Kathmandu University School of Arts (KUSOA) has officially introduced Nepal’s first-ever Master's in Film Studies (MFS) program, marking a significant milestone in the country’s academic and creative landscape. This innovative two-year, 66-credit graduate program offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical, critical, and practical approaches to filmmaking, designed to meet the evolving needs of the regional and global film industries.
The MFS program aims to nurture a new generation of filmmakers, scholars, and creative professionals equipped with advanced knowledge in film history, aesthetics, criticism, production practices, and research methodologies. It also offers flexibility for students who wish to exit after completing 30 credits, enabling them to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Film Studies.
The curriculum integrates essential film theories and analytical methods with hands-on digital production, ensuring a balance of academic rigor and creative training. Students engage in practicum-based courses such as screenwriting, cinematography, and directing, and are required to produce three short films as part of their portfolio. The program emphasizes both individual and collaborative competence, fostering leadership, teamwork, and ethical professionalism.
A key strength of the MFS program lies in its research-oriented approach. Courses in qualitative and quantitative methods, along with advanced research projects, prepare students for academic pathways and specialized inquiry into cinema, media, and cultural studies. The curriculum also aligns with global standards, with elective options ranging from film philosophy, acting for screen, and women filmmakers to indigenous aesthetics, visual cultures, and industry-focused subjects like co-production and digital streaming transformations.
Graduates of the MFS program will be equipped for a wide spectrum of careers. Potential roles include directors, screenwriters, producers, cinematographers, editors, critics, festival curators, media researchers, and educators. With its strong theoretical base and practical emphasis, the program also provides a solid platform for further academic pursuits and professional certifications in film and creative industries.
The introduction of the Master's in Film Studies program reflects KUSOA’s commitment to expanding Nepal’s academic offerings in arts, media, and communication, while responding to the dynamic shifts in global cinematic practices. With its contemporary curriculum, market-driven orientation, and internationally benchmarkable design, the MFS program is poised to become a transformative addition to Nepal’s higher education system and creative sector.
