Filmmaking MA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The MA in Filmmaking at Sussex gives you an immersive, hands-on education in directing, documentary, screenwriting, and production — all while letting you build a strong portfolio of work. It’s ideal for passionate creatives who want to turn their film ideas into real screen work, whether for narrative film, documentary, or new media.

Curriculum Structure

Year / Term Structure
This program is designed to combine practical filmmaking with theory in a way that builds throughout your time here:

In the first term, you’ll explore film theory and screenwriting through modules like Introduction to Screenwriting and Film Theory, giving you a conceptual foundation and helping you begin crafting your own stories.
During the second term, the focus shifts to production: you work on short films, documentaries, or screenplays, bringing concepts to life, and take units such as Production Project I and Documentary Practice.
In your final term, you complete a major project — either a short film or a written script — through a module such as Production Project II, and you reflect on your practice in a Research & Reflection unit to polish your creative voice and technical skills.

Focus Areas

Directing, Documentary, Screenwriting, Film Production

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the MA, you will be able to produce original short films and screenplays, apply critical film theory to your creative work, collaborate professionally on film sets, and present a polished portfolio that showcases your creative and technical abilities.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the University of Sussex doesn’t list a specific industry accreditation for this MA, the course’s emphasis on practical filmmaking, masterclasses, and portfolio development aligns closely with the professional standards of the film industry.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Sussex is a well-regarded institution for creative media: its research in communications, media, and cultural studies places it strongly within the UK, contributing to a rich academic environment and solid post-graduation networking opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you join the Filmmaking MA at Sussex, you're not just studying theory — you get full access to professional-grade production facilities, industry-standard kit, and 24/7 hands-on training. You’ll work in a collaborative environment where you make real films, learn from award-winning filmmakers, and build a strong portfolio using the same tools that pros use.

Here’s how you’ll put that into practice:

Book and use equipment from the equipment store: cameras (cinematic + video), lighting rigs, microphones, tripods, rigs, follow‑focus systems, and more.
Use the film & photography studio, which features a black wrap‑around studio, infinity curve for backdrop, green‑screen options, grip gear like dollies, tracks, and jibs.
Edit and post-produce in one of seven multi-screen editing booths, or book into editing workshops or an Audio‑Visual Finishing Suite — all equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve for colour grading, and more.
Record voiceovers, narration, or sound design in audio post-production booths fitted with professional mics, high-quality channel strips, and iMacs for editing.
Work in Mac and PC labs with full Creative Cloud software installed, giving you flexibility and freedom to experiment whenever you want.
Explore new tech in dedicated innovation spaces like the VR Suite (for virtual reality & 3D scanning) or a Maker Space (for 3D printing and physical computing).
Tap into pre-production, production, and post-production labs that are open around the clock, so you can practice and refine your filmmaking at any stage.
Dive into a resource centre packed with over 5,000 feature films, TV programmes, documentaries, and more — perfect for research, inspiration, or analysis.
Benefit from industry connections and workshops via masterclasses with experienced filmmakers, plus opportunities to collaborate across disciplines in the School of Media, Arts & Humanities.
Complete a capstone project: you’ll produce at least two short films (fiction or documentary) while building a professional showreel by the time you graduate.

Progression & Future Opportunities

By completing the Filmmaking MA at Sussex, you'll graduate with a professional portfolio (including at least two short films and a showreel) and the practical and technical skills to step confidently into roles like director, producer, scriptwriter, or cinematographer. You’ll be well‑prepared to work in the creative industries, whether in film, television, or digital media, with a competitive edge built from both your artistic work and hands‑on experience.

Here’s how this MA can help you launch and grow your career:

University Services to Support Employment
- One‑to‑one appointments with a Faculty Careers Consultant to help you define your career goals, craft a CV, and prepare for interviews.
- Entrepreneurship support via StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab — perfect if you're interested in launching your own film projects, production company, or creative startup.
- Guidance on how to showcase your work: you'll receive advice on screening your films via festivals, independent screenings, broadcast, and online platforms, helping you get your work seen.
Employment Outcomes
- 91% of Sussex postgraduates complete work experience by the time they graduate.
- Recent MA Filmmaking graduates have gone on to roles including: events manager (Old Tree), production assistant (Twenty Twenty TV), and projects & campaigns coordinator (Long Run Works).
- Typical creative‑industry roles: scriptwriter, producer, director, editor, sound recordist, and cinematographer.
University–Industry Partnerships & Exposure
- Through the course, you’ll attend masterclasses with industry professionals and build a network of contacts across the creative sector.
- The practical project opportunities (paid real‑client projects) give you real-world experience and exposure to UK creative organisations.
Long-term & Accreditation Value
- Sussex is 8th in the UK for Communications, Cultural and Media Studies (REF 2021) — meaning your degree is backed by strong research‑led teaching.
- The practical portfolio you build (films + showreel) will be an asset when applying for creative roles, funding, or even your own projects.
- The MA’s training is designed to be future‑proof, blending traditional cinematic techniques with digital media, so you graduate with skills that are relevant to today’s evolving industry.
Graduate Destinations & Impact
- Your final showreel and film projects will give you tangible evidence of your ability, making you more competitive in the global creative marketplace.
- Alumni have successfully moved into both corporate and freelance roles, meaning you have flexibility: you can work in established companies or build your own creative business.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies after this MA, you could:

Pursue a PhD in Film or Media Studies, exploring deeper theoretical or research‑based filmmaking topics.
Enroll in a specialist postgraduate programme (e.g., screenwriting, documentary studies, or digital media production) to deepen a particular skill.
Apply for professional development courses or short certifications in emerging areas like VR/AR filmmaking, visual effects, or film entrepreneurship.