Falmouth University Film student using a clapperboard

Film & Television MA (Online)

Establish an impactful and enduring career in the film and TV industries.

Key details
Location
Online
Course duration
2 years
Attendance
Part-time

Course overview

Develop your unique voice and the skills and knowledge needed for the industry on this online MA in Film & Television. Channel the spirit of radical creativity into your practice, learning from professionals to enhance your screen production and research skills in a rapidly developing field. 

From screenwriting, casting and pitching to production management, filming and editing, this online master’s in Film & Television will help you develop a technical prowess across pre-production and post-production. You will also be challenged to innovate; questioning industry traditions, conventions and creative canons to carve your own original space in the industry.

Whether you are already working in the industry, have just finished an undergraduate degree or are after a career change and want to level-up your skillset, we'll help you bring innovation and originality to your chosen specialism.

You will:

  • Develop a courageous practice through interrogating the industry and its cultural contexts, helping to determine your original contribution 

  • Take your film and TV creative practice and technical craft to the next level of professionalism 

  • Sharpen your skills across a broad range of areas within film and TV such as multimedia exhibition and distribution, project management and development, screenwriting, film criticism, curating, festival and event management 

  • Upgrade your research skills to embark on an original path while reaching out to diverse audiences and collaborators  

  • Boost your knowledge of the industry to find funding and commissioning opportunities, outlets, and audiences for transformational projects   

Chat to us

Apply now

Get a prospectus

Start dates:  January / May / September

(Three intakes per year)

 

 

 

Course details

MA Film & Television (Online)

You will be supported by expert staff to enhance your filmmaking craft and research skills across pre-production, production and post-production. While developing projects that mirror industry workflows, you will deepen your understanding of how global cultural, political and social contexts frame and influence audience engagement. You will also learn to work with others in a productive and collaborative environment.

Modules

This course is comprised of five modules, four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project (180 credits in total). The modules have been specifically designed to be studied in a non-linear order, with the order in which you’ll study the modules depending on when you begin the course. All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award.

MA

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details for the MA.

PGDip

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules (120 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. A dissertation (major project) is not required.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details for the PGDip.

Module details

With this module, you start building your film and television industry competence to shape practical projects from an initial idea to a final screen artefact. Your tutor offers step-by-step professional instruction to nurture your creativity.

You'll get acquainted with production workflows across various creative, professional and technical roles. On completion, you'll have grasped a command of essential professional skills and an understanding of the fundamental standard processes of the contemporary film and television industries. 

To complete this module, you will devise and develop a creative project pitch (industry standard treatment), a short (scene or sample) screenplay and a short pre-production portfolio with optional audio-visual samples (clips). Your submission will be accompanied by a written critical reflection on the process and potential funding and distribution strategies.

You'll be documenting your progress in an online journal, sharing ideas and your weekly tasks with your tutors and peers to help you organise your work. Weekly webinars will give you a chance to learn by example and to receive constructive feedback on your progress.

(30 credits)

Working on a case study, you develop a critical understanding of practical skills that underpin contemporary film and television industries' operations and project/business management challenges.

This industry research module uses student-centred practice, offering you an opportunity to spend time on in-depth research of a chosen sector of film and television industry, one that aligns with your interests, career plans and ambitions. Focussing on a case study of your choice you'll manage your project under supervision of your tutors and via sharing with your peers.

Starting with factual queries and gathering of information, you'll then progress to critical research to evaluate and analyse your industry data. You'll document your research journey and your findings in an online journal which will inform weekly webinar discussions.

As you progress through your course and later when you enter the job market, the in-depth knowledge of sources and informed critical arguments you acquire here, will help you gain confidence in your professional choices as well as support you making informed decisions, whether you choose pre-production, on-set work, post-production or exhibition/distribution and reception of film and television.

(30 credits)

In this module, you'll pre-produce a short cinematic or televisual form or a screenplay. Practice informed by a critical study of selected examples will help determine your potential contribution to film and television culture.

Designed for you to excel in film and television practice in an informed, professional way, yet crafted to help you follow your interests, this module offers two options: pre-production or screenwriting.

You'll explore critical frameworks and screen practices as they pertain to fields of cinema, television, online viewing platforms, art galleries, transmedia, social media and citizen journalism. Active participation in practical project development will take you through the typical stages of film and television production, making you aware of real-world industry workflow. An overview of the contemporary industry and its commissioning, distribution and exhibition channels will help you situate your original ideas and skills within the current film and television market.

