Film and Television: Research and Production
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree. Your degree doesn't need to be in a media or film-related discipline and you don't need to have any experience in the media industry to apply.
However, you'll need excellent communication skills, with high standards of written and spoken English.
We look at your degree grades, personal statement, any relevant experience in the media industry, and your English Language results (if you're an international applicant).
If you plan to apply for funding to study the MA, we recommend including a research proposal for your audio-visual dissertation. In this research proposal, you'll need to: explain which mode or approach to documentary filmmaking will work best for the story you're trying to tell; show you're aware of similar media content and what makes your proposed film unique; and mention critical sources illustrating the background to your proposal as well as your creative ideas for the film.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Get ready to start your career in film, television or digital media with our hands-on degree. Develop your employability and filmmaking skills without needing previous filming experience.
Supported with training throughout the MA, you'll develop research skills and methods in film and TV, then learn from industry experts on real-world projects by undertaking a placement.
Our teaching combines theory with practical training so you can learn how to use film kit. Build your skills and networks with a media placement module, gaining work experience to help you stand out in the sector.
You’ll join a department of filmmakers and practice researchers – our academics know the ins and outs of film theory. Our academics also produce feature films, documentaries and video essays. At Birmingham, we have strong connections to industry and are a member of the BAFTA albert Education Partnership.
You can access training in sustainability in production and gain an industry-recognised qualification in Health and Safety for productions. You’ll work alongside academics who are actively creating media content and you’ll get to work with industry professionals at broadcast television or independent production companies. Discover how students on the MA make the most of these industry connections on the FTV Birmingham blog.
- Dedicated Film Manager and Digital and Media Technician to teach you filming and editing techniques.
- Focus on employability, combining academic theory with hands-on skills and professional training.
- Film Editing Suite with a range of technology and kit available, including cameras, lenses, lighting and sound equipment, content creation studios and Mac Studio 4K editing suites.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Film and creative practice.
You'll study four core modules, and complete either an industry placement or Media Industries module, and a dissertation.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation - you can choose to produce a 12,000 word written dissertation or a practical audio-visual dissertation, creating a 20-25 minute documentary film plus a 4,000 word defence essay.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Enquiry Service