Media & Communication

Master of Arts in Film Studies

The Master of Arts in Film Studies is a postgraduate programme offered by Mount Kenya University through the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. The programme provides advanced training in film theory, criticism, production, and screenwriting, preparing graduates for careers in the film industry and academia.

The programme combines theoretical study with practical filmmaking, equipping students with knowledge of film history, theory, criticism, production techniques, and the business of film. Students develop competence in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, film analysis, and film industry management.

Core areas of study include film theory and criticism, film history, screenwriting, film production, directing, cinematography, editing, documentary filmmaking, African cinema, and research methods in film studies. The programme emphasises both the artistic and commercial dimensions of filmmaking.

Mount Kenya University's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication offers programmes in journalism, film studies, animation, and mass communication. The department provides access to production equipment, editing suites, and studio facilities for practical filmmaking exercises.

The programme is designed for graduates with backgrounds in film, media, journalism, or related fields seeking advanced training for careers in film production, criticism, academia, or film industry management. Students complete four semesters of coursework and practical projects, with the programme available in full-time and digital learning modes.

Graduates are prepared for careers as film directors, producers, screenwriters, film critics, film educators, cinematographers, editors, and film industry consultants in production companies, media houses, educational institutions, and independent film practice.

Skills Required

Film Theory and Criticism
Screenwriting
Film Production
Directing
Cinematography
Film Editing
Documentary Filmmaking
African Cinema Studies
Film Industry Management
Research Methods in Film Studies

Key Subjects

Film Theory and Criticism
Film History
Screenwriting
Film Production
Directing
Cinematography
Film Editing
Documentary Filmmaking
African Cinema
Research Methods in Film Studies

Certifications

Kenya Film Commission Filmmaker Registration
International Federation of Film Critics Membership

Specializations

Film Production

Focuses on practical filmmaking including directing, producing, and managing film productions from concept to completion.

Screenwriting

Covers the craft of screenwriting including narrative structure, character development, dialogue, and adaptation for film and television.

Film Theory and Criticism

Examines film theory, critical approaches, and film analysis methodologies, preparing graduates for criticism and academic careers.

Documentary Filmmaking

Focuses on documentary film production including research, interviewing, observational filming, and documentary editing.

African Cinema

Examines African cinema history, movements, and contemporary trends, with focus on East African and Kenyan film industries.

Cinematography

Covers the art and technique of cinematography including lighting, camera operation, visual storytelling, and digital cinematography.

Film Editing

Focuses on the art and technique of film editing including narrative pacing, continuity, sound design, and post-production workflows.

Film Industry Management

Examines the business of film including distribution, marketing, festival strategy, and film industry economics.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 151,100
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Film Theory and Criticism
Film History
Screenwriting
Film Production
Directing
Cinematography
Film Editing
Documentary Filmmaking
African Cinema
Research Methods in Film Studies

Modules

10 in the programme

Film Theory and Criticism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines major film theories including formalist, realist, structuralist, post-structuralist, and contemporary approaches to film analysis and criticism.
Film History
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers the history of cinema from its origins to contemporary film, including major movements, national cinemas, and the evolution of film technology.
Screenwriting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers the craft of screenwriting including narrative structure, character development, dialogue, formatting, and adaptation for film and television.
Film Production
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines the film production process from pre-production through production to post-production, including budgeting, scheduling, and project management.
Directing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers the art and craft of directing including working with actors, visual storytelling, blocking, and the director's role in the creative process.
Cinematography
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines the art and technique of cinematography including lighting, camera operation, composition, visual storytelling, and digital cinematography.
Documentary Filmmaking
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers documentary film production including research, interviewing, observational filming, ethical considerations, and documentary editing.
African Cinema
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines African cinema history, movements, and contemporary trends, with focus on East African and Kenyan film industries and their global context.
Research Methods in Film Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methodologies for conducting original research in film studies, including textual analysis, audience research, and industry analysis.
Thesis or Creative Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a film studies topic or a creative film project demonstrating mastery of filmmaking, assessed through written submission or screening and defence.

Specialisations

Film Production
Focuses on practical filmmaking including directing, producing, and managing film productions from concept to completion.
Screenwriting
Covers the craft of screenwriting including narrative structure, character development, dialogue, and adaptation for film and television.
Film Theory and Criticism
Examines film theory, critical approaches, and film analysis methodologies, preparing graduates for criticism and academic careers.
Documentary Filmmaking
Focuses on documentary film production including research, interviewing, observational filming, and documentary editing.
African Cinema
Examines African cinema history, movements, and contemporary trends, with focus on East African and Kenyan film industries.
Cinematography
Covers the art and technique of cinematography including lighting, camera operation, visual storytelling, and digital cinematography.
Film Editing
Focuses on the art and technique of film editing including narrative pacing, continuity, sound design, and post-production workflows.
Film Industry Management
Examines the business of film including distribution, marketing, festival strategy, and film industry economics.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on film theory, criticism, or production techniques at Mount Kenya University's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Students engage in film screenings and critical discussions, analysing films from African and global cinema. Practical sessions involve screenwriting workshops, camera operation exercises, and editing practice in the department's editing suites. Students work on individual and group film projects, developing their skills in directing, cinematography, and post-production. Guest lectures from practising filmmakers and industry professionals provide insights into the film industry. Those in the research phase conduct independent research on film topics, working on their thesis or creative project under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines theoretical study with practical filmmaking, providing both academic and creative skills.
Available in full-time and digital learning modes, accommodating working professionals and distance learners.
Kenya's film industry is growing with increased streaming platform investment, creating demand for skilled film professionals.
MKU offers flexible payment plans, making the programme more affordable than lump-sum payment requirements.

