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.
- MA Culture and Media Studies Key Highlights
- What is an MA in Culture and Media Studies?
- Why Study MA Culture and Media Studies?
- Who should study MA Culture and Media Studies?
- MA Culture and Media Studies Eligibility Criteria
- MA Culture and Media Studies Entrance Exams
- MA Culture and Media Studies Colleges in India
- MA Culture and Media Studies Admission Process
- MA Culture and Media Studies Syllabus
- MA Culture and Media Studies Job Opportunities in India
- 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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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).

