MA Directing Film and Television

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Bournemouth University

Program Overview

The MA Directing Film & Television is a hands‑on, practice‑oriented master’s degree focused on preparing you to be a director across film, television and transmedia contexts.
The programme emphasises the entire creative production process — from pre‑production (planning, script, pre‑vis), to shooting (on location or studio) and post‑production — so graduates understand all phases, not just directing on set. You’ll learn to work collaboratively with peers in producing, scriptwriting, cinematography, sound, and editing — replicating real‑world media production environments and building teamwork and cross‑disciplinary skills.
The course also emphasizes storytelling skills, technical understanding of film and television production, and the ability to work across different platforms and genres (fictional and factual, film, TV, maybe transmedia).

Structure, Duration & Entry Requirements

Duration & delivery: Typically 1 year full‑time (September start).
There is also mention in some official documentation of a part‑time / January‑start option stretching up to ~20 months. Degree awarded: Master of Arts (MA) in Directing Film & Television.
Entry requirements: A Bachelor’s Honours degree (2:2 or equivalent), in any subject — no required undergraduate specialization.
For non-native English speakers: a typical English proficiency requirement (e.g. IELTS Academic 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component) applies.
Applicants ideally should have some prior practical experience in directing/film‑making, or show clear ambition and commitment to working in media production.

What You Learn & Key Features

While the programme specification doesn’t publicly list every module (on the publicly available page), the course is described as including: Practical productions across a variety of platforms and genres — from fictional narrative to factual/documentary, film and television formats.

Development of storytelling and direction skills — how to conceive, plan and lead a production as a director, from pre‑visualization to post‑production.
Technical and organisational skills: working with crew, collaborating with cinematography/sound/editing teams; managing the full production workflow; understanding the technical demands of filming. Exposure to industry practices: guest lectures from media professionals, engagement with real production environments, building a “showcase” (final project) that can serve as a calling card to the industry.
Script-to-screen practice — meaning you get to work on projects that simulate real-world filmmaking, with opportunities to work on location or in studios.

Graduates leave with both creative confidence and practical, industry‑relevant skills — theoretically and practically grounded for directing roles in film and television.

Strengths & What Makes This Course Stand Out

The course is accredited by International Moving Image Society (IMIS), which indicates alignment with industry‑standard media production education.
Strong collaborative learning environment — working alongside peers specialising in producing, cinematography, editing, sound etc., which mirrors professional film/TV production settings.
Emphasis on both practical skills and creative/critical thinking — not just technical direction, but also conceptual, theoretical understanding of media production, storytelling, transmedia, etc. Opportunity to build a professional‑quality showreel through multiple production projects — crucial for entering the media industry after graduation.Exposure to industry guest speakers and networks — giving students insight into the professional world and helping with networking.

What to Consider / Who It’s Best For

This MA is best suited for you if:

You have some prior experience or interest in practical filmmaking or directing, because the course assumes engagement with production.
You are ready for intensive, possibly demanding workload — practical production, collaboration, planning, and post‑production may require flexibility in time and energy.
You want a vocational, industry‑oriented pathway — not purely academic or theoretical, but geared toward real-world film/TV production and employability after graduation.
You are prepared to work in a collaborative, team-based environment, not solo — because much of the filmmaking process involves teamwork across disciplines (sound, cinematography, editing, producing, etc.).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA at BU is very much a “learn by doing” degree. From early on you’ll direct real productions, collaborate with peers across all media‑production roles, and use professional‑standard facilities and gear. You’ll finish with a portfolio of real work — film or TV pieces that showcase you as a director, which is exactly what employers or collaborators in the industry look for.

Here’s a breakdown of the experiential learning elements:

Full production‑cycle experience — The course guides you through the entire process: planning/pre‑production, working with actors, directing on set, cinematography, editing, sound, post‑production and final output. You don’t just direct scenes — you’re steering full projects.Collaborative, interdisciplinary work — You’ll work with students from producing, scriptwriting, cinematography, sound, and editing streams to realise productions. This mirrors industry‑style teamwork and helps you build a network of collaborators (potential producers, cinematographers, editors, etc.) even before you graduate.
Diverse formats and genres — fictional, factual, transmedia — The course is designed to let you experiment across different platforms and genres: from traditional narrative film or TV drama to factual or documentary‑style work, and even transmedia — giving you flexibility and breadth in your directing skills. Use of professional‑grade facilities and equipment — You study on BU’s Talbot Campus, using facilities such as the ones in the Poole Gateway Building and the Fusion Building: studios, PC labs, technical facilities, studio spaces, etc.
Final production project as a calling card — Your final production project gives you a tangible film/TV piece under your direction — a strong portfolio piece you can show to industry when applying for jobs, pitches, funding or further work.
Industry‑relevant teaching and exposure — The programme involves experienced media‑production practitioners, technicians, plus guest lectures from industry professionals — helping you understand current industry standards, professional workflows and giving you networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of MA Directing Film & Television often go on to roles such as film or TV director, producer‑director, assistant director/production lead, or independent filmmaker — putting you on a direct path into creative leadership roles in film, television, and media production. Because the course is practice‑based and industry‑accredited, you’ll leave with a professional‑ready portfolio and the practical skills employers and collaborators expect in film/TV production.

Future Progression & Opportunities:

University services & industry‑standard facilities: BU offers state‑of‑the‑art facilities at Talbot Campus — including TV‑studio spaces, editing suites, professional equipment, and full media‑production infrastructure — so you’ll train with the same kind of gear used in real productions.
Hands‑on, collaborative production experience: The course is deeply practical: you’ll collaborate with peers in producing, scriptwriting, cinematography, sound and editing to deliver several artefacts over the year — mirroring the real production pipeline. As a capstone, you complete a final production project (short film or similar) to showcase your directorial vision and technical/creative skills.
Accreditation & industry recognition: The degree is accredited by the International Moving Image Society (IMIS), which is awarded to practice‑based courses that prepare students for careers in the industry. That adds credibility to your qualification in film/TV production.
Industry exposure & networking opportunities: Through the course you benefit from guest lectures and networking with media professionals — helping you build contacts, understand industry standards, and gain insight into real-world directing and production. Versatile career paths on graduation: Graduates are well prepared for roles including: Film/TV Director, Assistant Director, Producer‑Director, Creative/Production Lead, Media/Content Creator, or Freelance Filmmaker. The combination of creative, technical and collaborative training gives flexibility whether you want to work in studios, independent productions, or start your own projects.

Long‑Term Value & Industry Relevance:
Because the MA combines storytelling, technical production skills, and collaboration — all trained on industry‑grade equipment — it gives you a strong foundation that remains relevant even as media production evolves. Being IMIS‑accredited means your degree is recognised as meeting professional standards. Over time, having a robust portfolio + formal qualification + network through BU gives you credibility whether you aim to work in the UK, internationally, or independently.

Further Academic Progression:
You could build on this MA by pursuing further postgraduate or research‑based study (e.g. MPhil or PhD in Film & Media, Directing, Media Production, or Screen Studies) if you’re interested in academic or theoretical aspects of film/TV. Alternatively, you could complement the MA with specialised short courses or certifications (e.g. in cinematography, producing, VFX, screenwriting or post‑production) to deepen niche skills or broaden your creative/production toolkit — which can further expand your career opportunities in film/television, advertising, content creation, or digital media.