(30 credits)

This module helps you expand your knowledge of how global cultural, political and social contexts frame and influence both production/distribution strategies and contemporary audiences' engagement with various available screen texts.

You'll explore inter-disciplinary contexts interrogated by scholars and critics who now examine film and television as focal points in a wide range of socio-cultural analyses. The shift from modernism to postmodernism followed by the arrival of the internet served as catalysing moments for the emergence of new critical approaches to the contemporary film and television industries. This module will introduce you to the most impactful and recent among such debates.

Every week, you'll sample examples from media studies and cultural studies as disciplines that build on previous academic thought, but exemplify new strategies of understanding creativity in the digital age. Next to analysing traditional film and television texts, you'll discuss transmedia as well as the broadly understood moving image that is available online.

You'll consider relevant contexts of funding, commissioning, production, distribution and exhibition and their impact on today's screen representations and storytelling tactics.

Not only does this module encourage you to use these recent research strategies and methodologies in your investigations of selected film and television examples, but also to apply them to your developing film or television practice.

(30 credits) 

This module culminates your academic and creative learning, providing a bridge for your professional aspirations. Working on your portfolio with your supervisor, you advance your chosen film and television expertise in one of the following areas: production, screenwriting, or academic research.

You'll have the opportunity to excel in practising the following skills that can be used in professional settings in film, television and the creative industries, as well as in academia and beyond.

Using student-centred practice, your tutors will start by discussing your project proposal with you to advise on the format and the option that would best suit your interests, ambitions and career plans.

You'll work on the same project across two study blocks, the first of which will be dedicated to preparation (research, writing, conception), and the second to execution (compiling and presenting your portfolio).

(60 credits)

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

Resources & support

An online student on their laptop
Is online study for me banner

Is Online Study for Me?

The creative culture at our core is not confined to our Cornwall campuses; with our online degrees, ...

Is Online Study for Me?
Two women and a man seated at a desk with a laptop and print outs
Falmouth staff at table

Online Learning Support

You'll have access to a range of support throughout your studies with us to help you thrive and deve...

Online Learning Support
Graphic Design group of students around table
Graphic Design group of students around table

Online Learning Community

Discover learning support services available to online students. 

Online Learning Community
Person sat at laptop working with design book
Interior Design online 2024

Parents & Carers Guide to Online Study

See how you can support a student considering an online degree at Falmouth.  

Parents & Carers Guide to Online Study

Resources and Support

  • Dedicated easy-to-use virtual learning environment (VLE)
  • Accessible online audio / visual content
  • A Student Advisor to support you throughout your studies and access to our Student Support Services
  • Access to our Employability Service
  • 24/7 access to Falmouth's extensive online library of contextual books, journals and resources
  • Access to online software tutorials at LinkedIn Learning
  • Students' Union community
  • Optional face-to-face events
  • Invitation to attend alumni events

Although online students don't have access to on-campus facilities as part of the course, you can hire equipment and access facilities by paying a charge. Find out more about availability and prices here.

Stories from our community

Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights

Career-boosting placements at Eastenders and Warner Bros for aspiring production students

20 September 2023

Second-year Post Production & Visual Effects BA(Hons) students August Goff and Tia Mullins secured w...

Career-boosting placements at Eastenders and Warner Bros for aspiring production students
Shooting on Bodmin Moor for Dean Puckett's debut feature film
Dean Puckett Film Shoot BTS 10

Photo credit: Jake Cunliffe, Television BA(Hons) graduate

Filming wraps on Falmouth lecturer’s new folk horror film, crewed by students and staff

17 August 2023

Images above by Jake Cunliffe, Television BA(Hons) graduate Falmouth University’s emerging film...

Filming wraps on Falmouth lecturer’s new folk horror film, crewed by students and staff
Faith Glenister with Rodrigo Prieto on Barbie film set
Faith Glenister_Barbie set

Behind the scenes with the assistant to Barbie's Director of Photography

03 August 2023

Film graduate Faith shares her experience of working on Barbie.

Behind the scenes with the assistant to Barbie's Director of Photography
A man controlling a RED camera filming a women wearing sunglasses, a leather hat and jacket
RED camera on shoot

How technology has changed the film industry

17 July 2023

Dr Jem Mackay explores the profound influence of technology on filmmaking

How technology has changed the film industry
Thumbnail for video on 'Entering Kodak's 16mm Film Competition'
Kodak/NAHEMI Commercial Competition - Thumbnail

Entering the 2023 Kodak/NAHEMI Commercial Competition

26 April 2023

Students share thier experience of entering the 2023 Kodak/NAHEMI Commercial Competition.

