Film and Television Cultures

We live in mediatised worlds in which film and television are part of globalised and digitised media industries that are highly dynamic. To understand how contemporary media work one needs advanced familiarity with its cultural forms, knowledge of industry systems and practices as well as historical awareness of media’s pasts. In this Master’s programme in Film and Television Cultures you will explore our dynamic media worlds and learn to think critically about changing industries, technologies and cultures.

Bridging culture and industry

The starting point of this Master’s programme is a strong believe that one needs to combine cultural perspectives with sector-based knowledge of the media industries in order to fully understand dynamic media worlds and prepare oneself for a career therein.

You will take courses that provide you with a critical grounding and conceptual understanding of film and television cultures and engage with media organisations and professionals to learn about current debates and trends. Moreover, you will gain knowledge on the ways in which culture and industry influence each other. 

High and low, hybrid and classic

Film and television cultures are characterized by diversity. They span from mainstream and popular culture to niche areas and high-brow art, from serious and engaged content to light entertainment and artistic innovation, from powerful media franchises to community-driven initiatives. In dynamic media worlds these various components interact with each other in complex ways. The programme takes a broad perspective, allowing you to engage with a variety of topics that range from high to low culture and take hybrid as well as classic forms. You will have the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest.  

Language of instruction

The courses in this programme are taught in English, but there are options to write assignments in Dutch.

Why this programme in Utrecht?

A focus on media industries, infrastructures and institutions

Choosing the Master’s programme in Film and Television Cultures in Utrecht means choosing advanced training in media industries and cultures in the critical tradition of the Humanities. You will benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff who are active in a range of (interdisciplinary) research projects and partner collaborations on Media Industries, Infrastructures and Institutions. With a study programme that deals with film as well as television, and covers both content and contexts of creation, circulation and curation this Master’s programme is unique in the Netherlands.

Sharpen your mind, make a difference

The media industries are a knowledge-intensive sector in which analytical skills, creativity, teamwork and individual talent are valued. The Master’s programme in Film and Television Cultures prepares you for a career in the media industries and cultural sector at large through a balanced mix of theoretical and practice-oriented training. If you aspire a professional role in dynamic media worlds, this programme will give you the critical edge to understand film and television cultures and actively contribute to reimagining future media industries. You will put your knowledge and skills into practice during the Master’s programme by doing an internship in a field of your own choice.  

After graduation

After completing their studies in Film and Television Cultures, many graduates pursue careers in media industries, media institutions and cultural organizations, for instance by working in production, broadcasting and distribution, for streaming platforms, cinema theatres and festivals, on media education and literacy, or funding and policy.