MA Culture and Media Studies: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Jul 04, 2025, by Dharti Bhadla

MA Culture and Media Studies is a 2-year postgraduate course designed to provide students with a critical and in-depth understanding of the complex relationship between media, culture, and society. It explores how media shapes cultural narratives, influences public perception, and interacts with politics, identity, and technology.

 

MA Culture and Media Studies eligibility criteria is that the candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree, involving passing a BA in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA from a UGC recognised university. Apart from UG merit, students may have to qualify for a CUET PG or other university-specific entrance exam to take admission in their desired institute.

 

The average MA Culture and Media fees range from INR 10,000 – 60,000, depending on the institute type. Students can pursue an MA in Culture and Media Studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), University of Hyderabad, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the Central University of Rajasthan.

 

After completing post-graduation with an MA in Culture and Media Studies, students can pursue various opportunities. Some of the job roles that students can pursue after completing this course are Journalist/Reporter, Editor, Content Writer, Media Planner, Curator, Producer, etc. The average salary you can earn after an MA in Culture and Media is between INR 4,00,000 – 8,00,000.

 

Table of Contents
  1. MA Culture and Media Studies Key Highlights
  2. What is an MA in Culture and Media Studies?
  3. Why Study MA Culture and Media Studies?
  4. Who should study MA Culture and Media Studies?
  5. MA Culture and Media Studies Eligibility Criteria
  6. MA Culture and Media Studies Entrance Exams
  7. MA Culture and Media Studies Colleges in India
  8. MA Culture and Media Studies Admission Process
  9. MA Culture and Media Studies Syllabus
  10. MA Culture and Media Studies Job Opportunities in India
  11. MA Culture and Media Studies FAQs

 

MA Culture and Media Studies Key Highlights

The key highlights of MA Culture and Media Studies are tabulated below.

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Master of Arts in Culture and Media Studies

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years (Some distance learning programs may offer flexibility up to 4 years)

Course Type

Full-time, Part-time, Distance Learning, Online

Admission Process

CUET PG or direct based on UG merit. (Some universities may conduct their own entrance exam or Personal interview rounds)

Eligibility Criteria

50-60% in UG degree and valid score in entrance exam

Average Course Fees

INR 10,000 – 60,000

Top Colleges

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Central University of Rajasthan, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Manipal Institute of Communication, etc.

Job Profiles

Journalist/Reporter, Editor, Content Writer, Media Planner, Curator, Producer, etc.

Top Recruiters

Publishing Houses, Digital Marketing Agencies, Film-making Agencies, News Channels, Universities, etc.

Average Salary in India

INR 4 to 8 LPA

 

What is an MA in Culture and Media Studies?

MA in Culture and Media Studies is a postgraduate course that specializes in Media Production and Communication. The course involves a broad array of subjects in different cultures, traditions, media forms, and production of films, videos, advertisements, music, dramas, etc. It's an interdisciplinary field that draws from various disciplines like sociology, anthropology, literary studies, philosophy, communication studies, and even political science.

 

It differs from MA in Mass Communication or Journalism, which might focus more heavily on practical media production and news reporting. An MA in Culture and Media Studies involves critical theory, analysis, and research. It aims to equip students with the tools to deconstruct and understand how media and cultural forms.

 

Also, read MA Rural Development

 

Why Study MA Culture and Media Studies?

Pursuing MA in Culture and Media Studies opens the door to a dynamic and creative career.

  • Graduates can explore various roles in news channels, print, media production, marketing, education, etc.
  • It equips you with essential career skills such as media planning, production, editing, content curation, communication, journaling, reporting, and more.
  • The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects that provide a comprehensive understanding of various cultures in India and specific regions of the country.
  • It enhances one’s understanding of their traditions and history.

 

Who should study MA Culture and Media Studies?

MA Culture and Media Studies is an ideal choice of career for those looking to work in Communication, Entertainment, and Marketing.

 

It offers a diverse career in print and media communications, such as Newspapers, TV News Channels, Radio, etc.

  • People interested in Digital Marketing can also pursue an MA in Culture and Media Studies, as it teaches you to plan and produce various kinds of media for marketing and communication.
  • It is a good fit for a writer with in creative knack. One can become a content writer or a creator for marketing agencies, websites, or book publishing houses.
  • Those wanting to become a director or producer and work on film-making can definitely pursue MA in Culture and Media Studies.

 

MA Culture and Media Studies Eligibility Criteria

Those aspiring to pursue an MA in Culture and Media Studies must hold a Bachelor's degree (3-year or 4-year duration) from a UGC recognized university. A minimum of 50% or equivalent CGPA is required to apply.

 

Students with any discipline in their UG program can apply for this course. However, some preferred majors are Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences (e.g., Literature, Sociology, Political Science, History, Philosophy), Performing Arts, Fine Arts, and Communication Technology streams (e.g., Mass Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Visual Communication)

 

MA Culture and Media Studies Entrance Exams

Admission to the MA Culture and Media Studies is based on UG merit and CUET PG scores. Some universities may conduct their own screening exam for admissions.