Entering the 2023 Kodak/NAHEMI Commercial Competition
Letters spelling 'King Henry' with some of them different colours
King Henry title image

Falmouth graduates leading the production of new LGBTQ+ short film

22 March 2023

Two Falmouth graduates are heading up the production team behind 'King Henry'.

Falmouth graduates leading the production of new LGBTQ+ short film
Animation: a student skips joyfully out of a school
HE Animation new

Falmouth students win big at RTS Devon & Cornwall Student Television Awards 2023

21 March 2023

Three Falmouth film and TV projects will be considered for RTS Student Television Awards 2023 nomina...

Falmouth students win big at RTS Devon & Cornwall Student Television Awards 2023
Sand Art
Sand Art 1

Image courtesy of Jenna Hinton and Emily Smith

Landscape art project aims to boost wellbeing and creative curiosity  

09 March 2023

A Cornish ‘sand art’ master has coached a group of Falmouth University students through a projec...

Landscape art project aims to boost wellbeing and creative curiosity  
Middle Watch film poster - animation still of periscope coming out of the sea (in blue and black hues)
Middle Watch Poster

Middle Watch narrowly misses the win at 2023 BAFTAs

21 February 2023

The Falmouth community was rooting for the team behind short animation Middle Watch during Sunday’...

Middle Watch narrowly misses the win at 2023 BAFTAs
Middle Watch film poster - animation still of periscope coming out of the sea (in blue and black hues)
Middle Watch Poster

Middle Watch narrowly misses the win at 2023 BAFTAs

21 February 2023

The Falmouth community was rooting for the team behind short animation Middle Watch during Sunday’...

Middle Watch narrowly misses the win at 2023 BAFTAs
filmmaker Mark Jenkin on set
BAIT Film by Lecturer Mark Jenkin Gains International Acclaim
Photo credit: Steve Tanner

What it takes to be a filmmaker | Mark Jenkin

01 February 2023

Discover what BAFTA award-winning director Mark Jenkin thinks it takes to be a successful filmmaker.

What it takes to be a filmmaker | Mark Jenkin
Still from short animation Middle Watch: view of two men on a boat shining a light at an oncoming ship
Middle Watch - Still 2

Still from BAFTA nominated short animation Middle Watch

BAFTA nomination for short animation Middle Watch

24 January 2023

The BAFTA nominated short animation was partly funded by Falmouth University and co-directed by Falm...

BAFTA nomination for short animation Middle Watch
Film poster for ENYS MEN shows woman wearing jeans and red coat standing amongst yellow gorse. Text reads: From the director of BAIT, ENYS MEN, a film by Mark Jenkin
Enys Men Poster

Mark Jenkin’s ENYS MEN in cinemas 13 January

05 January 2023

ENYS MEN, Mark Jenkin's highly anticipated follow-up to the BAFTA-winning BAIT, will be hitting UK c...

Mark Jenkin’s ENYS MEN in cinemas 13 January
A young man in a backwards cap holding a large camera
ollie couch film grad

Graduate’s video production company hired by Airbnb and BBC World Service

21 December 2022

Film BA(Hons) graduate, Ollie Couch discusses how he co-founded the video production company, Here N...

Graduate’s video production company hired by Airbnb and BBC World Service
White moon on black starry background with the faces of each member of Queen overlapping in the centre.
Queen Face it Alone - Thumbnail

Film graduate on creating the music video for 'Face it Alone' by Queen

16 December 2022

Graduate Jake McBride of Animind Studios recently spoke to Creative Boom about how they created the ...

Film graduate on creating the music video for 'Face it Alone' by Queen
Students on a production shoot for film Enys Men
Enys Men - Production - Credit Steven Tanner

Sound/Image Cinema Lab wins bronze at Reimagine Education Awards 2022

08 December 2022

Falmouth University film teaching and research project Sound/Image Cinema Lab has been awarded bronz...

Sound/Image Cinema Lab wins bronze at Reimagine Education Awards 2022
Graduate Rachel Harrison and student Ben Pisacane stand either side of Time Peake in front of backdrop that reads 'Launch our future'.
Rachel Harrison and Ben Pisacane with Tim Peake

Rachel Harrison and Ben Pisacane with Tim Peake

Falmouth pair work with Tim Peake for Spaceport Cornwall broadcast

18 November 2022

Graduate Rachel and student Ben got to work with British astronaut Tim Peake as part of the Universi...

