PhD in Film Studies & Visual Arts From Euro Asian University

Earn the most prestigious title in your career and develop leadership skills suited to today’s global business challenges. This online DBA program empowers you to innovate and lead at the highest levels.

Type

Doctorate

Start Date

May 31, 2025

Duration

36 Months

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About Program

This course was designed to empower experienced professionals with advanced knowledge and research skills to enable them to drive innovation. Upon completion, learners will be awarded an DBA degree from Euro Asian, Geneva.

Key Highlights

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Course Curriculum

1. Foundations of Film Studies

For a PhD in Film Studies & Visual Arts, you should focus on understanding the evolution of cinema, key theoretical frameworks (such as formalism, realism, and auteur theory), significant movements (e.g., German Expressionism, French New Wave), and how film reflects and influences culture, politics, and society. Analyze both technical and narrative structures.

In Film Aesthetics, you should focus on understanding visual style, composition, color theory, lighting, sound design, and editing techniques. Study cinematic techniques like framing, shot types, and movement. Analyze how aesthetics influence narrative, emotion, and audience perception, and explore theoretical frameworks surrounding visual art in cinema.

In "Cinema and Society," you should explore the relationship between film and cultural, political, and social dynamics. Key areas include how films reflect and shape societal values, ideologies, identity, and power structures, as well as their role in social change, historical narratives, and the impact of global cinema.

For a PhD in Film Studies & Visual Arts, focus on understanding the evolution of film genres and movements, analyzing their historical, cultural, and social contexts. Explore key genres (e.g., horror, noir, western) and movements (e.g., Italian Neorealism, French New Wave) while studying their artistic, narrative, and stylistic contributions to cinema.

2. Film Theory and Criticism

For a PhD in Film Studies & Visual Arts, focus on understanding structuralism's focus on underlying codes and systems in film, and post-structuralism's critique of fixed meanings and emphasis on viewer interpretation. Explore concepts like binary oppositions, intertextuality, and deconstruction, and their application in analyzing films' cultural and ideological layers.

In Psychoanalytic Film Theory, focus on how film reflects unconscious desires, identity formation, and societal norms through concepts like the mirror stage, castration anxiety, and the gaze. Explore theorists like Freud, Lacan, and Mulvey, examining how cinema shapes psychological experiences, gender dynamics, and viewer subjectivity.

In Feminist Film Criticism, focus on exploring gender representation, the male gaze, and how films reflect or challenge patriarchal structures. Study feminist theorists like Laura Mulvey, bell hooks, and Judith Butler. Analyze female agency, intersectionality, and alternative narratives to understand how film constructs and deconstructs gender roles.

In Postcolonial Film Theory, you should explore how films reflect colonial histories, identity, resistance, and power dynamics. Study the representation of marginalized cultures, decolonization in cinema, and critique Eurocentric narratives. Focus on key theorists like Edward Said and Frantz Fanon, and analyze postcolonial film movements globally.

3. Visual Culture and Media

In studying the Semiotics of Visual Culture for your PhD in Film Studies & Visual Arts, focus on understanding how images, symbols, and signs convey meaning. Explore the relationship between visual codes, cultural context, and viewer interpretation. Examine how visual media shape societal perceptions and reflect ideologies through visual language.

In Visual Storytelling, focus on the integration of narrative and imagery, understanding cinematography, shot composition, and visual metaphors. Study techniques like mise-en-scène, lighting, and color theory, along with visual symbolism. Analyze how visuals convey emotions, themes, and character development, and explore the relationship between story and medium.

In Film Studies & Visual Arts, the topic of Media and Representation involves analyzing how media shapes cultural narratives, identities, and power dynamics. Key areas include the portrayal of gender, race, class, and sexuality, the politics of representation, visual aesthetics, and the role of media in societal influence and change.

Studying the intersections of film and fine arts involves exploring visual storytelling, aesthetics, symbolism, and the influence of painting, sculpture, and other art forms on cinema. It also includes analyzing filmmakers' use of fine art techniques and the evolution of visual culture in film.

