Filmmaking University of the West of Scotland

Overview

The Filmmaking MA at the University of the West of Scotland provides a professional environment for students to refine their creative voice and technical expertise. This master's degree is specifically designed for individuals aiming to enter the screen industries as directors, producers, writers, or cinematographers. By combining theoretical study with intensive production work, the programme ensures graduates are prepared for the demands of modern cinema.

Why Filmmaking at the University of the West of Scotland?

This programme is ScreenSkills accredited and primarily delivered at Film City Glasgow, a major industry hub housing over twenty production companies and Scotland's only Dolby sound mixing studio. Students benefit from being taught by award-winning practitioners, including BAFTA and Oscar-nominated lecturers. The university's Ayr Campus provides additional state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a blend of academic rigour and high-end technical resources. Students also gain privileged access to industry events at the Glasgow Film Festival and the Short Film Festival.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 18900 per year
• National fee: GBP 8500 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Students complete three films during the programme, including a documentary, a fiction film, and a final graduation project. Modules may include:

• Documentary Film Practice
• Fiction Film Practice
• Development Lab
• Film as an Industry
• Master’s Film Project

Careers with Filmmaking

Graduates from the University of the West of Scotland have achieved a 95% employability rate within the national and international screen sectors. Alumni have secured roles at major organisations such as the BBC, ITV, Warner Brothers, and the Scottish Documentary Institute. The programme prepares students for various professional paths, including:

• Directors and Producers
• Cinematographers
• Film Editors
• Sound Recordists and Mixers
• Production Designers

Many students have seen their graduation films screened at prestigious international festivals, including the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. The course's strong industry links often lead to placement opportunities on funded short film productions through schemes like Screen Scotland and BFI talent initiatives.