Film Directing MA

at University of Edinburgh

This programme is project-led and delivered through:

• seminars
• individual tutorials
• lectures

It integrates practical advice on filming with a contextual awareness of contemporary film practice.

Your work is initially organised around micro-films that enhance your awareness of film language and your technical skills. At the same time you will research and develop an idea which you will film in the second semester, using whatever means are available to you.

You will prepare and shoot your graduate film, backed up by camera, sound and edit workshops - alongside project support from a tutor - before it is edited and finished with input from group crits and tutorials.

You may also attend or volunteer with Edinburgh Film Festival and the Edinburgh Pitch, to observe and engage with key players from the international documentary world.

Students on the MA programme will complete a short documentary in their one-year course.
Students on the MFA programme (2 years) make one short documentary and develop a feature documentary film through directing scenes, a trailer and writing a long treatment.

Our students often go on to tour their short films round international festivals from their MA, or find ways of making a completed feature documentary through international co-production after graduating from the MFA.

These entry requirements are for the 2022/23 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2023/24 academic year will be published on 3 October 2022.

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject area. You should have technical skills in filmmaking and experience in directing.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application.

Your portfolio should:

• include a link to one finished film, which can be any form but must be subtitled in English
• demonstrate technical skills in filmmaking
• demonstrate experience in directing

Your portfolio should not:

• include more than one film
• be a showreel

Our students go on to a wide range of roles, including:

• producer
• director
• writer
• production or location manager
• researcher
• editor
• assistant director
• cinematographer
• journalist