Falmouth pair work with Tim Peake for Spaceport Cornwall broadcast
Man (Falmouth University graduate James Pearce) wearing black tshirt, sunglasses and cap
James Pearce Image

Graduate Spotlight: Adventures on the silver screen with James Pearce

17 November 2022

BA Television graduate shares the highlights of his TV industry career since leaving Falmouth Univer...

Graduate Spotlight: Adventures on the silver screen with James Pearce
Falmouth University students in a purple lit film studio with camera
SoFT film shoot

Future proofing Britain’s booming film and TV industry

03 November 2022

With UK film and TV production at an all-time high, there has never been a better time to join this ...

Future proofing Britain’s booming film and TV industry
A girl wearing glasses crouched down holding a camera
SOFT girl and camera

The difference between studying Film and Television

05 October 2022

Explore the key distinctions between studying Film and Television at Falmouth.

The difference between studying Film and Television
Film student standing holding pieces of paper
SOFT Student Headspace

How you'll learn & be assessed

How online study works

You'll learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment. This is also where you'll find all key documentation, get course announcements and access extensive learning resources.

How will I be supported?

You'll be supported academically by Online Tutors, who will also deliver weekly webinars and facilitate the online forums. As you progress through the course, formal teaching will gradually shift towards more independent exploration and learning.

If you need assistance with anything that isn't directly related to course material, a dedicated Student Advisor team will be on hand to help. You'll also have access to Falmouth University's excellent Employability Service.

You'll refine dynamic filmmaking practices, spending 20-25 hours a week working on your craft. We incorporate optional face-to-face events for all our online students. There will be up to two per year, and they'll typically run over weekends, to fit around your other commitments.

What are my study hours?

A postgraduate student should dedicate at least 20-25 hours per week for study.

Find out more about learning online

Assessment methods

Assessment provides the course team with a means of offering tailored guidance alongside advice on how to progress knowledge and skills in key areas that relate to the course Learning Outcomes. The course team will identify your strengths and weaknesses as an individual and discuss them with you throughout your time on the course.

You will be assessed via coursework at the end of each module in the form of visual, verbal and written assignments. You will also receive regular feedback via webinars, Q&As and workshops with your peers.

Staff

You'll learn from a team of award-winning film and television practitioners, expert academics and technicians with specialist skills in lighting, cinematography, lighting, post-production, sound editing and more.

Dr Jem Mackay

Course Leader, Film & Television MA (Online)

Dr Jem Mackay is a filmmaker/artist who has been exploring collaborative systems within creative pro...

Dr Jem Mackay

Dr Anna Misiak

MA Film & Television Course Leader

Former Fulbright Scholar at the University of Southern California, Anna Misiak holds a PhD from the ...

Dr Anna Misiak
Kingsley Marshall book cover Philosophical Reflections on Black Mirror

Dr Kingsley Marshall

Head of Film & Television

Dr Kingsley Marshall is Head of Film & Television at the CILECT accredited School of Film &a...

Dr Kingsley Marshall

Jane Pugh

Associate Lecturer, School of Film and Television

I live with friends and my dog by the sea. I write, teach and facilitate because my job is to create...

Jane Pugh
Denzel Monk headshot

Denzil Monk

Senior Lecturer in Film

Denzil is a Senior Lecturer in Film specialising in producing at the School of Film & Television...

Denzil Monk

Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

A filmmaker holding a clapper board
Online film and television master's

How can an online master's in film and television help you to excel in the industry?


In this article we explore three ways that online postgraduate study can help you to excel in the dynamic world of contemporary film and television.  

Read more

Careers

As a graduate of this Film & Television MA, you will become a competent, original player in the contemporary film and television job market. You may decide to work solo, in collaboration with other creatives, or undertake a role in production, distribution or curating.  

You could go into roles such as: 

  • Production designer 
  • Senior producer  
  • Senior camera operator  
  • Production assistant  

Research skills embedded throughout the modules and with the Major Project could also allow you to successfully progress into postgraduate research programmes, PhD and MPhil studies. 

Recent graduates from the School of Film & Television have had their work featured at world-class festivals, secured development from the BFI and BAFTA, and been published in titles like Film International, MAI: Feminism & Visual Culture, Total Film, The Telegraph, The Guardian and Little White Lies. 

How to apply

Speak to us about the course

If you'd like to talk to an Advisor about this course or your application, get in touch with us via the form below.

Request information

Apply now

Ready to apply for postgraduate study? We have three start dates a year: January / May / September. Select the start date you'd like to apply for in the drop-downs below and then click the relevant apply button to begin.

