What you’ll study (Sept 2026 intake)

Course Components

• MA Filmmaking has an approximate intake of 42 students in September and January and 21 students in May.
• MA Filmmaking is a 24 month (2 year) full time course split across five modules of study, over six terms.
• Students may commence the programme in September, January or May.
• Students who attain an insufficient number of credits for the award of a MA degree may be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, modules 1 and 2) or Diploma (120 credits, modules 3 and 4).
• Students must complete each module before progressing to the next module.
• Qualifications Framework Level 7 on the FHEQ (Master’s Degree) applies.

Module 1 Introduction to Screen Storytelling

Module One introduces students to filmmaking through a historically informed and critically engaged perspective. It explores how technological change, creative decision-making and professional practice shape cinema, positioning filmmaking at the intersection of theory, culture and industry. 

Students take part in a practical ‘bootcamp’ and produce a short film to professional standards, developing skills in script development, production planning and direction. Alongside hands-on training, the module examines filmmaking strategies, film history and stylistic analysis through curated screenings, encouraging students to connect aesthetic choices with narrative aims, social context, ethical considerations and industry realities.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours | Required: 184 hours
• Practical Project Work (Filming and Editing) | Required:  70 hours   
• Private study (Research and development of practical work, critical reflection in a professional context) | 46 hours – 4 hours per week

Total study hours for module 300 hours

Assessment 

Module 2: Finding Real Stories

Module Two focuses on developing nonfiction and fiction storytelling skills in tandem. Students research and pitch a documentary idea, while at the same time developing a short fiction script (for future use on the course). Students work in collaborative production units, supporting each other creatively and practically.

The module builds advanced documentary workflows, including digital cinematography for real environments, on-location sound, post-production processes, and the expressive use of music and sound. Ethical awareness is central, with guided exploration of consent, power, representation and the director’s responsibilities toward subjects.

Through making a documentary film, students experiment with different documentary modes and strengthen their directorial voice through narrative structure, visual storytelling and collaborative practice. Parallel lectures and screenings deepen understanding of documentary form and cultural context, while training in pitching sharpens students’ ability to communicate their ideas.

Students also research works that fictionalise real events, analysing truth, representation and ethical complexity. Screenwriting workshops, story development and set-building preparation support a smooth transition into the narrative filmmaking that follows in the next module.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours | Required: 159
• Practical Project Work (Filming and Editing) | Required: 80 hours
• Private study (Research and development of practical work, critical reflection in a professional context) | 61 hours – 5 hours per week

Total study hours for module  300 hours

Assessment 

Module 3: Studio Narratives

Module Three moves students into studio-based narrative filmmaking, challenging them to work at a professional level across development, production and post-production. Students write and pitch an original 8-minute script, with selected projects produced in analogue or digital formats, in either black and white or colour. The module deepens technical skill, precision and adaptability while highlighting how each department contributes to the film’s expressive and narrative cohesion.

Collaboration is central, with students working in specialised roles that mirror industry practice, strengthening leadership, communication and creative problem-solving. Students direct scripts written by others, reinforcing interpretive sensitivity and clarity in storytelling.

Alongside production, students explore the concept of the “studio” both as a physical production space and as a commercial entity shaping culture, aesthetics and brand identity. Independent research and a video presentation develop critical understanding of how industrial, creative and commercial forces intersect. Throughout, students are encouraged to ground their creative decisions in cinematic history and contemporary practice, supporting a reflective and research-informed approach to filmmaking.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours | Required: 133
• Practical Project Work (Filming and Editing) | Required: 109 hours   
• Private study (Research and development of practical work, critical reflection in a professional context) | 58 hours – 5 hours per week

Total study hours for module 300 hours

Assessment

Module 4: Location Filmmaking: Out in the World

This module gives students the opportunity to complete a substantial narrative filmmaking project, consolidating technical, creative and collaborative skills. Working to a contemporary industry brief, students plan, shoot and post-produce a 12-minute fiction film on location in the greater London area, developing their own creative voice while engaging with current cinematic discourse. 

Students pitch their concept to a panel of industry professionals, staff and peers, refining their visual treatment, production strategy and stylistic intentions based on feedback. The module simulates professional production conditions, requiring students to manage complex creative, technical and logistical challenges with increased autonomy. Emphasis is placed on advanced workflows in directing, cinematography, sound, production design, budgeting and scheduling.

Alongside production, students critically explore their prospective industry role, researching a chosen career pathway and relevant companies or practitioners. They analyse the skills, responsibilities and competencies required, reflecting on their own development and positioning within the contemporary screen industries. Peer and critical self-evaluation fosters insight into collaborative practice and creative leadership.

The module prepares students for the final graduation film, building confidence, versatility and professional awareness for independent filmmaking.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours | Required: 113             
• Practical Project Work (Filming and Post-Production) | Required: 89 hours   
• Private study (Research and development of practical work, critical reflection in a professional context) | 98 hours - 8 hours per week

Total study hours for module 300 hours

Assessment

Module 5: Graduation Film

This final module allows students to conceive, develop and complete a film or portfolio of original work, demonstrating their highest level of creative, technical and professional skill. Emphasis is placed on independent practice, industry engagement and career preparation for the global screen industries.

Students manage all aspects of production within their chosen specialism, integrating artistic vision with professional workflows and technological requirements. Preproduction workshops and seminars provide advanced training in directing, producing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, editing, lighting, production design and independent fundraising, alongside guidance from industry professionals.

Career development is embedded throughout, supporting portfolio creation, festival strategy and the formulation of a strategic career plan. The module culminates in a completed graduation film or portfolio, accompanied by a reflective production dossier that situates the work within contemporary film culture, evidencing students’ readiness for professional practice with confidence and purpose.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours | Required: 126
• Practical Project Work (Filming and Post-Production as well as unscheduled tutorial time for development purposes) | Required: 237 hours                     
• Private study (Research and development of practical work, critical reflection in a professional context) | 237 hours – 10 hours per week

Total study hours for module 600 hours

Assessment