MA International Film Production

At DMU, this MA is very much “learn by doing.” You’re not just studying film — you’re creating it, managing it, and building a professional-level portfolio that’s relevant for global film production. The course combines creative, technical, and business-side training, so by graduation you understand both how to make films and how to run productions.

• Block‑teaching structure: The course is delivered in “blocks” (one module at a time), which allows you to focus deeply on each phase (e.g., development, production, editing) and get more regular feedback. Core production skills: In the early blocks, you’ll build your skills in storytelling, pitching, screenwriting, directing, as well as cinematography, lighting, sound, and production design. 

• Hands-on collaborative filmmaking: In later blocks, you work on group short film projects — managing your own crews, roles, and pre‑production tasks. 

• Real film production: There’s a dedicated “Production” block where you execute a short film (c. 10 minutes) from your own pre-production work, including post-production to a final cut. 

• Final project choice: For your final MA assessment, you choose between a major film project (making your own film, or doing a development/marketing portfolio) or a written dissertation, depending on what fits your career goals. 

• Industry-standard facilities: You’ll use DMU’s Creative Technology Studios, which include video, radio, and audio production suites, as well as fully equipped recording studios (analogue and digital). 

• Specialist film gear: Through DMU’s audio-visual loans service, students get access to high-end kit — for example Blackmagic URSA cameras and a Sound Devices 633 audio mixer. 

• Research & academic insight: The programme is supported by DMU’s Cinema and Television History Research Institute (CATHI) and the Institute of Creative Technologies, giving you access to research-led teaching and guest lectures. 

• Industry engagement: Regular guest lectures and workshops bring in professionals like directors and producers. Previous speakers include Assistant Director Terry Bamber and Producer Al Clark. 

• Global experience opportunities: Through DMU Global, students have gone on trips to major events — like the Berlinale Film Festival, Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna, SDG Film Festival in Jakarta, and more. 

• Learning & social spaces: You’ll have access to “Learning Zones” and DMU’s Greenhouse for group work, plus library facilities (Kimberlin Library) with a large online and physical collection. 

• Student community & societies: There are active student media societies — Demon Media and Film Debate — which host screenings, debates, and production-related activities. 

Why This Matters for You

• You build a professional portfolio: By the end of the course, you’ll have produced short films and a substantial project, which is crucial for entering the film industry.

• You gain leadership & production management experience: Working in teams to deliver films gives you real production management skills.

• You get international & research exposure: With teaching informed by global cinema movements and research institutes, you’re not just learning how to make films — you’re thinking critically about their cultural context.

• You graduate industry-ready: With technical skills, academic knowledge, and a showreel, you are well-positioned for roles like producer, director, camera operator, or working for global media companies.

Graduating from DMU’s MA International Film Production leaves you with a robust mix of practical filmmaking experience, production management know-how, and critical insight into global cinema — equipping you for roles such as film producer, director, camera/operator, or editor / post‑production coordinator. The degree is designed to prepare you for the highly collaborative and international nature of the film industry, giving you both hands-on production experience and the business acumen to deliver projects.

Here’s how DMU supports your career trajectory:

• University Services Supporting Employment

  • DMU’s Careers Hub offers unlimited one-to-one career coaching, CV and interview preparation, and mentoring from industry professionals. 

  • Through their Professional Development Programme, you can attend bootcamps, work with live industry briefs, and build a network via employer‑led events. 

  • The Enterprise & Entrepreneurship support at DMU allows you to develop your own creative production business or startup — ideal if you envision producing independent films or starting a production company. 

• Employment Outcomes & Career Paths

  • As per DMU’s programme page, graduates have gone on to work in roles including Art Director, Camera Operator, Editorial & Clearance Co‑ordinator, Director, and Producer on short and feature films, for organisations like Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5.

  • The course builds strong project-management, pitching, budgeting, and storytelling skills — highly relevant for both independent and studio-based production work. 

  • You also build a professional portfolio through modules including Pre‑Production, Production, and a Major Film Project or Dissertation, giving you practical credits and work-ready content.University–Industry Exposure & Learning Opportunities

• • You’ll be taught by industry-experienced academics, and DMU brings in guest speakers from the film world (e.g., assistant directors and producers) to give real-world insight into production.

  • You get access to DMU’s Creative Technology Studios, which are fully equipped with professional video, audio, and radio production suites.There’s also access to specialist film‑production gear via DMU’s audio-visual loan service — including Blackmagic URSA cinema cameras and high-quality sound mixers. 

  • Through DMU Global, you can take part in international experiences — students have previously visited film festivals and international film‑industry events. 

• Long-Term Value & Academic Strength

  • The programme is block‑taught, giving you a clear, focused schedule: you study one module at a time, which helps deepen learning and keeps you aligned with both theoretical and practical elements. 

  • Because you can choose either a practical final project (film) or a written dissertation, you have the flexibility to tailor your degree to your long-term goals (creative practice vs academic research).DMU’s Cinema and Television History Research Institute (CATHI) supports the course, grounding your practical work in critical, research-led perspectives — boosting your academic credibility. Graduate Impact & Career-readiness

• • Your film project or thesis can become a professional portfolio piece, which is essential for applying to production houses, film festivals, or funding bodies.

  • The production management and business skills you’ll develop mean you’re not just a filmmaker — you understand budgeting, pitching, stakeholder management, and financing.

  • With access to DMU for Life (the lifelong careers service), you're supported even after graduation: you can attend recruitment fairs, get feedback on applications, and continue building your professional network.
    If you want to continue your studies after this MA:

• You could apply for a PhD / MPhil in Film Production, Film Studies, or Creative Media, potentially combining practice-based research with academic inquiry.

• You could pursue specialist postgraduate certifications in areas such as documentary production, screenwriting, film distribution, or virtual production.

• You could participate in film‑industry fellowships or lab programmes, using your final MA project as a springboard to gain funding or mentorship