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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 19,950
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Film Production | Screenwriting
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 19,950
About Program

Program Overview


Film & Television MA

Hone your skillset and broaden your thinking to create impactful work.


Key Details

  • Location: Penryn Campus
  • Course duration: 1 year
  • Attendance: Full-time

Course Overview

Join a diverse and inclusive community of filmmakers and academics, immersing yourself in creative and innovative film projects while mastering the skills needed to excel in your chosen career in film and television.


Whether your ambitions lie in editing, cinematography, sound design, producing, screenwriting, or academia, you’ll be equipped to step confidently into the industry, with support from our academic team.


We value bold originality, and welcome applicants from all backgrounds - with or without prior media experience. You’ll learn how to make a meaningful contribution to a professional project, pitch compelling ideas, and collaborate effectively with fellow creatives. Our approach is hands-on and immersive, focusing on practical projects and contextual research that reflects professional workflows and includes real-world engagement to support your industry-ready portfolio.


Based in our acclaimed School of Film & Television, you’ll study alongside specialist, award-winning staff in state-of-the-art facilities, developing the craft and research skills needed to place your work at the forefront of global industry trends.


Study at Falmouth:

  • Learn from academic experts and interact with high-profile film and television professionals
  • Study at a CILECT-accredited school on a master’s carrying the ScreenSkills Select quality mark, one of the few postgraduate courses recognised as eligible for the BAFTA UK Scholarship Programme
  • Access professional-standard equipment, shooting digitally on ARRI and RED and with 8mm and 16mm film cameras
  • Have the opportunity to work with our Sound/ Image Cinema Lab on in-house micro-budget short and feature filmmaking projects, through extra-curricular live briefs and other industry internships

This Film & Television MA course is industry recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark which indicates courses best suited to prepare students for a career in the screen industries.


The course is also one of the few postgraduate programmes recognised by BAFTA UK as an eligible course for the BAFTA UK Scholarship programme.


Course Details

Exploring the blurred lines between culture, art, and technology, you'll engage in weekly debates on film and TV culture, workshops, on-set work, location shoots, professional crits and individualised feedback sessions. Small classes mean focussed support from tutors who can help you shape your knowledge and skillset to suit your career choice.


Beginning with foundational training in various film and TV roles, you'll apply these skills in the first instance, by creating short films in collaborative groups, working to a defined brief.


As you progress through the course, you’ll develop your own projects, choosing to work in contexts such as film sets, in TV studios, research facilities, or writing groups. Throughout, you'll benefit from the guidance of dedicated tutors and external industry professionals, who will provide insightful, constructive feedback to help you refine your craft.


Modules

Contextual Studies: Screen, Culture & Society

In this module, you’ll explore how cultural contexts frame and influence both production/distribution strategies and contemporary audiences' engagement through the analysis of a variety of screen texts. You will consider relevant contexts of funding, commissioning, production, distribution and exhibition and their impact on today’s screen representations and storytelling tactics.


Not only does this module encourage you to use recent research strategies and methodologies in your investigations of selected film and television examples, but also to apply them to your developing film or television practice.


Creative Practice: Foundation

Learning in an environment that mirrors industry, you’ll build your practical competence in production workflows. You’ll attend weekly seminars and workshops in pre-and-post-production, screenwriting, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and editing.


At the end of this module, you’ll submit a short film or a short TV form, as well as a professional production portfolio of paperwork documenting your familiarity with current risk assessment standards and legal requirements of screen production in the UK.


Contextual Studies: Screen & Globalisation

In this module, you’ll develop political and social sensitivity through an exploration of how film and television, along with new digital forms of connectivity, are central to representations of identity, social/political conflicts and change in today’s global ‘network society’.


Your research will interrogate globalisation as a conceptual framework, examining representations of hybridised, diasporic and postcolonial identities, transnational productions, migrations, trade politics and economics, grassroots activism, emerging cultures of protest and environmentalism. You’ll analyse a global sample of narrative and factual film and television examples, and discuss their potential to disseminate knowledge.


