Program Overview
The Filmmaking MA at the University of Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that develops creative voices in filmmaking. Led by award-winning filmmakers and internationally recognized academics, it blends theory and practice with industry-grade equipment and facilities. Students produce an independent film and acquire the skills and knowledge for careers in the creative industries, such as scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Filmmaking MA at the University of Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program designed to develop students' creative voices in filmmaking through critical and practical work. The program is led by award-winning filmmakers and internationally recognized film academics, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to:
- Write compelling scripts and research real-life stories
- Pitch and develop ideas for fiction and documentary films
- Cast and direct actors
- Shoot and edit films using professional equipment and software
- Situate their practice in the ever-changing creative industries landscape
Description:
The program offers a blend of theory and practice, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of filmmaking. Students will have access to industry-grade equipment and post-production facilities, allowing them to put their learning into practice. The program culminates in the production of an independent film (documentary or fiction) to a professional standard. Upon graduation, students will have a showreel – a portfolio of work that will enhance their employment prospects.
Outline:
Full-time Course Modules:
Core Modules:
- Documentary Filmmaking: approaches and practices
- Fiction Filmmaking: directing and visualisation
Options:
- Collaborative Fiction Film Project
- Photography: Documentary, Landscape, Politics
- Podcasting
- Short Documentary: Research and Production
- Writing for the Screen
All Year:
- Final Filmmaking Project: Documentary
Teaching:
The program is taught by experienced practitioners, including award-winning filmmakers and internationally recognized film academics. Students will benefit from masterclasses with leading figures in film and television. The program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to share their ideas and learn from each other.
Careers:
The Filmmaking MA prepares students for a range of careers in the creative industries, including:
- Scriptwriter
- Producer
- Director
- Cinematographer
- Sound recordist
- Editor
Recent graduates have secured positions such as:
- Events manager, Old Tree
- Production assistant, Twenty Twenty TV
- Projects and campaigns co-ordinator, Long Run Works
Other:
The program provides students with the opportunity to try their hand at both fiction and documentary filmmaking. Students will learn to pitch and develop ideas for films, cast and direct actors, and shoot and edit films using professional equipment and software. The program also emphasizes the importance of situating filmmaking practice within the ever-changing creative industries landscape.
- Home students: £11,950 per year for full-time students
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £11,950 per year for full-time students
- International students: £21,500 per year for full-time students
