Film and Television: Research and ProductionMA
- RankingTopchoice for employers
- Delivery formatIn person
- Duration1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
- AwardMaster of Arts
- Entry requirementsA 2:1 Honours Degree (or international equivalent)
- Fees£10,900 (full-time) / £5,450 (part-time)
Page contents
Course overview
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.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three-four modules in the autumn term. This is alongside practical training, lectures from industry professionals and employability workshops.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, with an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
Course highlights
You’ll join a department of filmmakers – our academics know the ins and outs of film theory and produce feature films and documentaries. 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 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.
Industry work placement included.
Bespoke CV support to help you build your career.
Expand your networks with regular guest speakers from industry.
Training and placements module
This offers work experience to prepare you for a career in industry after graduation. Our dedicated Placement Co-ordinator will help you find placement opportunities using our existing links to a range of production companies of varying sizes. We also offer an alternative Media Industries module if you want to focus on film-making theory instead of a placement. See our Placement and Training page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Film.
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.
Facilities
Our Film Editing Suite is the perfect place for you to hone your filmmaking skills during the MA. There's a range of hardware and software available for you to use including:
- iMac Editing clusters and Mac Studio 4K editing suites and sound booth. These all include the full Adobe Creative Suite and Da Vinci Resolve editing software.
- Cameras including Black Magic 6K Pocket Pro, Sony FX30 and Sony A7 III.
- Lenses, lighting and sound equipment.
- Access to content creation studios with green screen capabilities.
- Access to Podcasting Studios.
- You’ll be supported by a full time Film Technician who will help you learn how to use the different equipment.
Module information
The programme comprises 80 credits of taught modules, a 40-credit placement or Media Industries module, and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Development and Production Processes in Film and Television | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Documentary film-making | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Research Skills in Film and Television | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students should choose one of the following:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Audio-Visual Dissertation (M.A.) | 60 | Full Term |
LM Written Dissertation in Film and Television | 60 | Full Term |
Students should choose one of the following:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Media Industries | 40 | Semester 2 |
LM Placement and Training | 40 | Full Term |
Students should choose one of the following based on their choice of independent study:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Guided Reading for Dissertation | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Short Fiction Filmmaking | 20 | Full Term |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in any subject
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.
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).
Please explain in the personal statement why you want to study this course, providing details of any relevant experience you have in the media industry. This can be current or previous experience. We're looking for students who are passionate about film and tv, so you don't need to have any specific experience in the media industry.
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.
English language requirements
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
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying courses over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Please note: places on this programme are limited: we can only accommodate a limited number of students on our placement projects. Due to the competitive nature of the programme, we strongly advise you apply early.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Film or Creative Writing at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include critical thinking skills, the ability to think creatively and generate new ideas and teamworking skills.
Our Film and Creative Writing graduates enter many roles, including:
- Online Content Editor
- Video Editor
- Editorial Assistant
Employers our Film and Creative Writing graduates have worked for include:
- 3Wise Entertainment
- BBC
- Fremantle Media
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits [The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report].
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
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