Against it

Private university fees are higher than public university alternatives for media and communication programmes.
Access to professional-grade film equipment may be limited compared to specialised film schools.
The Kenyan film industry, while growing, is still relatively small compared to established film industries.
Only one institution offers this specific programme, limiting choice and comparison.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 106 media & communication courses

Public100k to 221k

100k at Kisii University221k at University of Nairobi

Private151k to 151k

151k at Mount Kenya University151k at Mount Kenya University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Kisii 100,000/yr (brochure). MKU 69,550/sem+12K=151,100/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com). KCA unverified.

MKU offers flexible payment plans in instalments of 40:20:20:20, making tuition more manageable. HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. The university also provides financial aid for students demonstrating need.

Funding options

MKU Flexible Payment Plan
HELB Postgraduate Loan
MKU Financial Aid

Scholarships

3 recorded

MKU Flexible Payment Plan
ScholarshipKsh 56,440
All MKU postgraduate students can access flexible payment in instalments of 40:20:20:20, reducing upfront financial burden.
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
MKU Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 50,000
MKU students demonstrating academic merit and financial need, applied for through the financial aid office.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Relevant professional qualifications and experience in film, media, or communication may be considered. The programme is available in full-time and digital learning modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, film analysis essays, screenwriting assignments, seminar presentations, and production exercises conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination30% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering film theory, history, and criticism, including essay questions and film analysis.
Practical Film Project
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment involving production of a short film or film project, demonstrating skills in directing, cinematography, and editing.
Thesis or Creative Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a film studies topic or a creative film project demonstrating mastery of filmmaking, assessed through written submission or screening and defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and registered with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) at Level 9 with 240 credits. The programme is offered by Mount Kenya University through its Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
Kenya National Qualifications Authority
Qualifications registrationRequired
Kenyan qualifications authority registering the programme at KNQF Level 9 with 240 credits.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Film Director
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 500,000
Directs film and television productions, overseeing the creative vision from script to screen for production companies or independent projects.
Film Producer
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages film productions including financing, scheduling, hiring, and overseeing the production process from development to distribution.
Screenwriter
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 300,000
Writes screenplays for film, television, and digital media, developing original stories or adapting existing works for screen.
Film Critic
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Writes film criticism and analysis for publications, websites, or broadcast media, applying theoretical knowledge to evaluate and interpret films.
Cinematographer
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 350,000
Operates cameras and designs lighting for film and television productions, translating the director's vision into visual imagery.
Film Educator
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaches film studies or production at universities, colleges, or film schools, combining academic knowledge with practical filmmaking experience.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as film directors, producers, screenwriters, film critics, cinematographers, and film educators in production companies, media houses, and educational institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Premiere Pro
SoftwarePrimary
Professional video editing software used for film and television post-production, including editing, colour grading, and audio mixing.
Final Cut Pro
SoftwarePrimary
Professional video editing software for macOS, widely used in film and television post-production.
Adobe After Effects
Software
Motion graphics and visual effects software used for compositing, animation, and post-production effects in filmmaking.
Celtx
Software
Screenwriting and pre-production software for writing scripts, creating storyboards, and managing film production schedules.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Film studies is just about watching movies.
The programme involves rigorous theoretical study, critical analysis, historical research, and practical filmmaking, combining academic and creative disciplines.
You need to be a filmmaker to study film studies.
The programme accepts graduates from various humanities and social science backgrounds, with film theory and criticism tracks available alongside production-focused specialisations.
Film studies has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's film industry is growing rapidly with increased demand for content on streaming platforms, and graduates work in production, criticism, education, and film industry management.
A film studies degree is only useful in Hollywood.
African cinema is a growing global industry, with Kenyan filmmakers gaining international recognition and streaming platforms investing in African content.
Film theory is irrelevant to practical filmmaking.
Film theory provides the critical frameworks that inform creative decisions, helping filmmakers understand narrative structures, visual language, and audience reception.
Digital learning can't teach filmmaking.
MKU's digital learning mode combines theoretical instruction with practical assignments that students complete using accessible equipment, with periodic on-campus intensive sessions.