MAFilm Production
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- 2023-24
- 2024-25
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Got a passion for filmmaking? Want to improve your professional showreel and boost your employability? Solent’s MA Film Production programme is ideally suited to students who want to learn advanced filmmaking techniques, working in professional studios and collaborating with expert tutors on a range of projects.
This exciting course focuses on independent filmmaking and current practices in the film industry. Students will experiment with creative ideas from the outset, taking advantage of our industry-standard facilities, training and equipment.
Along the way students will be challenged to develop their own personal style of filmmaking, exploring new ideas and collaborating with other postgraduate students. Up-to-the-minute teaching and instruction help students to build on these skills and work towards their chosen career.
Students studying in the TV, film and media production subject area benefit from a schedule of high calibre guest speakers and visiting fellows. Recent talks have been given by Paul Franklin (Oscar winner for visual effects on Inception) and Brian Tufano (cinematographer on Trainspotting, Quadrophenia and Billy Elliot).
Two teams of students from the MA Film Production course recently won awards at the DVMISSION 48-Hour Film Challenge - read about their productions and what's next for them.
Why choose this course?
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukSpeak to a tutor
Speak to a tutorCourse features
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Part-time option
You can study this course part-time
This course is for
Solent’s MA Film Production is well-suited to those with a bachelor’s degree in a related subject, or those with extensive industry experience in advertising, marketing or design.
The course content is ideal for those wishing to learn advanced filmmaking techniques to enhance their existing role, or move into filmmaking.
What this course leads to
Our graduates pursue a wide range of careers.
- Production
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Teaching
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Year one modules
Core modules
Advanced Filmmaking
This module gives students the opportunity to establish the technical and industrial background to key skills in filmmaking. The module is designed to ensure that students are able to make best use of the facilities available to them.
Film Master's Project: Research and Preparation
This module will enable students to consider different approaches that will enable them to achieve their intended goals, and consider how film histories and creative approaches can inform their own methodology and aims.
The Politics of Non-Fiction Film
This module is designed to enable students to find their own original voice in the area of documentary filmmaking.
Finding Fiction
Central to this module is the understanding mise-en-scène, and students will be encouraged to experiment and develop their own style of cinematography, directing and editing to enable them to extend their own practice and originality as independent filmmakers.
Master's Project
The master’s project is where students will formulate and produce a distinctive film that deploys a systematic and in-depth understanding of the skills and debates relevant to the discipline.
Film Futures - Professional Practice
This module has been designed to equip those studying postgraduate film degrees with the skills to acquire in-depth knowledge of their chosen industry and give them the insight and understanding to enable them to plan their long-term career.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Your future
Many past students are running their own production businesses, working as in-house practitioners or securing budgets for creative projects through crowd-funding. This course will help students prepare for careers in video production, post-production, directing, producing and cinematography.
Learn transferable skills
You will be supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. This includes programming, project management, problem-solving, analytical skills, technical writing, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: : £7,900 per year
- International full-time fees: £14,800 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2023/24 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:
Optional costs
Optional film production costs: £330
The course features optional trips to international film festivals. These trips are subject to student demand. Prices will be dependent on the location of the trip, as well as the travel and accommodation costs at the time of booking. There are no compulsory production costs that you are required to meet in order to fully participate on the course. Students choosing to raise a budget for their film or TV productions are encouraged to crowdfund and seek advice from project supervisors on budgetary matters where applicable.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Financial information videos
Discover Solent University This video 'Discover Solent University' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Find out what Southampton has to offer This video 'Find out what Southampton has to offer' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
Honours degree at 2:1 or higher in a relevant discipline
- Alternatively, applicants may be considered with industry experience in one or more areas of the advertising, marketing, design or related fields.
- Applicants must attend an interview as part of the application process.
- An example of creative practice or a portfolio will be requested at the point of application.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at this PDF document which outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
An honours degree at2:1 or higher
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukSpeak to a tutor
Speak to a tutorYour application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with no component score below 5.5
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Facilities
Solent’s media academy offers a comprehensive media loans scheme, giving students free access to a range of modern filmmaking equipment including high-definition (HD) video cameras and DSLR full-frame cameras.
Students are also able to access a wide range of top-quality lenses and lighting kits. Investment into 4K technology has already begun, giving students access to the latest professional standards. The media academy is also home to three green-screen studios, a large visual recording studio with capacity for 200 seated audience members and a range of industry standard post-production facilities.
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Find out moreSupport at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all of the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
Find out more
Make your application
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
