The Master in Film Studies (MFS) program at Kathmandu University School of Arts is a two-year, 66-credit academic course designed to provide advanced training in filmmaking. This program blends theoretical knowledge, critical analysis, and practical production skills, fostering creativity and cultural engagement.
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Graduates are equipped with the expertise necessary for dynamic careers in the global and regional film industries. Students have the option to complete 30 credits and exit after one year with a Postgraduate Diploma before pursuing the full Master’s degree.
The Kathmandu University School of Arts (KUSoA) provides Student Support and Resources to enhance the MFS program experience. Students benefit from Academic Advising and Mentorship, receiving personalized guidance from faculty experts in film and media. The program ensures access to high-quality Facilities, including modern media labs, specialized editing suites, and professional production equipment. KUSoA also offers comprehensive Career Counseling, assisting students with securing internships, job placements, and applications to graduate schools. Information on Financial Aid, such as scholarships and flexible payment plans, is readily available through the program office. Finally, the school leverages Cultural Resources, giving students unique opportunities to engage directly with Nepal's rich cultural heritage through community-based projects and regional cinema studies.
Salient Features
Relevant Curriculum: Contemporary curriculum according to market demand.
Labour Market Driven: Meets demands of academia, film industry, and media organizations.
Strong Theoretical Foundation: Integrates film theories and analytical methodologies for critical insights.
Practice-Oriented: Emphasizes hands-on digital audiovisual production; students create three short films, maintaining a portfolio.
Research-Centric: Includes courses on qualitative/quantitative methods and advanced film research projects.
Individual and Collaborative Competence: Develops teamwork and leadership with ethical values.
Broad Career Opportunities: Prepares graduates for diverse roles in global film/media industries.
Internationally Benchmarkable: Aligns with global standards, informed by leading programs worldwide.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 45% or 2.0 CGPA
- Candidates must pass an entrance exam and interview
Admission Criteria
Application Process: Submit applications through the Kathmandu University School of Arts website or contact via email.
Enrollment Structure: Prospective students are encouraged to visit KUSoA website for application forms and deadlines. International applicants should contact the program office for additional guidance.
Job Prospects
Graduates of the MFS program are well-prepared for diverse careers in the film and media industries, including:
Filmmaking: Director, producer, screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, sound designer.
Film Criticism: Critics, journalists, or analysts for media outlets and publications.
Academic and Research: Teaching positions, researchers in film and media studies.
Film Curation: Curators for film festivals, museums, archives, or streaming platforms.
Further Prospect: The program’s emphasis on both practical and theoretical skills enables graduates to pursue further studies in graduate programs or certifications in media and creative industries.
Curricular Structure
Year I / Semester I
| Code | Course Title | Credits | Remarks |
| MAFS 501 | Film Form and Narrative | 3 | |
| MAFS 502 | AI and Contemporary Issues in the Film | 3 | |
| MAFS 543 | Audiovisual Dramaturgy | 3 | Practicum |
| MEDS 503 | Social Sciences for Media | 3 | |
| MAFS 503 | Research Methods in Film Studies | 3 | |
Total Credits | 15 | ||
Year I / Semester II
| Code | Course Title | Credits | Remarks |
| MAFS 504 | Natyashastra and Indigenous Aesthetics | 3 | |
| MAFS 544 | Narrative Design and Screenwriting: Practice, Form, and Structure | 3 | Practicum |
| MAFS 505 | Documentary Cultures in the West and the East | 3 | |
| MAFS 506 | Film Theory and Analysis | 3 | |
| MAFS 507 | Industry Transformations and Dynamism of Streaming Platforms | 3 | |
Total Credits | 15 | ||
Year II / Semester I
| Code | Course Title | Credits | Remarks |
| MAFS 545 | Elective / Specialization (selection of elective subjects by students to be facilitated from similar specialized areas) | 3 | Selection facilitated for combinations of related subjects |
| MAFS 508 | Elective (code listed) | 3 | |
| — | Elective I | 3 | |
| — | Elective II | 3 | |
| — | Elective III | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | ||
List of Elective Courses
Elective I
MAFS 509 – Cinema Auteurs
MAFS 546 – Film Directing Techniques (Practicum)
MEDS 549 – Photography and Visual Culture
MAFS 510 – Film Producing & Legal Issues
MAFS 511 – Entrepreneurship in Media & Creative Industries
MAFS 512 – Indigenous Visual Cultures in Nepal and Asia
Elective II (3 Credits):
MAFS 513 – Global Women Filmmakers
MAFS 547 – Acting for Screen (Practicum)
MAFS 548 – Cinematography in South Asia (Practicum)
MAFS 514 – Audience, Exhibition & Local Markets
MAFS 515 – Moving Image Archiving & Preservation
MAFS 516 – Climate Change and Green Filmmaking
Elective III (3 Credits):
MAFS 517 – Film-Philosophy
MAFS 549 – Advanced Screenplay Writing (Practicum)
MAFS 550 – Sound and Cinema (Practicum)
MAFS 551 – Moving Image Design (Practicum)
MAFS 518 – International Co-production in Nepal and South Asia
MEDS 529 – Nepali Society, Culture and Communication
Year II / Semester II
| Code | Course Title | Credits | Remarks |
| MEDS 507 | Media Management | 3 | |
| MAFS 541 | Internship | 3 | |
| MAFS 542 | Graduation Film Development and Production | 9 | |
| MAFS 552 | Dissertation | 6 | |
| Total | 21 | ||
A minimum 3.00 CGPA is required to graduate.
The MFS program, with its student-centered approach, combines theoretical seminars with hands-on practicum and project-based learning, continually evolving through innovative teaching methodologies.
Workshop-based learning: Practicum courses in screenwriting, directing, and cinematography emphasize hands-on skill development.
Seminars and critiques: Courses like Film Theory and Film Analysis Techniques foster critical thinking through discussions and analytical exercises.
Project-based learning: Collaborative and individual projects, such as the Graduation Film Production, integrate theoretical and practical skills.
Industry engagement: Internships and courses like Industry Transformations connect students with real-world media challenges.
Assessment includes in-semester evaluations (70%) and final exams (30%) for most courses, with practicum-based courses evaluated through ongoing internal assessments, ensuring readiness for professional creative environments.