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adela.kalna@famu.czFAQ by applicants
Read frequently asked questions (FAQ) by applicants.
1. What kind of BA should I have when I plan to apply for master’s degree in cinematography?
What is essential is a Bachelor’s degree (from any university) and professional experience with film photography. You are assumed to possess ample experience with still photography and a strong interest in cinematography. If you do not have a Bachelor’s degree, you can try the APP program at FAMU International. We are bound by the Higher Education Act and we cannot admit students without a Bachelor’s degree.
2. What language is the program taught in?
In English. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a relevant certificate documenting their knowledge of the English language at CEFRL level B2 as a minimum.
3. Do I have to learn Czech?
Learning Czech language is only a minor part of the curriculum, the survival level usually suffices.
4. How much is the tuition fee?
The tuition fee amounts approximately to 490.000 CZK per year.
5. What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications for the three-year Master’s Program in academic year 2025/2026 is January 26, 2025.
6. When will I know the results of the admission process?
Every applicant will be notified about the results of the first stage in early February. Selected applicants are invited to the second stage. Final results are communicated by the end of the February. If you are accepted you need to start working on your visa process immediately.
6. How many applicants are admitted?
The number of students nominated for admission to the programme depends on the number of students who score at least the set minimum number of points (40 points in Stage I, 65 points in Stage II (interviews)). The minimum number of applicants is 4. In the event school receives fewer than four qualified applicants, the Cinematography department will not open a Master’s program for that year.
7. Are there any scholarships?
Currently, there are no scholarship programs for students in place at FAMU, although we hope to find possibilities for partial funding through our alumni in the future. Some countries offer student grants for international studies and we encourage our applicants to look into the possibilities available for research or study grants designed for international studies in their countries.
8. What cameras are students using in their projects?
Depending on the teaching goals and particular budgets for each type of project, a wide range of cameras is being used, from digital HDV and HDSLR through 16mm (Bolex, Arri 16SR3, Aaton) to 35mm (Arri) or – exceptionally, in some cases of master final films, if other budget circumstances allow – high-end digital cameras (Arri Alexa, Red One, Red Epic).
9. Where is the FAMU studio which is used for student film exercise making?
In Klimentska Street, approx. 20 minutes’ walk from the School which is located on the embankment – Smetanovo nábřeží. We use the well-equipped FAMU Studio as well as international cinematic equipment rental houses in Prague; so that students gain a wide range of experience, understand choices and their consequences in order to prepare the students for independent and highly professional situations.
10. Do I need a health confirmation when applying to CINKK?
If you are applying for this programme, you will need a medical certificate of colour perception.
11. How does the first year of studies go?
For the first year students, the academic year at FAMU starts in September with the “Intensive course”; regular classes are held from October till December. Then there is winter holiday and the exam time from January till February when students fulfil the attestations for subjects they have taken.
During the first year, students work with studio lighting and exercise exponometric and colorimetric skills indispensable for both shooting on film negative and digital production. Students work with a variety of media, and exercises include 35mm Vision3, 16mm and digital.
12. How does the second year of studies go?
In the second year, students continue to acquire supervised experience and work extensively with colour design enriched through coursework on the history of painting, colour theory, colour design and colour in digital postproduction. Students can choose to shoot their final degree project on 35mm or digital 4K camera, and are guided to leave the program with a professional level show reel in hand.
13. What is the final exam like?
The final exam has three parts:
1) Screening master piece – Rainbow Exercise+ Final Film/Collaboration (one film made with a director from FAMU production)
2) Technical state exam
3) Final Thesis
14. What degree do I earn at the end of my studies?
Students will receive an MgA. (Master of Fine Arts) degree, compliant with the second ECTS cycle for the EU region.
15. Do you recognise credits from any other university?
No. Every student has to complete all the subjects taught in this program.
16. Are there any contacts for more information?
Should you have any further questions regarding the Department of Cinematography please contact Petra Kobylakova.