| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | 2023-06-30 |
| 2024-01-23 | - |
| 2024-04-24 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The MA Filmmaking programme will engage you in the production of advanced digital film products.
You will study modules in the production and technology of videography (shooting, editing, post-production), together with specialist modules in film industry practices, music video commissioning and film history and context.
Students on the MA Filmmaking programme also have the opportunity to work with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through Bradford UNESCO City of Film to help develop the work of UNESCO including:
UNESCO Cities of Film
and filmmaking in other countries around the worldUNESCO film and media archive
Graduates of this programme will have acquired the tools of critical analysis, ideas-generation and industry understanding to go on to produce successful practical projects.
The inter-relationship between theory, creativity and practice is increasingly valued by employers, and the programme builds on a strong School tradition of integrating theory and practice.
In addition to self-directed film work it will be possible, in specific modules such as Film Industry Practices and the MA Project, to focus on stories, issues and directives related to the work of the UNESCO network. The combined approach by the University of Bradford and Bradford UNESCO City of Film aims to provide professional filmmakers with a global outlook and access to a global network of film opportunities.
Student work
Born-free Generation, Phendulani’s Story and Me was produced by MA Filmaking graduate
Paul Cooke
for his final MA project.This documentary is about the life of an extraordinary kid who survived the streets of a South African township living in a car. It was shortlisted in two categories at the 2018 Research in Film Awards.
Program Outline
What you will study
All module information is for 2022 entry, and is subject to change.
First year
Cinematic Language
Independent Filmmaking
Film Industry Practices
Post Production
Screen Realism
Short Form Commissioning
MA Project
Learning and assessment
The MA Filmmaking programme uses a variety of learning and teaching strategies, all of which are intended to facilitate the development of independent learning. After some initial theoretical, research and creative modules, practice will be facilitated through a set of modules that help students to develop their own project ideas in partnership with tutors and supervisors. A great deal of autonomy is integrated into this programme whilst maintaining as much of a taught component as is necessary for theoretical and contextual studies.
Learning and teaching strategies include formal lectures, practical workshops, seminar and tutorial work. The types of assessment that these strategies involve (discursive essays, oral presentations, assessment of practical video graphic and photographic/still image projects etc.) will allow students to effectively and independently integrate theory, creativity and practice, a key aim of the programme. As is common practice in arts and media education, and due to the creative nature and negotiated aspects of the programme, formal examinations are not used as assessments.
Our lab spaces and suites (24-hour access) offer students on the MA Filmmaking good resources for producing the highest quality creative work for both print and screen.
Members of the programme team have experience of film and video work and music production, have written and/or edited papers, book chapters and books on the history and interpretation of film, and curate film seasons and run successful film symposia for the Bradford Film Festivals. We will also have a significant number of talks given by external industry speakers relating to jobs in the film industry continuing the School’s current strong programme of external speakers.
Students are required to commit 200 hours of time for each 20-credit module. The weighting of how this time is managed varies; some modules will involve many formal contact hours (time spent with the tutor), while others will require more independent study (self-managed under the guidance of the tutor).
In addition to 120 credits of taught modules, candidates for the Masters award will be expected to complete a 60-credit project, which will be developed from the student’s own interests and passions but overseen by an individual supervisor.
A variety of assessment practices are used throughout this programme including:
Official programme specification
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the
Careers
website.Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
Career prospects
This course will prepare you for a career in film and television production in research, content creation, scriptwriting, camera, sound, lighting, editing, studio and location management, production management, producing and directing.
Graduates have also gone on to develop their own independent film companies and teacher training.
