MA Film

Study in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales and home to a thriving Film and TV industry, including Bad Wolf Studios, Great Point Seren Studios and BBC Wales, where shows including Doctor Who and His Dark Materials are filmed.

Choose what pathway is right for you

Our MA Film degree is split into six different pathways, letting you study your specialist area and hone your skills.

MA Film (Cinematography)

A director points at a tablet screen while talking to a person with a camera on a darkly lit film set

MA Film (Directing)

MA Film (Documentary)

MA Film (Editing)

MA Film (Production Management)

MA Film (Screenwriting)

Course Highlights

Screen Alliance Wales

Build your dream career in 21st century screen industries through SAW opportunities.

Avid Learning Partner

Gain a competitive edge by learning industry recognised software.

Arri Film School 

USW Film is an ARRI Certified course, meeting professional and industry standards of camera training. Students can gain an additional ARRI qualification whilst studying.

Film ready facilities

Take advantage of our fully equipped film studios, and state-of- the-art finishing suites.

Placements

We’re proud to collaborate with a wide range of industry organisations in Wales and beyond, including Channel 4, BBC Wales, BAFTA Cymru, RTS Wales, Film Cymru, and the Welsh Government. As an education partner of Screen Alliance Wales, you’ll gain access to work placements throughout your degree, ranging from Film festival volunteer roles to production positions on Film and TV shoots. This course includes a unique work experience module with major local Film and TV employers, as well as many paid and unpaid shadowing and work opportunities with various screen industry companies.

Media recording and lighting equipment in tv studio

Facilities

We offer industry-standard facilities at our newly enhanced Cardiff Campus which includes an on-site cinema where you can screen your work and play your favourite films. As a film student, you can benefit from our fully equipped film studio including Arri Alexa, Black Magic Ursa, and Sony cameras, a range of professional microphones, LED lights, tracks, dollies and grip equipment. Everything you need to practice filmmaking in a secure and safe space. We also offer state-of-the-art finishing suites for professional video editing, sound mixing, and colour grading. Including Adobe Creative Packages, Movie Magic and Final Draft.

behind the scenes shot of media students

Equipment

At our Cardiff Campus we have a vast range of equipment that you will be trained to use as part of your course. To help support your studies we have a Media Loans facility that allows you to hire the equipment, at no cost, for you to then use for your assignments and practical work. We have both basic and high-end film and photography cameras, portable lighting and sound equipment as well as a range of professional studio recording microphones, instruments and associated equipment to use in our music studios or on location. The team of technical officers and instructors are also available to help you with any queries and technical issues.

Success for Film and Animation Students at RTS Cymru Awards

USW students and graduates have secured eight prestigious accolades at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Cymru Awards, celebrating creativity, innovation and storytelling at the heart of Welsh television. Their award-winning projects spanned entertainment, drama, comedy, and factual storytelling, underscoring the university's commitment to nurturing creative talent.

Explore the Award-Winning Projects

We make a difference in practice, not just on paper. Our courses are designed by people who offer jobs - and taught by people who have real work experience.

Take a virtual tour

Study in the heart of Cardiff

Cardiff is one of the most affordable cities in the UK too, so it’s perfect for cash-strapped students. There’s always something happening or new places to discover.

Cardiff Campus