Creative Practice: Development

In this module, you’ll develop your practical industry skills by creating a short cinematic or televisual form (documentary, narrative or experimental) or screenplay project that mirrors real-world industry workflows.


You'll explore critical frameworks, conventions and innovations within cinema, television, online viewing platforms, art galleries, transmedia, social media and citizen journalism. You’ll also learn about the contemporary industry and its commissioning, distribution and exhibition channels.


Contextual Studies: Final Major Project

Under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor, you’ll practice your research skills and demonstrate your academic expertise through completing an advanced critical analysis on a subject of your choosing. You’ll produce a contribution to the field of cinematic studies, where a clearly articulated research methodology will provide a sound structural underpinning.


You can choose to present your research either in the form of an extended written essay or a video essay with an accompanying piece of critical writing.


Creative Practice: Final Major Project

For your Final Major Project, you’ll create an advanced portfolio consisting of a film or TV project together with a written critical evaluation of your chosen areas of creative practice.


Your project may take the form of your own short film (narrative, documentary or experimental) or TV pilot which you will write and direct, or you can complete the module via a negotiated skills portfolio documenting your contribution to short film/s directed or produced by your peers.


How You'll Learn & Be Assessed

How You'll Learn

Over a year of study, you’ll choose specialisms focused on your future career and learn from industry experienced mentors, including screenwriters, producers, directors, editors and sound specialists.


Your practical studies will be led by award-winning, active industry professionals and ScreenSkills tutors, while your contextual studies will be supported by distinguished academics, journal editors, and published authors.


Our visiting lecture series brings renowned figures to the programme. Previous speakers have included critic Dr Mark Kermode, writer Tony Grisoni, producer Mary Burke, Green Wing writer James Henry, production designer Katie Lee, BAFTA-winning director Mark Jenkin, director Brett Harvey, and cinematographer Danny Bishop, among others.


We support our students in finding and securing valuable industry placements, helping them gain hands-on experience and expand their professional networks.


How You'll Be Assessed

Assessment Methods

  • Continuous assessment with no formal examinations
  • Core theory based on written assignments
  • Core practice assessed on visual project and accompanying portfolios
  • Elective modules all with theory/practice options
  • Dissertation and/or major project in final semester

Facilities

  • 129-seat cinema, with Christie M Series 2.5k projection and 7.2 surround sound.
  • Four large production studios:
    • Production Studio 1: multipurpose studio equipped with three Sony HXC-FB80 studio cameras, chromatte grey screen and full lighting rig. Integral live gallery including 4-input Tricaster Ultra HD production system.
    • Production Studio 2: multipurpose studio and support area for studio 1.
    • Production Studio 3: multipurpose studio with lighting rig.
    • Production Studio 5: Specialist green screen studio with infinity cove & 360 degree subject lighting rig. Access to Xsens motion capture kit and VR/AR/MR equipment.
  • Nine Mac Pro edit suites with Avid Media Composer, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite & Da Vinci Resolve.
  • Two specialist grading suites featuring DaVinci Resolve and 4K preview screens.
  • Two 28-seat ‘Post Hubs’ for post-production software training, equipped with dual screen Apple iMacs. Software available includes Avid Media Composer, Adobe Creative Cloud, Da Vinci resolve and Pro Tools. Production management software is also available.
  • 25-seat dubbing theatre with Avid S6 mixing desk and Pro Tools Ultimate.
  • Three further post-production audio suites – all equipped with Pro Tools Ultimate.
  • Foley/ADR suite with access to a wide range of mics, foley traps and props.
  • All post-production suites network-linked to Avid NEXIS shared storage system for seamless access and integration of projects.
  • Digital cameras (HD to 4K) including Arri Alexa, RED, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic, Panasonic, and Arri SR3 and Bolex 16mm film cameras. Odyssey 7Q+ External Recorders are also available.
  • Wide range of hot and cold (LED) lighting equipment including systems by Arri, Dedo & Kino Flo alongside traditional blondes and red heads.
  • Grip and gimbal systems available include Free-Fly Movi M5, Wally Dolly, Indie Dolly, PD1 Dolly, Koolertron Sliders, Glidecam 2000, Libec and Camcrane Jibs.
  • Audio equipment includes Sound Devices 633 mixers, recorders and an extensive range of microphones.
  • Four animation software studios containing powerful Dell Precision Workstations with Cintiq 24” & 27" pen displays. Software available includes Autodesk Maya (3D), TV Paint (2D) and Foundry Nuke Studio (VFX Compositing), alongside Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
  • Dedicated stop-motion animation studio equipped with Canon EOS camera bodies, Nikon lenses, manfrotto grip and Dragonframe capture software.

