MA Cinematography for Film and Television

When you join this MA programme at BU, you’ll be working with industry‑standard camera, lighting and production equipment; collaborating with peers (directors, producers, editors, sound, etc.); building a showreel; and learning the craft of visual storytelling from experienced practitioners. The environment is very practice‑oriented, giving you skills that directly translate to industry work.

Here’s what your experiential learning will involve at BU:

• Professional‑grade cinematography and production equipment: The programme emphasises “hands‑on professional training,” giving you access to industry-standard camera, grip, lighting and digital‑media production gear — exactly the kind of tools used in real film and television productions. 

• Core modules focused on camera, lighting and visual storytelling practice: Units such as “Approaches to Cinematography,” “Exploring Cinematography,” and “Storytelling” train you in camera operation, lighting, narrative visual style, and the craft of image‑making — working on real productions, not just assignments.

• Collaborative and cross‑disciplinary projects (crewing, teamwork with other media‑production students): You’ll often work together with students on directing, producing, editing, sound — building films or short projects as part of crews, which simulates real‑world production environments and encourages teamwork and collaboration. 

• Showreel creation — your calling card for industry entry: Over the course, you build a robust showreel through both individual and collaborative projects — a major asset when applying for jobs or freelance cinematography/screen‑production work after graduation. 

• Accreditation and industry‑recognized credentials: The course is accredited by the International Moving Image Society (IMIS) and has the ARRI Film School Accreditation — credentials that signal your training meets global industry standards, boosting your professional credibility. 

• Guest lectures and industry networking opportunities: The programme offers regular guest lectures by industry professionals, giving you insight from people working in cinematography, film and TV — and chances to build contacts, learn current industry practices, and understand hiring standards. 

• A one‑year full‑time intensive structure — quick immersion into filmmaking craft: Because the course runs over one year (full-time), it’s very intensive — you’ll quickly move from learning fundamentals to applying them in actual productions, making it a fast track to building practical skills and a portfolio. 

• Supportive academic staff and technical instruction: Teaching is delivered by a mix of senior academic staff, experienced professional practitioners, technicians and demonstrators — offering both creative and technical guidance, which helps bridge theory and practical craft. 

Completing the MA Cinematography for Film & Television at Bournemouth University gives you the technical skills, creative eye, and a professional‑level showreel that many hiring directors, production houses or cinematography teams look for. Graduates often go on to work as cinematographers, directors of photography, camera operators or camera assistants — roles that allow you to shape the visual style of films, TV, documentaries or digital media.

Typical roles soon after graduation include:

• Cinematographer / Director of Photography (DoP)

• Camera Operator or Camera Assistant

• Lighting / Camera department crew for film, TV or commercial productions

• Freelance cinematographer / camera‑crew for independent films, short films, documentaries, commercials

 What Bournemouth University gives you that helps build a real career

• Professional‑level, industry‑standard training and equipment: The course offers hands‑on training with industry‑standard cinematography, lighting and digital‑media production equipment — giving you practical know‑how that matches what you’d use on real film or TV shoots. 

• Strong showreel development: Through individual and collaborative projects, you’ll build a portfolio/showreel — a critical calling card that recruiters, production companies and directors look for when hiring cinematographers. 

• Industry connections and ongoing professional exposure: The course brings in guest lectures from industry professionals and is linked with organizations like the International Moving Image Society (IMIS) and accredited by the ARRI Film School — which adds credibility to your qualification and helps you access networks and opportunities in film and television.

• Accredited degree recognised by industry: The IMIS accreditation and ARRI certification mean your degree is globally recognised as meeting professional cinematography standards — which helps when applying for jobs internationally or in competitive film markets. 

• Support for career development and industry integration: The programme includes career support, exposure to industry events via organisations such as Royal Television Society (RTS) and EVCOM, giving you chances to network, meet professionals, and attend events that can lead to real job opportunities.

• Employability and early‑career outcomes: According to publicly available data, some graduates report a salary around £24,000 about 15 months after graduation (though outcomes vary in film industry).

 Realistic Career Paths & Long-Term Outlook

Because the course combines strong technical training with industry awareness, you’re not just prepared for entry-level roles — over time, you could build a career as:

• A DoP for film, TV, documentary or commercials — shaping visual storytelling, working with directors and production companies.

• A freelance cinematographer or camera‑crew specialist (often how many cinematographers in film/TV start) — allowing creative freedom, working on variety of projects (independent films, commercials, online content, etc.).

• A lighting / camera‑department head or technical crew lead on shoots (once you build experience).

• Potentially a creative collaborator or visual‑style consultant — blending cinematography with direction, post‑production or even production design.

Because your qualification is accredited and globally recognised, you also get access to international markets — useful if you aim to work beyond the UK.

Further Academic Progression:
If after this MA you decide you want to deepen your craft, research or specialise further, you could:

• Pursue additional training or short courses in advanced cinematography, post‑production, digital effects or film direction.

• Combine practical cinematography with directing or producing — many filmmakers evolve into multi‑discipline roles (DoP + director or producer).

• Transition into film‑media research, teaching cinematography or media production — using your skills to teach, mentor, or work academically, especially if you gain experience and build a strong portfolio.