 

You can apply to begin your studies in January 2024 by selecting the relevant course route below:

Apply for MA

Apply for PGDip

You can apply to begin your studies in May 2024 by selecting the relevant course route below:

Apply for MA

Apply for PGDip

An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply. If you'd like to discuss our entry requirements, speak to an advisor.

We’ll ask you to provide a piece of work that relates to the moving image, which you have been involved in making. This could include an example of a screenplay, a film, a showreel, or a piece of writing that demonstrates your commitment to the theory of the moving image. It could include previous project work and/or your current work in progress and could take the form of a link to your blog or website. Please also provide a statement of approximately 250 words that gives information on what your contribution was to this work. 

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

What we're looking for

We welcome both experienced professionals looking to refine their existing film and television practice, and ambitious newcomers with no previous industry experience, but with the ambition to challenge conventions and advocate creative shifts in the global film and television landscape. 

This course has three intakes per year: January, May and September.

Academic start date* Application deadline
22 January 2024 10 January 2024
27 May 2024 6 May 2024

Please note:

*Virtual Welcome Week begins the week before the academic start date. During this time, our Student Advisor team will host Welcome Webinars and be in touch with practical information on how to study online.

An Early Bird discount is available for early applications. For January 2024, the scheme offers up to £600 off MA tuition fees: £300 if you apply by the Early Bird discount submission deadline, and a further £300 off your tuition fees if you receive an offer and within two weeks you accept the place and pay the acceptance fee. Both these payments would be applied to your final fee instalment. Please note the discount amount is subject to change for future intakes.

Early Bird discount submission deadline Academic start date
27 November 2023 22 January 2024
1 April 2024 27 May 2024

To discuss all our discount opportunities, contact an advisor.

Speak to an advisor

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees

£12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course

£7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course

£TBC total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course

£TBC total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Typical course costs

As part of studying Film & Television MA (Online) you will require:

Laptop/Computer (essential)

You need to be able to connect with the course material and run editing software like Davinci Resolve(free), Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro or iMovie(free). See recommended system requirements (Windows & Mac) for Premiere Pro.

Entry level DSLR camera (essential)

You will require the use of an entry-level video camera capable of filming in HD, which allows manual control of focus and exposure settings. It is possible to use a DSLR or even a smartphone if it can utilise an app like Filmic Pro. It is preferable that the camera features a mic-in port for connecting an external microphone.

Video Editing Software (essential)

You'll need to be able to access video editing software for the practical projects of the course. Da Vinci and iMovie are free, but software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro may well be worth buying. Students can use their preferred video editing software.

Reliable internet connection (essential) 

You will need to reliably connect to the online course material for around five hours a week. It is recommended that you participate in the weekly webinar with a webcam and a mic. 

Adobe Creative Cloud (optional) 

You will need access to Adobe Creative Cloud. You may be eligible for discounted licenses through Adobe's education pricing and Falmouth University seeks to provide further discounts when possible. If any discounts are available, we will communicate these to you. For more information please visit Adobe Creative Cloud.

Movie Magic (optional) 

During the course you may wish to use Movie Magic production software to support any practical projects. This is a recommended piece of software, not compulsory. The cost of this is currently £85.00 for an annual student subscription.

Audio Recorder (optional)

A separate sound recording device, like a Zoom handheld audio recorder H1 capable of recording 24 bit & 48kHz, is recommended but not absolutely essential.

Optional face-to-face events

You will be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation and subsistence costs to attend these events. Some elements of these events will be subsidised. 

Ask a student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Request information

Do you have questions about the course or studying at Falmouth? Fill in our simple online form and we'll get in touch to support your application journey.

Submit form
Student funding staff at a table with palm trees

Similar courses

Prosthetic Effects MA student
Prosthetic Effects MA

Prosthetic Effects MA

Launch your career in prosthetic effects with this unique course. Working hand-in-hand with world-cl...

Prosthetic Effects MA
Remote learning
Comedy Writing

Comedy Writing MA (Online)

Get the skills, tools and industry insights to push your projects to the top of the commissioning ed...

Comedy Writing MA (Online)
Writing For Script Screen Ma
Writing For Script Screen Ma

Writing for Script & Screen MA/PGDip (online)

This course is designed to equip you with the writing skills, industry knowhow, professional skills ...

Writing for Script & Screen MA/PGDip (online)
Spread of colour photos with American people and flag
Photography Ma 2022

Photography MA/PGDip (online)

This course will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to succeed within an increas...

Photography MA/PGDip (online)
Film
Film

Film & Television MA

Based in our world-class film school and supported by specialist, award-winning staff, you’ll hone...

Film & Television MA