The MA Filmmaking course develops and nurtures independent filmmakers and prepares them for the professional film and television industries. The course has an emphasis on practice, underpinned by contextualising studies, designed to nurture students’ talent and practical skills equally.

The course prepares individuals to engage confidently with, and challenge, the fast-changing media landscape. Potential industry placement, collaborative projects and research will help you meet the film and television industry professional standards and understand the cultural and industrial needs of your chosen sector.

Programme Overview

A focus on technical training for the pre-production, production and post-production of a graduate film, and the theory and practice that underpins the skill sets of professional filmmakers.

Programme Facts

DURATION: 
1-year

MODE: 
Full-time

START:
September 2025

LOCATION:
Central Film School 

FUNDING:
Eligible for Master’s Loan

Awarding body:

Student Story

Sunsun

Our tutors know the industry, so they can share what to do and what not to do, tips and tricks on how to get along in the film industry. That is really going to help me.

Sunsun,

Practical Filmmaking

Course Outline

The course is structured with core practical modules and an elective specialist module from the following categories; producing, directing, cinematography, editing, sound and factual programming.

Term 1
Modules

Creative Screen Production

You will have the opportunity to acquire and develop the necessary creative and technical skills for the elements of camera, lighting, editing and sound as a filmmaking practitioner. You will also have the opportunity to develop creative writing skills to develop an initial idea through to a final draft shooting script. You will explore and develop your practice over the preproduction, production and post production stages in order to deliver a final short film project. 

Production Development

Through the integration of individually generated scripts, you will have the opportunity to pitch an original short-form film narrative idea or factual concept, develop your initial idea into the final draft of a shooting script or factual treatment. You can also pursue research and development towards specific industry recognised crew roles which will lead to your specialisms. The assessment method will be based on a portfolio and a presentation.

Term 2
Module

Specialism

Within​ the context of delivering ​a collaborative film or factual artefact, you will identify your individual pathway from: 

Producing

Directing 

Cinematography 

Sound 

Editing  

Factual

This module will have an ‘on set’ summative assessment and a portfolio of specialist pre-production material.


Professional Development

This module will incorporate an industry placement and the assessment method will be a reflective presentation on that placement or an industry research study.

Term 3
Module

Final Major Project

This module represents the culmination of your academic and creative learning and provides a bridge for your professional development. It offers the opportunity to advance your practical and creative skills in your chosen specialism. You will concentrate on the production of your major film or factual production and your collaborative roles within these projects. You will be assessed by a practitioner on the final film artefact and a presentation on your production. You will also deliver your completed project as the final assessment.

Technical Specialisms

Editing and Continuity

Factual

Directing

Sound Recording and Editing

Producing

Cinematography

Entry Requirements

Do you have a question about this course?

We’re here to help every step of the way. If you would like to enquire about this course or book a call with a member of our Admissions Team please fill out the form below.

Fees

Understanding the costs and financing options open to you as you plan your studies will help you to make a wise investment in your future career.

Home

2024 – 2025

£11,100 per year 

(£11,100 / TAUGHT MA) 

2025 – 2026

£11,950 per year 

(£11,950 / TAUGHT MA) 

International

2024 – 2025

£18,950 per year

(£18,950 / TAUGHT MA)

2025 – 2026

£19,950 per year

(£19,950 / TAUGHT MA)

Access to school equipment, editing suite, and facilities.

of up to £11,570. EU students should apply for funding from their country of domicile where applicable.

Including scholarships for International Students.

A Production hard drive, travel expenses, module budget (£350) and Graduation Film budget (£500).

Careers

The course will help you become an adaptive thinker, a creator and a supportive contributing team player joining the next generation of writers, researchers, producers, directors, analysts, academics and project developers who shape the zeitgeist of contemporary film and television.

Typical career destinations of MA Filmmaking graduates within the Television and Film industries includes: Film and Television Production Management, Camera Operator or Assistant, Production Design and Art Direction, Sound Design and Recording, Assistant Directing, Post-Production Editing or Visual Effects. Graduates can also seek work in Film Exhibition and Distribution, as Brand or Web Content Creators, Live Event Broadcast Production and Music Video Production.

Our Tutors

As a core tutor at the Central Film School specialising in cinematography, I can share the experience I have gained on projects with the BBC and Channel Four, along with insights gained from a long relationship with Ridley Scott Associates

Martin Bray

Are you ready to Tell Your Story?