Taught by practising filmmakers, academics, and moving image artists, this two-year online master’s supports you to develop and realise your individual creative vision. You'll explore a range of forms—from narrative fiction and documentary to experimental and hybrid works—within an international learning community.

Through a dynamic blend of bespoke lectures, seminars, practical assignments, and one-to-one tutorials, you’ll expand your film practice while engaging critically with its histories, theories, and evolving forms.

Guided readings and screenings will deepen your understanding of contemporary issues in film, while collaborative and independent projects help refine your voice as a filmmaker.

Develop your filmmaking expertise and creative voice

You'll have opportunities to work independently and collaboratively through projects considering how films and moving image works are developed, funded, presented, and disseminated.  

Through a structured framework of research-driven experimentation, peer feedback, and mentorship, you'll expand your understanding and refine your skills, preparing you for a career in film.

The MA Film Practice culminates in each student creating a substantial short film or moving image work accompanied by a practice-research document that critically reflects on, and articulates, the research, development, and making of their final MA work.

Grow your comprehensive filmmaking skillset

This online master's is rooted in essential core units encompassing creative, conceptual, and practical aspects of filmmaking and moving image processes. Across a series of diverse units, you'll explore many facets essential to developing your unique film practice.

Guided and supported by the teaching staff, you'll work on a variety of projects, including how narrative can be constructed in film, theories and practices of representation, and the aesthetics of cinema.

The course will also consider and explore the ever-expanding ways in which films and moving image works are shown and disseminated, from online screenings to cinemas, galleries, and film festivals.

Cultivate a creative mindset with practical application

The MA places a significant emphasis on practical application, encouraging you to produce a thesis film that encapsulates your learning. This capstone project is supported by the 'Thesis Film Proposal' and 'Thesis Film Resolution' units, which guide you from conceptualisation to execution.

You'll navigate every stage of film production, from pitching your ideas to delivering a polished final product, ensuring you leave this master's with a compelling piece in your portfolio to distinguish you in the competitive film industry.

Pursue diverse filmmaking careers

You'll become attuned to contemporary developments within the cinematic landscape. Plus, you'll receive mentorship and guidance from an experienced academic team, aiding you in translating theoretical knowledge into practical proficiency.

Completing this master's means you'll open an array of career opportunities. Whether your passion leads you towards becoming an independent filmmaker or a documentary maker, taking on commercial work or working the expansive field of contemporary film and moving image, this degree's robust framework will set you up for success. 

Some graduates choose to use the skills and knowledge from the MA to pursue work as a freelance creative. Some have moved towards working as assistant directors, producers, cinematographers, or even entering academia either as a tutor or undertaking further study at PhD level.

What career opportunities could this degree unlock?

Upon completing the MA Film Practice, you could pursue roles such as:

• Independent Filmmaker: Create films that express your distinct vision, contributing to both independent and mainstream cinema.

• Documentary Filmmaker: Work independently, with community groups or NGO’s (non-governmental organisations and non-profit groups) to use film to explore humanitarian and social issues.

• Producer: Oversee film and moving image projects from concept to completion, managing budgets, schedules, and diverse creative teams.

• Production Coordinator: Act as the organisational hub in the films production to ensure a seamless workflow across all departments and members.

• Film Educator: Share your expertise and inspire future filmmakers through teaching.

You can also choose to refine your practice further, honing your research and critical skills at the PhD level.

Is this a part-time or full-time degree?

The master's is delivered online, perfect for part-time study, designed to fit seamlessly into your life and allow you to maintain a professional balance. Over two years, the course offers flexibility with start dates and the curriculum's structure accommodates various learning styles through projects, creative assignments, and interactive assessments designed to test and enhance your capabilities.

You can expect to study between 15–20 hours per week for this programme. Plus, there are built in break periods between every unit so you'll have a chance to rest and recharge.

Whether you're at the beginning of your career or looking to sharpen your skills, the MA Film Practice empowers you to elevate your filmmaking prowess within a supportive and challenging academic environment.