Staff

You’ll learn from active writers, producers, directors, editors, sound designers and cinematographers, while our visiting speakers have featured leading critics, the writers of Southcliffe, How I Live Now and Campus, and the producer of For Those In Peril.


Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.


Dr Anna Misiak

Associate Professor in Film & Visual Culture

Anna Misiak is the MA Prosthetic Effects Course Leader and MA Film & Television Course Lead...


Dr Kingsley Marshall

Head of Film & Television

Dr Kingsley Marshall is Head of the CILECT and ScreenSkills accredited School of Film and Television...


Professor Neil Fox

Professor of Film Practice and Pedagogy

As a proud first-generation university graduate from a working-class background in Luton, it is an honour to be a Professor at Falmouth University...


Nick Manley

Lecturer

Nick has worked worldwide in the industry for over 30 years as an award-winning documentary cameraman and director...


David Smithers

Co-opted Professional Services Staff Member

After graduating with a degree in History and Media from the University of Leeds, David started his career in television production...


Peter Felstead

Senior Technician

I joined the University in 1991 when I moved to Cornwall. My first role was to run the photography studio...


Dr Jem Mackay

Course Leader, Film & Television MA (Online)

Dr Jem Mackay is a filmmaker/artist who has been exploring collaborative systems within creative production...


Paul Mulraney

Lecturer, Film

Paul is a lecturer in the School of Film and Television, teaching general film practice across all levels...


Careers

Graduates have worked in industry roles ranging from directing and producing to screenwriting, sound editing and set design, for companies including the BBC, Envy, Essence, Fox, ITV, S+O Media, Silverstream TV and Radio & Television Hong Kong.


How to Apply

Have a Question?

To find out more about this course, how you'll learn and what funding is available, get in touch with our friendly Course Advisors.


Apply Now

Ready to apply for postgraduate study? You can apply online.


Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications. Our typical applicants hold an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above, or equivalent experience and a demonstrable interest in the subject.


We’ll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications.


APL applicants using experience to apply should note there is an application fee for entry with advanced standing or with exemption from specific modules or credit.


Language Requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.


International applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK must take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. Our Applicant Services Team can help with any questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests.


Fees, Costs & Funding

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.


The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.


Typical Course Costs

  • A laptop will be an essential piece of equipment along with a reliable broadband connection
  • £300 - Suggested reading
  • £200 - £1,000 - optional study trips

If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.


Postgraduate Funding

There are loans, awards, graduate discounts and alternative funding sources for postgraduate studies. Read about them on our Postgraduate Funding page.


Ask a Student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?


From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.


Speak to an Advisor

Do you have questions about the course or studying at Falmouth? Fill in our simple online form and we'll get in touch to support your application journey.


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Program Outline


Degree Overview:


Overview:

The Film & Television MA is a dynamic on-campus postgraduate program aimed at equipping students with the skills and critical thinking required to create impactful film and television content. Situated within Falmouth University's renowned School of Film & Television, students benefit from expert guidance, industry-standard facilities, and a diverse learning environment that fosters both creative originality and professional development.


