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 Pinewood Studio Wales 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.film
This course is subject to validation.
| Study Mode
2019 |
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.
Pete Hodges (Academic Subject manager, Film & VFX)
Inga Burrows (Senior Lecturer, Film Directing)
Sally Lisk-Lewis (Senior Lecturer, Documentary Film)
Dewi Griffiths (Senior Lecturer, Film Production)
Jason Bevan (Senior Lecturer, VFX)
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.
All applicants will be invited to a portfolio-based interview, which should include a show reel of recent work. During the interview, applicants will be expected to outline and discuss any project proposals or ideas they wish to develop on the course.
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) | £500 - £1500 | Optional purchase of Digital Video Camera depending on the student’s chosen specialism and expertise |
| Kit (Uniform and Equipment) | £500 - £1500 | Optional purchase of Sound Recording Equipment depending on the student’s chosen specialism and expertise |
| Field Trips | £0 - £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.
Our Careers and Employability Service
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty-based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
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.
