Film Practice MA

Duration

13 Months

2 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Expand and build upon your filmmaking knowledge with Staffordshire University. Our Masters in Film Practice is designed to fully support you in developing the professional and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the film industry. The course provides a range of modules that support you in finding and honing your specialism whilst building skills that reflect current film practice and technology.

For 25/26 entry.

Our course is student centered, industry focused and, above all, flexible. You will be able to tailor your learning and projects to match your personal interests, skill sets, and career aspirations.

You will have access to our new virtual production suite alongside our world class resources including industry standard camera equipment and production facilities. We also focus on helping you become professionally ready, supporting you through our module – Career Development for the Film Professional and offering life-long support in your career goals as a graduate of Staffordshire University.

Our course team are all passionate about storytelling, fiction and factual, and want to support you as you explore new skills, build existing ones, and become certified through our AVID school status.

We are all either actively involved in the film industry or engaging in world class research, as evidenced by our recent REF excellence and our internationally excellent research. You will benefit from being a part of our dynamic research culture which places a focus on researching though your practice and building knowledge through technical application.

For 25/26 entry.

Our course is student centered, industry focused and, above all, flexible. You will be able to tailor your learning and projects to match your personal interests, skill sets, and career aspirations.

You will have access to our new virtual production suite alongside our world class resources including industry standard camera equipment and production facilities. We also focus on helping you become professionally ready, supporting you through our module – Career Development for the Film Professional and offering life-long support in your career goals as a graduate of Staffordshire University.

Our course team are all passionate about storytelling, fiction and factual, and want to support you as you explore new skills, build existing ones, and become certified through our AVID school status.

We are all either actively involved in the film industry or engaging in world class research, as evidenced by our recent REF excellence and our internationally excellent research. You will benefit from being a part of our dynamic research culture which places a focus on researching though your practice and building knowledge through technical application.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Film Practice

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Film Practice

Course content

You will begin by studying a range of interconnected approaches to Filmmaking in your first semester.

Module One: Filmmaking Practice (20 credits) offers you the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in set and location-based filmmaking – extending or developing your knowledge. You will cover topics such as set-design, studio protocols, location working, camera operation, lighting, editing and sound capture.

The focus of Module Two: Virtual Production (20 credits) is on the use of green-screen and Unreal Engine based virtual production. You will undertake training to become qualified in the operation and use of our virtual production suite and then explore the opportunities that virtual production affords. You will be fully commensurate with set-up, use and shut-down of the suite by the end of the module and ready to use it moving forwards in your projects as the course continues.

Module Three: Audiences and Institutions (20 credits) focuses on understanding the industrial context of creative work and establishing how and where your work will find its place in the wider sector.

Module Four: Practice as research (40 credits) introduces the ways you can use your creative work as research. It is also the proof of concept and planning stage for your Module Six Major Project enabling you to plan and develop whilst considering the methods and approaches your work is taking.

Module Five: Career Development for the Film Professional (20 credits) focuses on career development and employability. It is also an opportunity to explore the theme of Entrepreneurship for the Film Professional as well as readying yourself for your next steps academically or professionally.

Finally, drawing on your experiences in the previous modules, you undertake Module Six: Building a Portfolio (Major Project) (60 credits). This is an opportunity to carry out an in-depth study on an area of specific interest to you. This is fully flexible and can range from making a film to running an outreach programme to creating a film festival – we want you to find your passion and realise your potential.

You will begin by studying a range of interconnected approaches to Filmmaking in your first semester.

Module One: Filmmaking Practice (20 credits) offers you the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in set and location-based filmmaking – extending or developing your knowledge. You will cover topics such as set-design, studio protocols, location working, camera operation, lighting, editing and sound capture.

The focus of Module Two: Virtual Production (20 credits) is on the use of green-screen and Unreal Engine based virtual production. You will undertake training to become qualified in the operation and use of our virtual production suite and then explore the opportunities that virtual production affords. You will be fully commensurate with set-up, use and shut-down of the suite by the end of the module and ready to use it moving forwards in your projects as the course continues.

Module Three: Audiences and Institutions (20 credits) focuses on understanding the industrial context of creative work and establishing how and where your work will find its place in the wider sector.

Module Four: Practice as research (40 credits) introduces the ways you can use your creative work as research. It is also the proof of concept and planning stage for your Module Six Major Project enabling you to plan and develop whilst considering the methods and approaches your work is taking.

