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Film Studies

Application

MA - 120 ECTS

ISCED classification: 0213

This programme provides students with academic training and prepares them for teaching at the upper secondary level, various careers in academic and cultural fields, or doctoral studies as applicable.

Is the program for you??

Do you want to learn more about the main modes of expression in films?
Would you like to learn about the history, traditions and characteristics of cinematic genres?
Do you want to acquire the knowledge required to analyse and communicate information pertaining to the main areas of film studies and be able to apply your knowledge in an academic context?
Are you aiming at a career in publishing, media, PR, culture or teaching?

What is the study about?

This programme includes pure film studies courses, but also courses that incorporate elements of other subjects, such as literature, art history, cultural studies, history, religious studies and philosophy.

Film is a cultural product that combines many different art forms.

Programme structure

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.

The programme is made up of:

Mandatory courses, 10 ECTS
Elective courses, 50 - 80 ECTS
Final thesis, 30 - 60 ECTS

Organisation of teaching

This programme is taught in Icelandic or English but most textbooks are in English or other foreign languages.

Main objectives

After completing the programme, students should, for example:

have received academic training that prepares them for teaching at the upper secondary school level or various careers in academic or cultural fields.
be familiar with the history, traditions and characteristics of cinematic genres and be able to apply that knowledge both in a historical context and to analyse the contemporary media environment.
have adopted appropriate working practices and the academic competence to tackle complex subjects in their specialisation within film studies.

Other

Completing an MA at the Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies allows you to apply for doctoral studies in your chosen subject.

See information about doctoral programmes at the School of Humanities

See more details on school website

Degree type: Postgraduate, MA

Begins: Spring 2024

Study period: 2 years

Application period: 13. September 2024 - 15. October 2024

Mode of delivery: On site

Applicants for the Master's programme must have completed a BA, B.Ed. or BS or similar degree from a recognised university with at least a first class grade (7.25) or equivalent. The student’s final project must have been awarded at least a first class grade as well. It must be clear from the application documents that the applicant possesses the knowledge and competences required to handle a research-based programme. The background of each applicant will be assessed separately and preparatory study suggested before the programme starts, if this is considered necessary. Students planning to begin the Master's programme immediately after completing a Bachelor's degree may apply before the end of that programme. However, nobody may formally commence the Master's programme before fully meeting the admission requirements.

Students who have completed a BA programme with a major in film studies or a BA programme in another subject with a minor in film studies, as well as a final project worth at least 10 ECTS, may apply for the Master's programme in film studies.

An MA degree shall require at least 120 ECTS. Students organise their study in consultation with the head of subject. A Master's thesis may be 30-60 ECTS. Students on the Master's programme in film studies must complete at least 90 ECTS within the subject (in courses and research projects marked KVI), including the MA thesis. Students also complete a 10 ECTS mandatory course in comparative literature (Academic Studies and Research). Students are then free to choose up to 20 ECTS in cultural subjects, having obtained the approval of the head of film studies. Courses taken abroad as part of a student exchange programme are exempt from these rules, subject to the approval of the head of film studies.

Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education