4. Film Production and Technology

Focus on mastering lighting, camera angles, composition, color theory, depth, and movement. Study shot selection, framing, and visual storytelling to enhance narrative impact. Analyze visual techniques across genres, styles, and historical contexts to deepen theoretical and practical understanding.

Learning about film editing and post-production involves understanding the technical aspects of editing software, narrative structure, pacing, sound design, color grading, and visual effects. It also includes exploring the historical evolution of editing techniques and their impact on storytelling and artistic expression.

Sound design involves understanding the role of audio in narrative construction, emotional impact, and thematic development. Key areas include sound theory, mixing techniques, the interplay of diegetic/non-diegetic sounds, and the historical evolution of sound in cinema.

Focus on understanding the evolution and techniques of digital and special effects, including CGI, motion capture, and visual compositing. Explore their artistic, cultural, and narrative impacts, and examine their influence on film aesthetics, storytelling, and audience perception.

5. Film and Society

Exploring "Film as Political Discourse" involves analyzing how cinema reflects, critiques, and shapes political ideologies. Key areas include propaganda, social movements, representation of power, identity, nationalism, censorship, and the role of filmmakers in influencing public opinion and policy.

Explore media regulation's impact on creative expression, censorship, intellectual property, content distribution, and audience access. Study how policies shape production, representation, and cultural narratives, while understanding global and local regulatory frameworks affecting film industries and visual arts practices.

Focus on how viewers interpret, engage with, and respond to media. Key areas include audience demographics, cultural contexts, media consumption patterns, reception theory, and the impact of social, political, and technological changes on film reception. Analyze audience agency, fandoms, and the role of spectatorship in film culture.

Explore how cinema reflects and shapes societal values, addresses social issues, influences public perception, and fosters cultural identity. Study its role in activism, its impact on social change, and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers in portraying diverse communities.

6. Advanced Topics in Visual Arts

Explore the intersection of contemporary art and cinema, focusing on how film reflects, critiques, and interacts with modern art movements. Study visual aesthetics, experimental narratives, multimedia integration, and the socio-political implications of both art forms.

Focus on understanding the evolution of digital art, key animation techniques, storytelling through visuals, and the integration of digital media with traditional filmmaking. Explore the influence of digital tools on artistic expression, aesthetic theory, and cultural impact.

Explore the intersection of digital media with visual arts, focusing on digital aesthetics, interactive art, multimedia installations, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Investigate how these technologies reshape visual storytelling, audience engagement, and artistic expression in modern cinema.

Focus on how artistic movements (e.g., Surrealism, Expressionism, Dadaism) influenced cinematic techniques, narratives, and aesthetics. Analyze how film draws from visual arts to convey meaning, create visual metaphors, and reflect socio-political contexts, exploring cross-medium impacts and innovative storytelling.

Program Highlights

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1000+ Hours of Content

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600+ Live Sessions

500+ Doubt Sessions

100+ One-on-one Sessions

Mini Tasks

100+ Mini Tasks

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50+ Live Projects

50+ Technical Blogs

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50+ Research Paper Study

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50+ Assignments

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50+ Case Studies

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20+ Group Discussions

10+ Specializations

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10+ Guest Lectures

10+ Industry Leader Sessions

Doctoral Dissertation / Thesis

Conduct original research to address a real-world business problem. Learn to formulate research questions, apply theoretical frameworks, and contribute to academic and professional knowledge. Every Learner will go through these following six simple steps to complete their Thesis with the help of a Professional Expert.

