Overview

The Directing program at School of Visual Arts challenges you to articulate your artistic vision utilizing the multifaceted medium of film.

You will develop the intellectual and practical tools for directing film. You will learn the art of visual storytelling, working under the tutelage of industry professionals to learn how to develop stories from script to screen, direct actors and employ an arsenal of cinematic tools to tell a compelling visual narrative. With the guidance of our award-winning faculty, you will cultivate original ideas for successful, inventive films that communicate a narrative in an aesthetically interesting and innovative manner. The course of study also addresses the historical and critical context of film as an art form, its political and sociocultural dimensions and comparative study of theories for understanding film and video.

Why We Stand Out:

We focus on the craft of directing and the art of visual storytelling
Connect with industry professionals: working directors, screenwriters, editors and producers
A practical, hands-on curriculum where students gain experience in every aspect of directing film

About the Department

In less than one year, each student in the MPS Directing program directs a professionally-produced short film and attains a master’s degree. Over the course of nine months, we empower our students to direct their own short films by providing them with the latest technology, instruction from award-winning filmmakers and an experienced film crew.

High-level production values combined with strong storytelling equals success in the film industry; for this reason, the student films created in this program have gone on to be official selections at such prestigious institutions as Cannes Film Festival and Film Festival Internazionale di Milano.

Developed for the working professional, classes are held Monday through Thursday, 6–9 p.m., with Fridays reserved or studio time, guest lectures, critiques, demonstrations and/or field trips.

Degree candidates must successfully complete 30 credits, including all required courses. Thesis films will be screened in a juried film festival at the SVA Theatre. Each thesis film must be reviewed and approved by the thesis committee and the department chair in order for the student to be eligible for degree conferral.

This studio-based program is chaired by Bob Giraldi, the director who played a major role in the music video revolution and who continues to be a prolific creative force. As one of America’s legendary commercial and music video directors, Bob uses his considerable expertise and experience to introduce each of our students to the film industry. Bob has directed some of the world’s biggest icons, including Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Pat Benatar, Lionel Richie and Will Smith.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Film Language, Analysis and Criticism

Screenwriting

Producing for Film Artists

Director’s Toolbox

Editing as Storytelling

Directing

Lecture Series

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Duolingo English Test

115

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies View 243 other Masters in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

Application & Fee

Statement of Purpose

Resume/CV

Letters of Recommendation

Official Transcripts

Transcripts or Academic Records from Foreign Institutions

English Proficiency

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

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Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

57370 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 28685 USD per semester during 12 months.
National

57370 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 28685 USD per semester during 12 months.
In-State

57370 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 28685 USD per semester during 12 months.

Living costs for New York City

1819 - 3968 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Film Directing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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