Exam Name

Application Date

 

(Tentative)

Exam Date

 

(Tentative)

Application Fee

CUET PG 2026

January - February, 2026

March - April, 2026

INR 1,000 (General - for up to 3 papers)

 

INR 900 (OBC-NCL/Gen-EWS - for up to 2 papers)

 

INR 800 (SC/ST/Third Gender - for up to 2 papers)

Jadavpur University Entrance Exam 2025

September - October 2025

October - November 2025

INR 1000

 

MA Culture and Media Studies Colleges in India

Given below are some of the best colleges that provide MA in Culture and Media Studies program:

College Name

Location

Average Course Fees

NIRF Ranking

 

(University)

Central University of Rajasthan

Ajmer, Rajasthan

INR 45,790

151-200

Tata Institute of Social Sciences [TISS]

Mumbai

INR 64,000

58

Utkal University of Culture

Bhubaneswar, Odisha

INR 6,000

93

 

MA Culture and Media Studies Admission Process

MA Culture and Media Studies admission is either direct, considering UG merit or based on CUET PG in most universities. Applicants are required to check the admission guidelines and selection criteria for their chosen institute.

 

Here, an admission process for MA Culture and Media Studies at TISS, Mumbai is explained for your reference.

  • TISSNET is discontinued for admission to the MA in Media and Cultural Studies at TISS. From the current academic year, it is now based on the CUET PG 2025 score (with 100% weightage).

Step 1. TISS Application: After appearing for CUET PG, candidates will need to register on the TISS admission portal. TISS will use your CUET PG scores directly for admission to the MA Media and Cultural Studies program.

 

Step 2. Fill out the form with accurate information on personal, educational, and contact details.

 

Step 3. Upload all required documents and pay the application fee.

 

Step 4. Upon submission, TISS authorities will verify and process your candidature for merit based selection.

 

Step 5. TISS will release a merit list on its website and call to shortlisted candidates for PI or document verification process.

 

Step 6. Followed by document verification, the selected ones will have to pay their initial fees to confirm their admission.

 

Documents Required:

  • Original Marksheet of 10th and 12th grade, Graduation certificate
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Birth Certificate
  • ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
  • Passport-size Photograph

 

MA Culture and Media Studies Syllabus

MA Culture and Media Studies syllabus is divided into 4 semesters where students will learn about different cultures of a region, journalism practice, challenges in journalism, media production, and traditions.

 

Given below is a MA Culture andMedia Studies syllabus followed by the Central University of Rajasthan

Semester I

Semester II

Introduction to Cultural Studies

Media Studies Research

Visual Cultures

Documentary Film

Introduction to Media Studies

Video Postproduction

Video Production

Aesthetics of Film

Journalism: Theory and Concepts

Cultural Studies: Application and Approaches

Fundamentals of Photography

Journalism: New challenges and applications

Basics of Visual Design

Folklore and Oral Traditions

Understanding Society & Politics in India

Understanding Rajasthan

Semester III

Semester IV

Indigenous Culture

Media Internship

Cinema Studies

Production

Intercultural Communication

Dissertation

Seminar Course on Dissertation OR Production OR Field Study

Field Study

Heritage and Museum Studies

Development Communication

Advertising and Public Relations

Media Organization & Management

Reading Television

-

New Media

-

Production of Fiction Film

-

 

MA Culture and Media Studies Job Opportunities in India

MA Culture and Media studies jobs offer a dynamic career in the entertainment, as well as print and media communication fields. Graduates may find jobs as journalists, editors, reporters, media planners, content creators, or film/serial producers and directors.

Job Title

Recruiters/ Recruiting Areas

Experience Level

Average Salary

Journalist/Reporter

Times Group, Hindustan Times, India Today Group, NDTV, Zee Network

0-2 years

 

2-7 years

 

7+ years

1.8 – 6 LPA

 

3 – 6 LPA

 

7 – 12 LPA

Content Creator/Writer

Digital Marketing Agencies, E-commerce Companies, EdTech Platforms

0-2 years

 

2-5 years

 

5+ years

2.5 – 4 LPA

 

4 – 7 LPA

 

7 – 12 LPA

Editor

Publishing Houses, Digital Media Companies, Production Houses

0-2 years

 

2-5 years

 

5+ years

2 – 4 LPA

 

4 – 7 LPA

 

7 – 16 LPA

Film and Television Producer/Director

Production Houses, TV Channels, OTT Platforms,

0-3 years

 

3-8 years

 

8+ years

5 – 10 LPA

 

10 –15 LPA

 

15 –30 LPA

Media Planner/Strategist

Advertising Agencies, Media Buying Agencies, Digital Marketing Agencies, etc.

0-2 years

 

2-5 years

 

5+ years

3 – 5 LPA

 

5 – 9 LPA

 

9 – 18 LPA

Web Content Producer

E-commerce Companies, Tech Companies, and Media Houses

0-3 years

 

3-7 years

 

7+ years

2.5 – 4 LPA

 

4 – 7 LPA

 

7 – 10 LPA

 

MA Culture and Media Studies FAQs

Is MA Culture and Media Studies the same as MA Journalism?

No, MA Culture and Media Studies is distinctly different from MA Journalism. An MA in Journalism is a practical, skill-oriented program that specializes in news gathering, reporting, writing, and production across various media platforms. This course aims to train professional journalists. On the other hand, MA Culture and Media Studies is a highly theoretical and analytical program that critically examines the complex relationship between media, culture, and society, delving into critical theories, cultural analysis, media policy, and research.

Can I pursue MA Culture and Media Studies online?

Yes, there are some institutes and open universities offering this program through their distance learning portals. IGNOU, Chandigarh University Online, Manipal Online, etc are some of the institutes where you can study MA online. However, you need to verify the available specializations and electives for MA Culture and Media Studies.

What are the placements for Tiss MA in media and cultural studies?

The TISS MA in Media and Cultural Studies program provides a strong placement to its graduates. Around 80-85% of students are typically placed, with the highest package potentially reaching 10-12 LPA and an average of around 6-8 LPA. The official hiring partner at TISS includes Media Houses, NGOs, Publishing Houses, and Research Organizations (Government and Private firms).

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