Cinematography Course: Fees 2025, Admission, Top Colleges, Distance Learning, Online

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
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.
Popular Cinematography Courses
There are many popular courses in this domain, some of them are mentioned below:
| UG Cinematography Courses | PG Cinematography Courses |
|---|---|
| BA in Cinematography | MA in Cinematography |
| BVA in Cinematography | MSc in Photography and Cinematography |
| BSc in Photography and Cinematography | Postgraduate Diploma in Cinematography |
| Undergraduate Diploma in Cinematography | -- |
| Diploma in Film Technology and Television Production (Cinematography) | -- |
| Bachelor of Film and Television Technology (Cinematography) | -- |
Cinematography Degree Courses – UG
UG courses in Cinematography can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details below:
|
Duration of the course |
3-4 years |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
10+2 from a recognized board with minimum aggregate marks in any stream. |
|
Admission Process |
Admissions are granted on the basis of entrance exam. |
|
Entrance Exams |
|
|
What after Undergraduate Course |
Candidates can pursue PG degree or Diploma in Cinematography or can start working as assistant technician, assistant director etc. |
The undergraduate courses in cinematography are given below:
| Undergraduate Cinematography Courses | |
|---|---|
| BA in Cinematography | BVA in Cinematography |
| Bachelor of Film and Television Technology (Cinematography) | BFA Cinematography |
| BSc Cinematography | B.Sc in Cinema + Diploma in Cinematography |
| BA in Photography and Cinematography | BSc in Photography and Cinematography |
| BA (Hons) Direction & Cinematography | Bachelor in Cinematography |
| BSc in Filmmaking with Cinematography | -- |
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:
| Course | Duration | Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Course in Visual Storytelling Online | -- | Film and Television Institute of India |
| Cinematography Course | 6 months | CRAFT - Center for Research in Art of Film and Television |
| Documentary Film Making Course |
-- |
CRAFT - Center for Research in Art of Film and Television |
| Camera & Lights Course | 1-year | Pran's Media Institute |
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:
| Certificate Courses in Cinematography | ||
|---|---|---|
| Courses | Duration | Institute |
| Digital Cinematography using RED | 12 weeks | L. V. Prasad Film and TV Academy |
| Certificate in Cinematography | 3 months | Jahangirabad Institute of Technology |
| Certificate Program in Videography (Camera and Lighting) | 6 months | Heritage Institute of Management and Communication |
| Certificate in Cinematography | 6 months | Deviprasad Goenka Management College of Media Studies |
| Nine Months Course in Cinematography | 9 months | Mindscreen Film Institute |
| Certificate in Drone Training | 45 days | FTIH - Film And Television Institute of Hyderabad |
| Advanced Cinematography Course | 3 months | Brilliko Institute of Multimedia |
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:
|
Duration of the course |
2 Years |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Undergraduate degree or diploma from a recognized university with minimum aggregate marks |
|
Admission Process |
Admissions are granted on the basis of entrance exams/merit |
|
Entrance Exams |
|
|
What after Postgraduate Course |
Candidates can can make their career in various fields of filmmaking. |
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?
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment
- Amity University
- Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics
- Film and Television Institute of India
- Ramoji Academy of Film and Television
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
- IIFA Multimedia
- LV Prasad Film and TV Academy, Chennai
Q. Can I pursue a cinematography course from a foreign university?
Q. Which are the popular foreign universities offering course in cinematography?
- University of South Wales, UK
- Temple University, USA
- Canadore College, Canada
- Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand
- Wiltshire College and University Centre , UK
- DePaul University, USA
- Bournemouth University, UK
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?
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Student Forum
Answered 19 hours ago
Hi.
Yes the degree programme at AAFT School of Cinema include specialisation options like direction, cinematography, editing or acting.
- Acting
- Cinematograp
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Does the degree programme at AAFT School of Cinema include specialisation options like direction, cinematography, editing, or acting?