| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
| 2023-05-02 | - |
| 2023-09-26 | 2023-07-17 |
| 2024-01-16 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Filmmaking (Directing Fiction) at Goldsmiths, University of London, equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel as directors in the film industry. The program emphasizes collaborative practices, expert guidance, and state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with the ideal environment to develop their unique vision and leadership skills. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in the film industry, including directing, cinematography, and editing.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
The MA Filmmaking (Directing Fiction)
at Goldsmiths, University of London, is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as directors in the film industry. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of all stages of filmmaking, from scripting and pre-production to post-production and marketing. It emphasizes collaborative practices and allows students to develop their unique vision and leadership skills.
Key objectives of the program include:
- Mastering the art of directing fiction films
- Gaining a deep understanding of the filmmaking process
- Developing strong collaborative skills
- Building confidence in your directorial abilities
The program offers a unique learning environment:
- State-of-the-art facilities, including film and photography studios, editing suites, and sound studios
- Extensive production facilities and rehearsal spaces
- Collaboration with scriptwriters, actors, producers, and industry professionals
- Expert guidance from renowned filmmakers and industry professionals
Outline
The program is structured as follows:
- Two terms of specialized contact with the program convenor, including practical demonstrations, lectures, screenings, seminars, and workshops.
- Three 15-credit option modules chosen by the student to enhance their skills and critical approaches.
- A final term dedicated to the student's final project, involving progress meetings and feedback sessions.
- Participation in the Screen Lab, where students collaborate with other filmmaking disciplines on various projects.
Compulsory modules include:
- Directing Fiction: Specialist Skills (30 credits)
- Contemporary Screen Narratives in Practice and Theory (15 credits)
Final Project:
The final project consists of a portfolio of work and a viva that reflects the student's practice.
Option modules (choose three):
- Social Activist Film (15 credits)
- Adaptation and Script Editing (30 credits)
- Archaeology of the Moving Image (30 credits)
- Camera Fundamentals (15 credits)
- Experimental Media (30 or 15 credits)
- Filmmakers Make Theory (15 credits)
- Film Producing Fundamentals (15 credits)
- Representing Reality (15 credits)
- Sound Design Fundamentals (15 credits)
- The Ascent of the Image (15 credits)
- Visual Storytelling (30 credits)
- Doctor Holby: Writing for Existing Continuing TV Drama Series (15 credits)
- Media Law and Ethics (15 credits)
- Practical Law for Film-makers (15 credits)
Assessment
Assessment methods vary depending on the modules chosen. They may include:
- Practical work: film projects, directing exercises, editing tasks
- Written assignments: essays, critical analyses, research papers
- Presentations: showcasing projects, discussing ideas
- Portfolio: showcasing the student's final body of work
Teaching
- Gillies MacKinnon
- Asif Kapadia
- Danny Boyle
- Gurinder Chadha
- Stephen Frears
- Sally Potter
- Michael Winterbottom
- Alan Parker
Careers
Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue diverse careers in the film industry, including:
- Directors
- Cinematographers
- Camera operators
- Lighting designers
- Film editors
- Producers
Other
- The program is housed in a new purpose-built media facility with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Students have access to extensive production facilities and informal rehearsal and meeting spaces.
- The program emphasizes collaboration and provides opportunities to work with students from other filmmaking disciplines.
Conclusion
The MA Filmmaking (Directing Fiction) at Goldsmiths offers a comprehensive and intensive program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as directors in the film industry. Its emphasis on collaborative practices, expert guidance, and state-of-the-art facilities provides students with the ideal environment to develop their unique vision and leadership skills.
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
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- An undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant/related subject.
- OR relevant experience and can demonstrate the ability to work at postgraduate level, even without a formal degree.
International Overseas Students (Outside the EU):
- An undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant/related subject.
- AND level of practical experience from work in the arts or the media.
Additional Requirements:
- All applicants:
- Personal statement.
- Examples of recent work in a related field (eg moving image samples), preferably via a web link to your online portfolio.
- IELTS 7.0 at the point of application.
- Completed Directing fiction checklist (Word).
- Completed a PechaKucha form (Word).
Application Deadline:
26th May
Selection Process:
- Admission is typically by interview, unless you live outside the UK.
- Occasionally, offers may be made based on application and qualifications alone.
Important Note:
- Applications are considered from February onwards and are only considered when complete.
- Due to the limited number of places, apply as early as possible.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International students: IELTS 7.0 with a 7.0 in writing and no element lower than 6.5. Please note that the provided context states that the programme is housed in a new purpose-built media facility equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
