Filmmaking MA

Key information

Duration:
1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:
September 2025
Apply by:
1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)
  • 8th in the UK for our research outputs in Communications, Cultural and Media Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
  • 16th in the UK for Communication and Media Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

Film helps us to make sense of the world - to challenge perspectives, and connect across cultures. In an era of evolving media and rapid technological change, we need to navigate new landscapes. As filmmakers, balancing traditional cinematic techniques with emerging digital formats is vital.

By studying at Sussex, you will:

  • learn how to make powerful films and build a strong portfolio
  • understand the role of filmmakers in shaping how stories reach and resonate with audiences
  • study filmmaking, documentary and screenwriting together to better understand what it takes to create a connection with audiences
  • develop professional networks, collaborate across disciplines and gain industry exposure
  • enrich your storytelling by drawing on subjects across the School of Media, Arts and Humanities.

Throughout your course, you’ll learn from award-winning filmmakers and internationally recognised academics. You’ll attend masterclasses led by industry leaders, and engage with practical training in drama and documentary. You also have 24-hour access to cutting-edge production facilities.

By exploring filmmaking across cinema, television and digital media, you’ll develop the creative and technical expertise to stand out in an evolving media landscape. Whether you aim to direct, produce, write or edit, you’ll graduate with a transferable skillset and portfolio of work that demonstrates your talent.

Our graduates go on to forge careers in a competitive global market. In the past, this has included roles such as director, producer, scriptwriter, editor and cinematographer.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

You learn the theory and practice behind filmmaking in an open and collaborative environment, with industry-grade equipment and insightful lectures.Noor Alnaqeeb
Filmmaking MA

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Entry requirements

Degree requirements

You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant subject such as digital media, media studies, media practice, film studies, film production, or communications. You can also apply for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show relevant professional/creative skills and experience.

Please select your country from the list.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We accept IELTS Online.

 

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

English language qualifications

Country exceptions

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

How to apply

You will be able to apply from November 2024. 

 

Personal statement

Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. 

Find out how to write a personal statement

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Pre-Masters

Need to boost your academic skills for your taught course? Find out about Pre-Masters routes

Application deadlines

1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course

Modules

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below. For details about the part-time course, contact us.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

All year
Spring teaching

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Our experts

Working with young writers and filmmakers is always exciting because they look at the world and can surprise you in a way that more seasoned writers can’t.Jeremy Sheldon
Lecturer in Filmmaking and Script Writing
Read Jeremy’s story

Fees and scholarships

How much does it cost?

Fees

Home students:
£12,550 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
£12,550 per year for full-time students
International students:
£22,575 per year for full-time students

If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).

If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

Additional costs

Note about additional costs

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

Project costs

Students complete assessed projects at the end of their course. The University provides some resources for projects but you may incur further costs depending on the type and scope of projects you choose. These can vary and could range from £50 to £500 depending on the project. Costs can also be affected by how you organise your productions and if you’re part of a group.

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

How can I fund my course?

Scholarships

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Working while you study

Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Careers

91%

of Sussex postgraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course (University of Sussex Career Readiness data at point of graduation 2023/24)

By the end of the course, you will have produced a minimum of two short films and created a showreel, aiding your future employment prospects.

You are given advice about screening your work via a range of platforms including film festivals, independent screenings, broadcast and online.

You’ll have the necessary skills to work in the creative industries in roles such as:

  • scriptwriter
  • producer
  • director
  • cinematographer
  • sound recordist
  • editor.

Graduate destinations

Recent Filmmaking MA graduates have gone on to jobs including:

  • events manager, Old Tree
  • production assistant, Twenty Twenty TV
  • projects and campaigns co-ordinator, Long Run Works.

(School of Media, Arts and Humanities careers database)

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

  • our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
  • one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
  • entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services logo

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

National Enterprise Educator Awards logo

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

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