Module Five: Career Development for the Film Professional (20 credits) focuses on career development and employability. It is also an opportunity to explore the theme of Entrepreneurship for the Film Professional as well as readying yourself for your next steps academically or professionally.

Finally, drawing on your experiences in the previous modules, you undertake Module Six: Building a Portfolio (Major Project) (60 credits). This is an opportunity to carry out an in-depth study on an area of specific interest to you. This is fully flexible and can range from making a film to running an outreach programme to creating a film festival – we want you to find your passion and realise your potential.

Entry requirements

All programmes are subject to Staffordshire University’s Admissions Policy.

The entry requirements for the course are normally a 2:1 Honours degree in a subject related to film practice or equivalent film industry experience. Applicants who have a 2:2 Honours or with different qualifications who have relevant experiential learning will also be considered.

A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) or the equivalent is the normal requirement for students for whom English is not a first language.

All programmes are subject to Staffordshire University’s Admissions Policy.

The entry requirements for the course are normally a 2:1 Honours degree in a subject related to film practice or equivalent film industry experience. Applicants who have a 2:2 Honours or with different qualifications who have relevant experiential learning will also be considered.

A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) or the equivalent is the normal requirement for students for whom English is not a first language.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Careers

  • Film Production
  • Editing
  • Colour Correction
  • Director
  • Cinematographer
  • Producer
  • Virtual Production
  • Project development
  • Production management
  • Freelance creative
  • Social Media Management
  • Film Festival founder
  • Film Festival Screener
  • Further and Higher Education
  • Creative Arts Researcher
  • Practitioner/Researcher
  • Critic

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The approaches to teaching on this programme have been guided by our commitment to embedding flexibility, industry relevance, high professional and academic standards, and employability into every stage of the course.

We understand the importance of flexibility to the modern, industry-focused student. Our aim, therefore, is to make best use of our world-class facilities, subject expertise, and industry connections to create a highly relevant, bespoke experience, tailored to individual student’s needs, aspirations, and interests.

The approaches to teaching on this programme have been guided by our commitment to embedding flexibility, industry relevance, high professional and academic standards, and employability into every stage of the course.

We understand the importance of flexibility to the modern, industry-focused student. Our aim, therefore, is to make best use of our world-class facilities, subject expertise, and industry connections to create a highly relevant, bespoke experience, tailored to individual student’s needs, aspirations, and interests.

Assessment

Assessment will be through a variety of methods, guided by the specific requirements of the individual projects.

It is expected that most assessments will involve practice-based portfolio materials, but the way in which the project is designed and the outcomes in terms of evidence are full flexible based upon the modules focus.

Examples of assessment types include: portfolio materials, written reports, presentations, reflective journals and blogs, interviews, and group work for collaborative projects.

Assessment will be through a variety of methods, guided by the specific requirements of the individual projects.

It is expected that most assessments will involve practice-based portfolio materials, but the way in which the project is designed and the outcomes in terms of evidence are full flexible based upon the modules focus.

Examples of assessment types include: portfolio materials, written reports, presentations, reflective journals and blogs, interviews, and group work for collaborative projects.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

You will receive formative feedback via individual and group tutorials, virtual learning environments and informal discussions. Summative feedback will be available at the end of each formal assessment.

You will receive formative feedback via individual and group tutorials, virtual learning environments and informal discussions. Summative feedback will be available at the end of each formal assessment.

Staff

All of our staff are passionate about film and more widely the screen industries working in a range of disciplines. And all are active practitioners, either through industry or as researchers.

Dr Agata Lulkowska

Associate Professor

Dr Agata Lulkowska is a Senior Lecturer in Film Production in the Department of Film, Media and Journalism. Agata’s background is in film practice, installations and photography.

Agata's profile

Dr Mark Mckenna

Associate Professor

Dr Mark McKenna is a lecturer in Film, Television & Radio. His teaching is focused on the theoretical and critical underpinnings of film production and draws upon his research which is focused on the film and media industries.

Mark's profile

Dr Sharon Coleclough

Senior Lecturer

Sharon works across all areas of film and media production, focusing upon specialisms in sound design, editing, acting and performance in film. She is an active researcher with international publications on lighting, sound and representation in film.

Sharon's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time
Study option
Part-time

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Applications are not currently available for this course.

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021