Cinematography courses : Fees, List, Admission

If movies and TV shows are the biggest source of entertainment then cinematographers who shoot captivating and impressive scenes for them are the most important part of that source. Whatever we see on the big or small screen, we see through the eyes of a cinematographer. The presentation of events, stories or characters in a movie or a TV show depends on the vision and discretion of a cinematographer. Cinematography is so important in the process of filmmaking that it directly affects the performance of the film. That's why filmmakers prefer to give the responsibility of cinematography to only talented professionals. To become a good cinematographer it is very important to have knowledge of camera and technology, and this knowledge is provided by various courses available in this field. Many film institutes offer courses in cinematography ranging from certificate to post graduate level. The details of all those courses are given below.

Types of Cinematography Courses-UG & PG

Cinematography courses are generally classified on the basis of mode of study and specialization. On this basis, a comprehensive guide to choose cinematography course after class 12 is given below.

Full Time Cinematography Courses: Full time courses consist of UG or PG degree course of three-year and two-year duration respectively. There are also Diploma or PG Diploma courses which candidates can pursue as per their choice and scope of the course.

Online/Distance Learning Cinematography Courses: Online or Distance Learning courses are of both long and short duration. Many distance education universities offer courses in cinematography at UG and PG level.

Cinematography Certificate Courses: These are short-term courses ranging from three to nine months in duration.

Popular Cinematography Courses - UG & PG

There are many popular courses in this domain, some of them are mentioned below:

Cinematography Degree Courses – UG

UG courses in Cinematography can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details below:

The undergraduate courses in cinematography are given below:

Distance/Online Cinematography Courses-UG

The distance or online courses are also availbale in cinematography. There is a direct admission process for such courses, which is based on first come first seat basis. The eligibility criteria is class 12 passed in any stream from a recognised board. The courses are mentioned below:

Cinematography Diploma Courses-UG

The diploma courses in UG are of one-year duration. Candidates can take admission in such courses after completing class 12. These courses provide an overview about 3D technology, high tech cameras, ultra HD technology. The diploma courses in Cinematography are:

• Diploma in Film Technology and Television Production (Cinematography)
• Undergraduate Diploma in Cinematography
• NCVTE Diploma in Digital Cinematography
• International Professional Diploma in Cinematography
• Diploma in Cinematography (Director of Film Photgraphy)
• Diploma of Fine Arts in Cinematography

Cinematography Certificate Courses- UG

As mentioned above certificate courses are the short term courses generally of one month to nine months duration. The certificate courses offered in Cinematography are mentioned below:

 Cinematography Degree Courses – PG

The post graduate courses in cinematography are more advanced level courses which provide the technical knowlege of high tech cameras and the latest technology. Candidates can pursue a PG level course after completing their graduation in any subject. The details are tabulated below:

The postgradute courses in cinematography are:

• MA in Cinematography
• MSc in Photography and Cinematography
• MA in Arts and Aesthetics
• Post Graduate Twining Program (International Postgraduate Diploma in Photography and Cinematography + MA in Mass Communication)
• MSc in Cinema + PG Diploma in Cinematography
• MA in Film and Media (Direction and Cinematography)
• MA in Commercial Photography and Cinematography

Cinematography Diploma Courses – PG

The admission process for PG Diploma course is same as PG degree courses. Candidates need to have bachelor degree in any subject from a recognised university to take admission in a PG Diploma course. These courses are of two-years duration. The courses are listed below:

• Post Graduate Diploma in Television Production
• PG Diploma in Digital Cinematography
• Post Graduate Diploma in Cinematography

FAQs on Cinematography Courses

Q. What are the core topics covered in a cinematography course?

Q. What is the duration of PG level course in cinematography?

Q. What is the remuneration of a cinematographer?

Q. What are the job profiles other than Cinematographer after doing this course?

Q. What are the important skills required to become a cinematographer?

Q. What is the average course for a UG level course in cinematography?

Q. Which are the popular colleges offering courses in cinematography in India?

Q. Can I pursue a cinematography course from a foreign university?

Q. Which are the popular foreign universities offering course in cinematography?

Q. What is the average fee for pursuing courses in cinematography from foreign universities?

Q. Is there any age limit for a UG level course in cinematography?