Overview

The program in Film and Media Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara emphasizes the study of film and media history, theory, analysis, aesthetics, and criticism from a humanistic perspective, within the context of global media culture. Students are encouraged to incorporate intensive site-specific study as part of their dissertation research.

Eighteen core faculty and fifteen affiliated faculty members span a wide range of areas and specializations. In addition, several major scholarly publication projects are based in the department.

Emphases

Environment and Society; Feminist Studies; Global Studies; Technology and Society (All Ph.D. only)

Programme Structure

Courses

History
Theory of Film
Media Practices Around the World
Fiction and Nonfiction Filmmaking
Video Games
Interactive, and Web-based Digital Media Production

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Media Studies & Mass Media View 258 other Masters in Media Studies & Mass Media in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online application

Statement of Purpose, Personal Achievements/Contributions, and Resume or CV (submitted in the online application)

Three Letters of Recommendation (submitted online)

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (submitted online)

GRE General test scores

A Writing Sample must be submitted in the online application and should demonstrate excellent written ability in an address to film and media studies or a related field that relies on analogous critical, historical and theoretical methods

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Out-of-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Film and Media Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Emphases

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Barbara

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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