Step 1: Introduction to Problem Statement

  • Background of the study
  • Problem statement
  • Research questions/objectives
  • Significance of the study
  • Scope and limitations
  • Structure of the dissertation

Step 2: Defining a Proper Methodology

  • Research philosophy (e.g., positivist, interpretivist)
  • Research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed)
  • Data collection methods (surveys, interviews, case studies, etc.)
  • Sampling techniques, and Data analysis techniques
  • Validity, reliability, and ethical considerations

Step 3: Literature Review of the Problem

  • Theoretical framework
  • Review of relevant literature
  • Gap in existing research
  • Conceptual model (if any)

Step 4: Data Analysis and Findings

  • Presentation of data
  • Thematic analysis, statistical analysis, or both
  • Discussion of key findings in relation to research questions

Step 5: Discussion about major Findings

  • Interpretation of findings
  • Comparison with literature
  • Practical/business implications
  • Theoretical implications

Step 6: Conclusion and Recommendations

  • Summary of key findings
  • Contributions to knowledge and practice
  • Limitations of the study
  • Suggestions for future research

What Our Learners Have To Say About Us

Pursuing my Doctorate in Business Administration was more than just an academic pursuit—it was a transformational journey. The research support and global exposure helped me establish myself as a thought leader in strategic management.

Joshua Lane
Dr. Joshua Lane

I come from a tech background, but this PhD in Digital Transformation helped me pivot into academia while continuing to consult for Fortune 500 companies. It’s the best of both worlds.

Dr. Austin Hayes

As a healthcare administrator, I never imagined myself diving deep into research. But this doctoral course allowed me to explore policy, innovation, and data-driven leadership in a whole new light.

Priya Verma
Dr. Priya Verma

The flexibility of the program allowed me to pursue my doctorate while leading a nonprofit organization. The global faculty helped sharpen my focus on social entrepreneurship and sustainable impact

Dr. Malik Thompson

I joined the Doctorate in Supply Chain & Operations Management while managing a global logistics team. The program helped me optimize real-world systems through academic frameworks, and the research has since been implemented across three countries.

Neha Singhal
Dr. Neha Singhal

Coming from the government sector, I wanted a deeper understanding of policy impact. My PhD in Economics gave me the tools to conduct policy evaluations that are now influencing decisions at the state level.

Melissa Grant
Dr. Melissa Grant

Career Services By Growth Skale

DBA Course
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3 Guaranteed Interviews

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Career Oriented Sessions

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Mock Interview Preparation

1 on 1 Career Mentoring Sessions

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Resume & LinkedIn Profile Building

Exclusive access to Growth Skale Job portal

Case Studies

Strategic

Strategic Management & Business Transformation

  • Case Study Topic: How Amazon or Netflix adapted to changing market dynamics.
  • Focus: Long-term visioning, change management, innovation strategy.

Analyze how Amazon or Netflix navigated shifting market conditions through strategic foresight, innovative thinking, and effective change management. Examine key decisions, adaptations to technology and consumer behavior, and leadership in driving transformation. Highlight lessons in resilience, long-term vision, and innovation that enabled sustained competitive advantage.

Leader

Leadership & Organizational Behavior

  • Case Study Topic: Transformational leadership in Microsoft under Satya Nadella.
  • Focus: Leadership styles, employee motivation, cultural change.

Analyze Satya Nadella’s transformational leadership at Microsoft, focusing on how his leadership style influenced employee motivation and drove cultural change. Examine key initiatives, communication strategies, and leadership behaviors that reshaped the company’s vision, collaboration, and innovation. Evaluate outcomes through performance improvements, employee engagement, and organizational culture transformation.

Operations

Operations & Supply Chain Management

  • Case Study Topic: Apple’s global supply chain resilience during COVID.
  • Focus: Logistics optimization, risk management, supplier relationships.

Analyze how Apple maintained supply chain resilience during COVID-19, focusing on logistics optimization, risk management strategies, and supplier relationship management. Examine disruptions faced, Apple’s response, and lessons learned. Highlight how Apple adapted operations, diversified suppliers, and leveraged technology to ensure continuity and meet global demand during the pandemic.

