MA Filmmaking (Cinematography)

Program Overview

Goldsmiths University of London's MA Filmmaking (Cinematography) program equips aspiring cinematographers with advanced skills in visual storytelling, camera operation, and lighting. Through hands-on workshops, studio filming, and collaborative projects, students gain practical experience and build a diverse portfolio, preparing them for careers in the global film and television industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program aims to hone your skills in visual storytelling and prepare you for a career as a professional Director of Photography (DP). Through hands-on workshops, studio filming exercises, and high-budget collaborative projects, you will gain the expertise to excel in the industry.

Key objectives:

• Develop advanced skills in cinematography, camera operation, lighting, and gripping.
• Master the art of visual storytelling through various film genres.
• Collaborate effectively with other filmmaking professionals across different disciplines.
• Gain practical experience through film projects and industry placements.
• Build a diverse portfolio showcasing your work.
• Develop professional-level understanding of your creative and technical abilities as a cinematographer.
• Acquire transferable communication, organizational, and intellectual skills for diverse employment opportunities in the media landscape.

Outline:

Structure:

• 1 year full-time program.
• Combines hands-on workshops with studio and location filming.
• Culminates in a major film production.
• Offers opportunities to crew for other cinematography students.

Course schedule:

• Two terms per week of specialized contact with program convenor.
• Sessions include demonstrations, lectures, screenings, seminars, and workshops.
• Three 15-credit option modules focusing on specific areas like social activism, script editing, or experimental media.
• Third term dedicated to final project development with progress and feedback meetings.
• Participation in collaborative projects with fiction/documentary filmmakers and sound/edit students.

Modules:

• Compulsory:
• Cinematography: Specialist Skills (30 credits)
• Contemporary Screen Narratives in Practice and Theory (15 credits)
• Final Project (90 credits) - assessed by a portfolio and viva
• Optional (3 modules - 15 credits each):
• Social Activist Film
• Adaptation and Script Editing
• Archaeology of the Moving Image
• Camera Fundamentals
• Experimental Media
• Filmmakers Make Theory
• Film Producing Fundamentals
• Representing Reality
• Sound Design Fundamentals
• The Ascent of the Image
• Visual Storytelling
• Doctor Holby: Writing for Existing Continuing TV Drama Series
• Media Law and Ethics
• Practical Law for Film-makers

Assessment:

• Assessed through a combination of coursework, practical projects, and a final project portfolio.
• Specific assessment methods vary depending on the module.
• Final project includes a viva voce examination.

Teaching:

• Experienced tutors with industry expertise provide individual guidance.
• Guest lectures and masterclasses by renowned cinematographers.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities including film and photography studios equipped with Arri cameras and lighting.
• Opportunity to join the British Society of Cinematographers as student members and attend Camerimage film festival in Poland.
• Emphasis on practical learning and collaborative filmmaking experiences.

Careers:

• Graduates are prepared to enter the global film and television industry.
• Potential careers include Director of Photography, Camera Operator, Focus Puller, Gaffer, Grip, Camera Assistant, and Spark.
• Alumni work on various projects, including short films, feature films, documentaries, commercials, and music videos.
• The program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to navigate diverse career opportunities in the media landscape.

Other:

• ARRI Film School accredited training in camera systems and ARRI Academy Certificate opportunity.
• Ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).
• 16th in the world for communication and media studies (QS World Rankings, 2024).

Additional Notes:

• The program description emphasizes the practical and collaborative aspects of filmmaking education.
• Students have opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain valuable industry experience.
• The program focuses on developing students' creative vision and technical skills as cinematographers.

Annual tuition fees These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year. Home - full-time: £14910 International - full-time: £28580 Additional costs There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. Funding opportunities Scholarships