Introduction

No matter what your experience of filmmaking, our MA Film and Television Production at ARU will expand your knowledge and understanding of the UK factual film and TV profession and industry. On this Masters course you’ll create a portfolio of seven films of different lengths. Focusing on the two key roles of director and producer – which in current factual programming are merged into one – you’ll explore the dynamics of this ever-changing industry, and what it takes to succeed.

Here at ARU you’ll learn to become a visual storyteller, a collaborator, motivator and problem solver. While our emphasis is on factual programming, there is scope and flexibility for you to develop with experimental work, drama and music videos. Using our industry-standard facilities in camera operation, sound, lighting and editing, you’ll develop professional skills in screen-based production. You’ll also gain skills in scheduling, production managing, budgeting and marketing programmes. We’ll encourage you to collaborate with other postgraduate students, helping you to become a flexible media professional who can produce and deliver high-quality video content for many different clients. While you’re studying we’ll also encourage you to enter competitions, and to make the most of Cambridge’s cinemas and annual Film Festival. We’ll also help you show your work to industry professionals at our end-of-course degree show.

How you'll be assessed

You’ll demonstrate your learning, and ensure you’re developing the knowledge and skills to complete the course, through producing and directing films of different lengths and styles; working in a team on a TV studio production; written production analyses and reflective commentaries; essays; filming schedules and budgets film pitches; and your final Masters Project. Your assignments are usually submitted at the end of each term. You’ll also be assessed informally and given feedback during the term to help you achieve to the highest level. Feedback could be on a film, a presentation or group participation; it will be given by your tutor and your fellow students.

Careers

Our MA Film and Television will prepare you for a career in TV or the broader media and help you to decide which areas of the industry attract you the most. Although the emphasis is on directing and producing, you might choose to move into cinematography, production management or even television programme sales. You might also develop a particular interest in observational documentary, natural history films or science programming and decide to follow a career in these fields. The specialist skills you’ve gained as a postgraduate student will be useful for traditional, experimental and creative documentary making, or films for education, training, public relations, current affairs, marketing and campaigning. Our course will prepare you to create a portfolio for a freelance career and give you the ability to make high-quality content for broadcast, web, film festivals or cinema.