Financial Strategy & Corporate Finance

  • Case Study Topic: Tesla’s capital raising and risk-taking approach.
  • Focus: Valuation, capital structuring, financial decision-making.

In this case study, analyze Tesla’s approach to raising capital and taking financial risks. Evaluate its valuation methods, capital structure decisions, and strategic financial choices. Assess how these influenced growth, investor confidence, and market positioning, while considering implications for long-term sustainability and competitive advantage in the electric vehicle industry.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

  • Case Study Topic: Airbnb’s growth through disruptive innovation.
  • Focus: Business model innovation, scaling, funding.

In this case study, analyze how Airbnb achieved rapid growth through disruptive innovation. Focus on its unique business model, how it scaled operations globally, and secured funding to fuel expansion. Examine key strategies, challenges faced, and the impact of innovation on the hospitality industry’s traditional dynamics.

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Marketing Strategy & Consumer Behavior

  • Case Study Topic: Coca-Cola’s regional marketing adaptations.
  • Focus: Branding, consumer psychology, data-driven marketing.

Analyze how Coca-Cola tailors its branding and marketing strategies to different regions using consumer psychology insights and data-driven approaches. Examine specific regional campaigns, cultural adaptations, and how consumer behavior influences branding decisions. Highlight the effectiveness of personalized marketing and the role of data in shaping Coca-Cola’s global yet local brand presence.

Corporate

Corporate Governance & Ethics

  • Case Study Topic: The Volkswagen emissions scandal.
  • Focus: Ethical decision-making, compliance, board effectiveness.

Analyze the Volkswagen emissions scandal by examining the ethical lapses, failures in compliance, and the role of the board. Evaluate how decisions were made, who was responsible, and how stronger governance could have prevented it. Recommend strategies to enhance ethical decision-making, regulatory compliance, and board accountability in corporate settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Frequently or Commonly asked Questions and Doubts by Enquiries

This is a doctoral-level program for professionals who want to lead through research and
innovation. It blends academic depth with real-world impact, helping you turn workplace
challenges into meaningful, research-driven solutions.

Yes, absolutely. It's built with your schedule in mind. You can pursue this PhD alongside your
job, with flexible study hours and a structure that respects your work-life balance.

This is a blended program, primarily conducted online. You'll learn through a mix of live virtual
sessions, recorded lectures, guided mentorship, and independent research. No campus visits
required—unless you choose to attend optional events.

You’ll learn from globally recognized faculty—experienced researchers, tenured professors, and
industry experts. They’ll not only teach you but guide your research journey with real insight and
personalized attention.

Instead of a traditional thesis, you’ll work on a Practicum Research Project. It’s based on a real
issue from your work or industry. With your advisor’s help, you’ll research it rigorously and may
even publish it, depending on your goals.

Not at all. This PhD is designed for professionals, not career academics. You’ll be supported
through every research step—from forming questions to analyzing data—with practical
guidance tailored to your experience level.

Most learners complete the program in about 2.5 to 3 years, depending on how much time you
dedicate. The flexible design means you can move at your own pace, balancing study with your
personal and professional life.

Yes. The degree is awarded by Euro Asian University in Estonia, a recognized institution within
the European Higher Education Area. It holds academic value across Europe, the U.S., and
beyond.

Publishing is not required but highly encouraged. If your work has practical or academic value,
your advisor can guide you in submitting it to journals or presenting it at conferences.

The cohort includes senior executives, consultants, educators, entrepreneurs, and mid-career
professionals. Everyone brings unique experiences, making for rich peer discussions and
networking opportunities.

Whether you want to teach, lead strategic transformation, consult, or start your own research
firm, this PhD helps position you as a subject matter expert and decision-maker in your domain.

The application is simple. Share your academic and professional background, express your
research interests, and have a short conversation with our admissions team. From there, we’ll
guide you through every step

Get in touch.

Our advisors are available around the clock to answer questions and support your educational journey. Connect with us today to explore how upGrad can help you meet your career goals.

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