Annapurna International School of Film + Media (AISFM) and Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) today signed an MoU to offer new four-year undergraduate and two-year postgraduate degrees with specializations in media.

The details of the MoU were unveiled by Dr. P Padmavathi, In-Charge Vice Chancellor, JNAFAU and Nagarjuna Akkineni, President, AISFM. Under the MoU, AISFM and JNAFAU will offer BFA and MA degrees with specializations in Advertising + Digital Marketing, Journalism + PR, Graphic + Multimedia Design, and Photography + Digital Imaging.

"The Indian media industry is growing at double the speed of the overall economy. Every sector of the media industry will need to recruit many additional trained professionals in order to expand and to explore new opportunities. We have designed these courses with significant industry consultation to ensure that the students meet employers' needs." Nagarjuna Akkineni, President of AISFM said. He added: "We understand that talent lies in all areas of our country, so we are launching scholarships of up to 75% of the course fees, to support students from financially-weaker backgrounds."

In-charge Vice Chancellor of JNAFAU Dr. P Padmavathi said: "This academic collaboration is an exciting step in creating the future of media education in India. The industry is changing quickly and students now need a combination of creative, technical and professional skills in order to build their careers. JNAFAU and AISFM can provide these skills."

Geetika Tondon, VP — Academics of AISFM, said: "We have been developing the curriculum for this course over the last two years, combining input from leading international media schools with input from the Indian media industry."

Admissions are now open and the courses begin in July 2013. All classes will be conducted inside Annapurna Studios — a 22-acre campus featuring production facilities, studios, post production, outdoor shooting locations and classrooms. Hostel facilities are available for non-resident students.

Kurt Inderbitzin, CEO AISFM, Prof. (Dr) N Kavita Daryani Rao, Registrar and Director of Evaluation JNAFAU, Prof. S Pradeep Kumar, Director Academics and Planning, JNAFAU, Geetika Tondon, VP Academics, AISFM were also present during the signing of MoU function held at JNAFAU.Updated June 7, 2013