The University of Lapland is now accepting applications for the Master’s Programme in Arctic Indigenous Cinema (AIC) starting in autumn 2026. The application period is open until 21 January (by 3 pm EET).
The two-year programme is designed to strengthen Indigenous-led storytelling by combining Indigenous narrative traditions with contemporary film and media practices. The curriculum explores storytelling and expression in film and media, screenwriting and directing practices, and Indigenous storytelling traditions in audiovisual contexts. Studies are taught in English and delivered in a hybrid model.
What the programme aims to:
- Develop master’s-level education in cinema and storytelling
- Bridge cultural heritage with modern digital storytelling tools
- Enable cross-border cooperation and capacity building across the Arctic and Sápmi
- Support Indigenous-led narratives for local and global audiences
Graduates will gain expertise for careers in the film and media industry, cultural institutions, or academia.
The development of the degree programme has been carried out jointly between the University of Lapland, Sámi Allaskuvla, and Umeå University, with funding from Interreg Aurora, a programme co-funded by the EU to help facilitate cross-border cooperation between Northern Europe and Sápmi.
Master’s Programme in Arctic Indigenous Cinema (AIC)
Programme overview
Degree: Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Credits: 120 ECTS
Duration of studies: 2 years
Application period: Jan. 7, 2026 – Jan. 21, 2026 (at 03:00 PM UTC+2)
Studies begin: Autumn 2026
How to apply?
All applications via Studyinfo.
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- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in media, visual arts, drama, theatre, journalism or another relevant field. The relevance and eligibility of a degree from another field will be determined by the admission committee.
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- A good command of the English language for academic purposes (demonstrating language proficiency).
An applicant who has completed a first-cycle degree in a relevant field of study from an institution of higher education, entitling them to apply for master’s degree studies in their country, may apply to master’s degree studies.
Students graduating during the academic year 2025 – 2026 (after the application period) must enclose their official transcript of records and the expected date of graduation to the application. The official degree certificate must be delivered to the University of Lapland by July 31, 2026. Otherwise the applicant will lose her/his study place.
During the degree, the student will develop knowledge, artistic skills and competence in:
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- Academic research in Indigenous storytelling from a theoretical or artistic research tradition
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- The dramaturgy, narrative forms and expression of film, moving image genres and media art
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- Screenwriting for moving images, film, and interactive media works
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- Directing processes and production practices in fiction film, documentary film and media art
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- Different artistic skills in filmmaking or more broadly in the audiovisual field
Career options are open to graduates, for example
- Working in the film and media industry
- Working independent creative consultancy and expert in Indigenous Cinema in different institutions and companies
- Academic research, researcher or development project management
Learn more about the programme on the University of Lapland’s website:
