Top 10 Film & Media Studies Online Courses
Explore the top 10 film and media studies online courses to enhance your skills in filmmaking, media production, and storytelling. Learn from global universities and platforms at your own pace, gain practical knowledge, and open doors to careers in film, media, and content creation.
Ever watched a movie and wondered how it was shot, why certain scenes feel so powerful, or maybe you have imagined yourself working behind the scenes in the media someday? Then the top 10 film & media studies online courses can really pave the way for you. Platforms like Coursera, FutureLearn, SWAYAM, and some global universities have online courses that cover everything from film history and screenwriting to editing and media analysis. One great thing about these courses is that they can actually help you build skills that look great on a portfolio or resume if you are aiming for careers in media, journalism, or content creation. We have gathered some of the best online courses for you below.
Also Read:
Career Options in Film Studies Degree
Top Platforms for Film and Media Studies Online Courses
Below, we have made a list of the platforms for you where you can find the best film and media studies courses.
Platform | Details |
Coursera | Offers film and media courses from top universities like Duke, the University of London, and Wesleyan. You can audit courses for free and earn certificates for a fee. |
FutureLearn | Features film and media programs from institutes like the British Film Institute and the University of East Anglia, with interactive peer discussions. |
Udemy | A popular platform with practical, skill-based film and media courses, including filmmaking, editing, and digital media, often taught by industry professionals. |
Alison | Free platform offering introductory and diploma-level courses in media studies, journalism, and communication with optional free/affordable certificates. |
SWAYAM | Government of India initiative providing media and communication courses designed by top Indian universities, with free access and low-cost certification. |
Skillshare | Focused on creative learning, offering short project-based courses on filmmaking, video editing, storytelling, and digital media skills. |
List of Top 10 Film and Media Studies Online Courses
Now, here are the top 10 film studies courses for you.
Course Name | Platform/ University | Duration | Cost |
The Art of Filmmaking: Composition and Moving Image | Coursera (California Institute of the Arts) | 2 weeks | Free to audit |
Foundation Course in Screenplay Writing | FTII (Online) | 10 weeks | INR 20,000 |
MA Global Film and Television (Online) | University of Hertfordshire (Online) | 2 years (Part Time) | GBP 10,980 |
Film & Television MA | Falmouth University (Online) | 2 years (Part Time) | GBP 12,150 |
Cinematography Fundamentals | NYU Tisch (Online) | 1 year | USD 1,199 |
Introduction to Film Studies | NPTEL (IIT Madras) | 12 Weeks | Free |
Basic Concepts of Film & Video Editing | SWAYAM (SRFTI Kolkata) | 8 Weeks | Free (certificate optional) |
How to Make a Short Film: An Introduction to Filmmaking | FutureLearn (, BFI) | 4 weeks | Free to audit (INR 2,763 for certificate) |
Basic Course in the Art of Screenwriting | FTII | 2 weeks | INR 14,000 |
Online Filmmaking & TV Producing | New York Film Academy Gold Coast | 4 weeks | USD 2,200 |
Also Read: Top 10 Film Schools in India for 2025: Film Making Courses, Fees, Admission, Career Scope
Eligibility for Top Film and Media Studies Courses
Here are the basic requirements that you may need to enrol in the filmmaking courses.
Eligibility | Details |
Educational Background | Most universities prefer applicants with a high school diploma for undergraduate programs, while postgraduate programs often require a bachelor’s degree in media, communication, or a related field. |
Portfolio/Work Samples | Creative programs, especially in film direction, screenwriting, or media production, often ask for a portfolio, short film, or written samples |
Age Requirements | Some universities may have minimum age requirements (usually 17-18 years for UG). Platforms like Udemy and Coursera impose no strict age limits for certificate courses. |
Professional/Work Experience | For advanced or specialized programs (like Master’s in Film Studies or Digital Media), some universities prefer candidates with prior industry experience or academic background in related fields. |
Career after Film Studies Online Courses
We have gathered a list of some popular jobs and their average salaries for you.
Job Role | Average Salary (INR) |
Screenwriter / Scriptwriter | 4,00,000 - 12,00,000 |
Video Editor / Post-Production Artist | 3,50,000 - 9,00,000 |
Cinematographer/ Camera Operator | 4,00,000 - 10,00,000 |
Sound Designer/ Audio Engineer | 3,50,000 - 8,00,000 |
Film Critic/ Reviewer | 3,00,000 - 7,00,000 |
Media Content Creator (YouTube/ OTT/ Digital Platforms) | 3,00,000 - 10,00,000 |
Animator / Visual Effects Artist | 4,00,000 - 12,00,000 |
Broadcast Journalist/ Media Reporter | 3,50,000 - 8,50,000 |
Film/ TV Production Assistant | 2,50,000 - 6,00,000 |
Also Read: What Can You do With a Film and TV Studies Degree?
Tips to Choose the Right Online Media Studies Courses
Below are some helpful tips for you to choose the right film studies courses.
Tip | Details |
Check Course Credibility | Choose courses from universities, platforms, or industry-recognized institutions for quality and recognition. |
Review Syllabus & Content | Look for courses that cover core media topics such as film studies, journalism, digital media, editing, and communication theory. |
Check Learning Format | Decide between self-paced courses for flexibility or instructor-led courses for structured guidance. |
Certification & Accreditation | Ensure the course provides a valid certificate that can enhance your resume or portfolio. |
Check Duration | Pick a course that fits your schedule and learning goals, like short-term for quick skills, long-term for in-depth study. |
Read Course Reviews | Check reviews and ratings from previous students, which will help you determine the course effectiveness, teaching quality, and applicability. |
Cost | Check tuition or platform fees for the course and choose the one that matches your budget. Some courses offer free auditing options as well. |
The great thing about these film and media courses is that you don’t just learn theory, you get to explore storytelling, production, and analysis. Even spending a few hours on the right course can give you ideas, hands-on skills, and something impressive to show if you are thinking about a career in the film and media industry. Our advice? Pick any of the above courses that spark your interest and start learning.