Objectives:

  • Develop advanced skills in the technical and creative aspects of film and television production.
  • Enhance critical thinking and analysis of contemporary screen media within global contexts.
  • Foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that embraces diverse perspectives and approaches.
  • Prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the film and television industry or further academic pursuit (e.g., PhD programs).

Program Description:

This 1-year full-time program immerses students in a rigorous and practice-driven curriculum. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing students to experiment with different formats, narrative structures, and production workflows.


Outline:


Structure:

  • 3 semesters, 45 weeks in total
  • Full-time on-campus learning
  • Focus on chosen specialism and career goals

Course Schedule:

The program comprises three intensive study blocks, each with distinct learning objectives:


Study Block One:

  • Introduces core concepts and fundamental skills in film and television production.
  • Develops technical proficiency in areas like pre-production, scriptwriting, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and editing.
  • Culminates in the creation of a short film or short television form, accompanied by a professional production portfolio.

Study Block Two:

  • Encourages exploration of global perspectives in film and television.
  • Examines the role of digital technologies and media in shaping global narratives and audiences.
  • Requires the completion of a 10-minute film/TV format or screenplay inspired by research on globalization and screen media.

Study Block Three:

  • Allows students to tailor their final project based on career aspirations.
  • Option to produce a dissertation or research portfolio for further academic study.
  • Alternatively, create a 20-minute film/TV form or feature screenplay for direct entry into the industry.
  • Individualized project development with guidance from a dedicated supervisor and peer feedback.

Individual Modules:


Contextual Studies: Screen, Culture & Society

(Study Block One & Two)

  • Analyzes cultural contexts influencing production, distribution, and audience engagement with film and television.
  • Introduces research methodologies and critical analysis of contemporary screen texts.
  • Explores topics like funding, commissioning, production, distribution, exhibition, and representation.

Creative Practice: Foundation

(Study Block One)

  • Develops technical skills and creative thinking across various film and television project workflows.
  • Weekly seminars and workshops in areas like pre-production, scriptwriting, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and editing.
  • Addresses legal requirements, ethical standards, and risk assessment in film and television production.

Contextual Studies: Screen & Globalisation

(Study Block Two)

  • Explores the impact of globalization on media representations of identity, social/political conflicts, and cultural change.
  • Analyzes film and television examples from diverse global contexts.
  • Examines critical frameworks, conventions, and innovations in contemporary screen media across various platforms.

Creative Practice: Development

(Study Block Two)

  • Deepens practical industry skills through the creation of a short film/TV project or screenplay.
  • Explores narrative structures, visual storytelling, and genre conventions.
  • Addresses contemporary industry practices regarding commissioning, distribution, and exhibition.

Contextual Studies: Final Major Project

(Optional, Study Block Three)

  • Under the guidance of a supervisor, conduct advanced research on a chosen film or television topic.
  • Produce a dissertation or video essay applying critical methodologies and demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the field.

Creative Practice: Final Major Project

(Optional, Study Block Three)

  • For industry-focused students, create a 20-minute film/TV project or feature screenplay.
  • Develop a project portfolio showcasing creative vision, technical expertise, and professional communication skills.

Assessment:


Assessment Methods:

  • Continuous assessment throughout the program
  • No formal examinations
  • Core theory assessed through written assignments
  • Core practice assessed via visual projects and accompanying portfolios
  • Elective modules offer a choice of theory or practice-based assessment options
  • Final major project (dissertation or creative project) assessed for its originality, research rigor, and technical proficiency

Criteria:

  • Demonstrating mastery of technical skills and industry-standard workflows
  • Displaying creativity, originality, and a strong artistic vision
  • Applying critical thinking to analyze and contextualize film and television productions
  • Communicating effectively through written, visual, and oral presentations
  • Meeting professional standards for industry-ready projects

Teaching:


Teaching Methods:

  • Interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops
  • Individual and group project work
  • One-on-one supervision and personalized feedback
  • Guest lectures and masterclasses by renowned industry professionals
  • Industry visits and field trips to film festivals and production companies

