School of Art, Design and Architecture

MA Filmmaking

Programme code 7655
Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
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Our learning environment focuses on exploration, creative risk-taking, collaboration and nurturing distinctive voices, and skilled film talent. Learn from award-winning staff and visiting professionals taking part in masterclasses. Make use of our cutting-edge facilities to achieve your filmmaking goals.

Careers with this subject
The programme enhances your creative and critical skills, helping you to define and realise your own unique career destination. This MA will set you on the right path to succeed in a number of media roles such as Film production and direction.

Key features
  • Links with industry. We have substantial links with the film industry and third sector, public audiences, a diversity of professional specialisations, and live BFI-funded projects.
  • Engage with contemporary methodologies. Learn and engage with emerging areas of research and professional expertise through methodologies such as storytelling, immersive media and community-led film practice.
  • Research informed specialist teaching. Our research active staff allow you to engage with multiple areas of professional specialisation including online filmmaking, film crew skills, film directing and advertising, reflecting industrial dynamics and diversifying employability opportunities.
  • State-of-the-art facilities . Engage with our cutting-edge facilities including our Immersive Media Lab, Jill Craigie Cinema, Moving Image Studios, and editing and post-production suites.
  • Learn from experts. Enjoy access to internationally acknowledged filmmakers with years of professional experience in the industry.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Engage with multiple areas of professional specialisation including online filmmaking, film crew skills, film directing and advertising, reflecting industrial dynamics and diversifying employability opportunities.
    Through a combination of practical coursework and lectures, you deliver your own projects and develop an external engagement plan critically addressing the industrial, economic and social extensions of your own practice within your discipline and the broader Plymouth ecosystem.

    Core modules

    ADA7300
    Research Project / Dissertation

    This module supports students’ delivery of their final research project / dissertation through combinations of group and individual work. It includes broader disciplinary research skills, methods and ethical practices, as well as subject-specific supervisory arrangements for each students’ research interests. This can include practice-based, text-based or entrepreneurial research outputs.

    MFAP7201
    Creative Collaborations

    This outward-facing module allows students through research-informed collaborative art practice to strengthen their professional profile and increase their employability. Students creatively interpret their approach to collaborative practice (transdisciplinary interventions, partnerships with outside agencies, external audiences), and use appropriate methodologies and technologies to produce innovative outcomes and expand their range of practical and professional skills.

    MFILM7101
    Filmmaking Technique

    Students will explore cinematic crafts and choosing to specialise in one or two aspects of filmmaking through practical investigation. Through a series of workshops and critical review sessions, you will reflect, develop and expand on your technical knowledge. Practical investigation is supported with tutorials and lectures that will equip you in developing your own trajectories of experimentation and creative growth.

    MFILM7201
    We are Storytellers: Stories that matter

    Working both collaboratively and independently, you will conceive and develop a short film or the consolidation of a body of filmic work. The format, style and intended audience will be determined by your understanding of your particular film practice and specialism. After a peer reviewed pitch, you will undertake a period of pre-production leading to a substantial output, supported by critical research and reflection.

    Optional modules

    ADA7103E
    Spatial Storytelling

    Students will explore using narrative space to create emotionally engaging audience experiences by experimenting with a range of spatial storytelling methods and technologies. The development of skills as narrative architects and storytellers in immersive, interactive, locative, game, sound, art, film and/or performance-based experiences and installations will result in the creation of a spatial storytelling project.

    ADA7102E
    Immersive Media and XR

    This module will provide students with the creative and technical skills to develop their projects based on experimentation with immersive media and extended reality (XR) technologies. Through a combination of technical inductions, workshops, lectures, and self-directed work in our Immersive Media Lab, students will be able to experiment with 360 Video, sonic environments, AR/VR, sensors, and game engines.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MA Filmmaking programme specification_7655

Entry requirements
A lower second degree in a Film discipline or similar, such as Photography, AV Media, Creative Media, among others. Alternatively, the course welcomes applicants with significant film industry experience.
A good degree in another subject area, where the candidate can demonstrate an appropriate interest in moving image storytelling as a vehicle for change.
Suitable references from previous academic institutions and/or employers.
English Language Requirement equivalent to 6.5 IELTS with a minimum 5.5 in all four components. Please check the University of Plymouth English language requirements website for additional information and equivalent recognised qualifications.
A short interview with the academic team is required as part of the application to this course.
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of work.
For applicants with previous postgraduate studies in film subjects, the Programme Lead will assess the applicability of the Recognition of Prior Learning policy on a case-by-case basis.
Alternative modes of admission (e.g. interviews) can be provided for applicants requiring disability support.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £9,500 £9,700
International £17,600 £18,150
Part time (Home) £530 £540
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Scholarships for international students

We fund our international scholars to reach their goals.
Complete our short enquiry form and we will send you more information on the scholarships that may be available to you.


Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students wishing to study on this programme, including the International Postgraduate Merit Scholarship , worth £2000 off your tuition fees.

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
  • For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
Enquiry form

Complete our short enquiry form and we will send you more information on the scholarships that may be available to you.

Experiment with our state-of-the-art facilities

From film studios and green screen technology to our cutting-edge Immersive Media Lab, you’ll have access to all the professional tools you need.

Filmmaking camera studio facilities

Industry standard facilities and equipment for MA Filmmaking
Access film studios, 4K cameras, camera grip equipment and post-production suites.

Mattie Stainton Cure the Climate project 2022 in the Roland Levinsky Building Immersive Media Lab. Image credit: Ryan Cheetham Fotonow CIC

Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Laboratories
Experiment with technology such as, 3D printing, motion-capture, augmented and extended reality.

Media Hub

Media Hub
Take advantage of multimedia equipment that can be loaned and facilities that can be booked in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business.

Learn from experienced professionals

Follow our filmmaking community on social media

International applicants

Postgraduate scholarships for international students
We offer several scholarships for international students wishing to study on this programme, including the Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship worth 50% off your tuition fees and the International Postgraduate Merit Scholarship worth £2000 off tuition fees.
Study with us
At the University of Plymouth, we have a thriving international community made up of 2,000 students from over 100 different countries.
International students at a welecome event at the University of Plymouth