4. Griffith University – Master of Screen Production (Australia)
   
   The Griffith Film School is part of Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art. The degree is designed to focus on three practical aspects of film-making: Direction, Production and Scriptwriting.
   
   However, Master of Screen Production also offers students a chance to specialise in areas like Cinematography, Sound Design, Post-Production, Visual Effects, etc.
   
   The course duration is 1.5 years. In 2017, the indicative course fees for international students is approximately 30,000 AUSD per year.
   
    
5. University of Southampton – MA Film Studies (UK)
   
   If studying film from a theoretical perspective is what you would like to do, consider this postgraduate degree from the University of Southampton. It has been voted the best film studies program in the UK by The Guardian. Of 1-year duration, the MA emphasizes transnational and global perspectives of cinema. The course has six modules (four core and two optional) and a dissertation. Modules include ‘Classical Film Theory & Textual Analysis’, ‘Post Classical Film Theory: History, Reception, and Cinephilia’, and 'Screen Stars in Context'.
   
   The tuition fees is approximately 17,000 GBP.