Jagiellonian University

What you'll study

This master’s programme builds advanced knowledge of film history, theory and criticism while offering methodological training in research and archival practice. Core topics typically include film and media theory, national and global film histories, auteur and genre studies, documentary and experimental cinema, film aesthetics, and the relationship between cinema and other arts.

Students combine seminar-based study with practical workshops and screenings. Typical modules and activities include:

• Advanced Film Theory and Criticism — frameworks for analysing narrative, style, ideology and spectatorship.
• Cinema History — periods and movements, including national cinemas, transnational flows and film culture contexts.
• Research Methods and Archive Studies — primary-source research, film archive work, preservation issues and catalogue practices.
• Specialised Electives — topics such as documentary practice, film and politics, gender and cinema, animation, or digital media studies.
• Practical Workshops — script analysis, basic production or post-production modules and curatorial practice for festival programming and exhibition.
• Master’s Thesis or Major Project — an extended research dissertation or a practice-led project supported by supervised research.

The programme emphasises close reading of films, research-led seminars, regular screenings, and opportunities for collaboration with local cultural institutions, festivals and archives.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in film studies, media studies, cultural studies, humanities or a related field. Strong academic records, samples of written work (such as a BA dissertation or critical essays) and a statement of purpose outlining research interests are typically required.

Other elements that may strengthen an application include a portfolio of practice work if applying for a practice-led pathway, letters of recommendation, and relevant professional experience in film or cultural institutions. Applicants must meet the university’s language requirements for the chosen language of instruction and may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in Polish or English depending on the programme stream.

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme go on to a wide range of careers in the cultural and creative sectors and in academia. Common career paths include:

• Film critic, editor or journalist for print and online media.
• Curator or programmer for cinemas, film festivals and cultural institutions.
• Archivist or preservation specialist in film and audiovisual archives.
• Researcher or academic pursuing doctoral study and teaching in higher education.
• Roles in production and development such as script researcher, development executive or producer’s assistant (often following additional practical training).
• Policy, cultural management and audience development positions within cultural organisations, NGOs and government arts bodies.

The programme’s research training and contact with Kraków’s active cultural scene also support careers in independent publishing, criticism, and interdisciplinary arts projects.

Why study at Jagiellonian University

Jagiellonian University combines a long-standing academic tradition with strong humanities scholarship, making it a supportive environment for advanced study in film. Located in Kraków, a city with a vibrant cultural life and numerous film festivals, cinemas and archives, the university provides students with access to rich local resources and professional networks.

Students benefit from working with experienced faculty in film and media research, extensive university library collections and opportunities for collaboration with museums, archives and cultural organisations. The programme’s emphasis on both theoretical rigour and practical engagement helps prepare graduates for research, curatorial work and a range of roles in the cultural sector.