Faculty:

  • Experienced and accomplished film and television professionals
  • Active writers, producers, directors, editors, sound designers, and cinematographers
  • Diverse range of perspectives and expertise to foster a stimulating learning environment

Careers:


Potential Career Paths:

  • Director
  • Producer
  • Screenwriter
  • Cinematographer
  • Editor
  • Sound designer
  • Production manager
  • Film/television festival programmer
  • Academic researcher or lecturer

Career Opportunities:

Graduates have secured positions in a variety of organizations, including:

  • BBC
  • Envy
  • Essence
  • Fox
  • ITV
  • S+O Media
  • Silverstream TV
  • Radio & Television Hong Kong

Other:


Facilities:

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including:

  • 129-seat cinema with 4K projection and 7.2 surround sound
  • Specialized production studios (multi-purpose, green screen, and animation)
  • Editing suites equipped with industry-standard software (Avid Media Composer, Adobe Creative Cloud, Da Vinci Resolve)
  • Sound recording suites with Pro Tools Ultimate software
  • Foley/ADR suite with comprehensive microphones and equipment
  • Digital cameras (HD to 4K) with a range of lenses and accessories
  • Extensive lighting equipment including professional brands like Arri, Dedo, and Kino Flo
  • Grip and gimbal systems for camera movement and stabilization

Tuition fees 2024-25 £10,200 per year – full-time UK (£250 acceptance fee payable. This is deducted from tuition fees) £19,950 per year – full-time EU/international (£500-£2,500 acceptance fee payable depending upon your status. This is deducted from tuition fees)

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Falmouth University


Overview:

Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.


Services Offered:

Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.

    Student Support:

    The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

    Employability Service:

    Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.

    Student Voice:

    The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.

    Study Abroad Exchanges:

    Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.

    Virtual Experience:

    Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:

    Accommodation:

    Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.

    Open Days:

    Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.

    Freshers' Week:

    A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.

    Student Clubs and Societies:

    A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.

    Location:

    Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Industry Connections:

    Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

    Professional-Grade Facilities:

    The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.

    Inspiring Location:

    Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.

    Focus on Employability:

    Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.

Academic Programs:

Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:

    Art & Design:

    The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.

    Games:

    Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.

    Business & Marketing:

    The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.

    Computing:

    Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.

    English, Journalism & Writing:

    The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.

    Performance, Theatre & Music:

    Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.

Total programs
178
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


UK Applicants:

  • Qualification:
  • Minimum 2:2 UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in film or a related area. Graduates of unrelated degrees with demonstrable experience and/or interest in film and television may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Other Requirements:
  • Applicants are expected to have a portfolio or showreel demonstrating their creative potential and technical skills in the relevant area(s).
  • Work experience:
  • Work experience in the film or television industry is not a mandatory requirement but may be considered a positive factor during the selection process.

EU/International Applicants:

  • Qualification:
  • Applicants should have a recognized bachelors degree, equivalent to a UK honours degree, in a relevant subject area.
  • Additional Requirements:
  • Applicants without an equivalent UK honours degree but with relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • English Proficiency Requirements:
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with no band lower than 6.0.

Direct from high school/college applications may also be considered with the following qualifications:

  • Completion of an internationally recognised entrance qualification, considered to be equivalent to the GCE A-levels, achieving the required minimum grades for entry.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Policy:

Falmouth University welcomes applicants who may not meet the traditional entry criteria but have relevant knowledge, skills, and experience gained outside a formal academic setting. This can include experience from employment or volunteer work.


Language Proficiency Requirements:


For Non-EU International Applicants:

  • Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency through internationally recognised English Language Qualifications.
  • These qualifications are typically the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic, Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, or the Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) exam.
  • For this program, the minimum English Language Proficiency requirement is:
  • IELTS: Overall Score of 6.5 with no individual band less than 6.0
  • PTE: Overall Score of 62 with scores of no less than 55 in each of the four communicative skills
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