This Documentary Film masters degree is all about telling human stories through film. Working with top industry practitioners and alongside BBC Wales’ training scheme It’s My Shout, you will learn the importance of storytelling, self-shooting and single camera 'guerilla' filmmaking.
Students on this documentary filmmaking masters course will also have the chance to pitch your ideas to real factual commissioners including Channel 4 and the BBC.
You will study in the heart of Cardiff, home to a thriving film and TV industry, including Seren Studios and BBC Wales, where shows including Doctor Who and Sherlock are filmed.
Industry masterclasses, guest lectures and an in-depth work experience opportunity at a Wales-based creative company will allow you to build your portfolio and network with industry professionals.
Applicants who are unsure as to which pathway they should apply for are encouraged to contact the course team for an informal discussion before making an application. Should you choose to apply for more than one pathway, your portfolio should demonstrate your interest and experience in each individual area and therefore more than one portfolio may be required.
The wellbeing and health and safety of our students and staff is paramount to us. We are committed to delivering all of our courses and services as safely as possible. Due to the pandemic, the methods and activities adopted for the coming year may differ from those previously published and may be subject to further change through the course of your study if such change is necessary due to public health concerns, health and safety guidance or in response to Government Guidelines. USW is committed to providing you with a fantastic student experience and a wealth of support, and you can hear how students have benefitted from this approach here: Learn more about blended learning.
| Study Mode
2021 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 1 Year | September | Cardiff (ATRiuM) | B |
| Study Mode
2022 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 1 Year | September | Cardiff (ATRiuM) | B |
You will study a number of specified modules, and then have the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest.
Modules include:
Students on the MA Film course will be taught via a mix of workshops, seminars, lectures and tutorials, as well as guest lectures and masterclasses from industry professionals.
Assessment will be via a series of practical assessments based around live briefs and production projects (70%), combined with written reflections and critical analysis of students’ work (30%).
Students at USW Cardiff Campus benefit from industry-standard equipment, software and studio and production facilities.
There is an on-site cinema, that is available to students to screen their work, as well as hosting guest lectures and master classes.
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
A minimum 2:2 Honours degree in a relevant discipline or appropriate professional qualification; or an HND/HNC and relevant experience; or equivalent international qualifications. Those without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, where prior experience will be taken into account.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Kit (Uniform and Equipment) | £1000 - £2000 | Optional purchase of personal laptop/PC and associated software, depending on technical requirements of specialism |
| Kit (Uniform and Equipment) | £1000 | Optional purchase of Digital Video Camera depending on the student’s chosen specialism and expertise |
| Kit (Uniform and Equipment) | £1000 | Optional purchase of Sound Recording Equipment depending on the student’s chosen specialism and expertise |
| Field Trips | £100 | There may be the opportunity for educational trips, such as visits to studios. In the main these will be local to the area and incur no or minimal cost. Any potential trips requiring significant travel cost will be communicated well in advance
(All trips are subject to change and viability in relation to student numbers) |
You will graduate as a highly informed and skilled practitioner, ready to work in the film industry and make a significant contribution to your chosen specialism.
Graduates can also progress to a PhD or research degree.
Our Cardiff Campus is right in the city centre – the perfect home for our creative industries students. We’ve just finished a new phase of campus investment and development, so we can offer even more specialist facilities.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
