MA International Film Business

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MA in International Film Business at Exeter is perfect if you love movies but also want to understand the business side of things. You’ll learn how films get made, financed, marketed, and distributed around the world — combining creative thinking with real-world business skills to help you succeed in the global film industry.

Curriculum Structure

Term One (at University of Exeter):
You’ll start by exploring how the international film industry operates. Modules like Distribution and Markets show you how films reach audiences, from cinemas to streaming platforms, while The International Film Business: Approaches, Concepts and Strategies introduces you to finance, intellectual property, and business strategy. By the end of this term, you’ll have a solid understanding of how the film world works behind the scenes.

Term Two (at London Film School):
In London, you’ll get hands-on with innovation in the film business. The Entertainment Value Chain helps you see how production, marketing, and exhibition fit together, and Models of Innovation explores new business models and digital disruption in film. You’ll also attend field trips to film markets or festivals — seeing the industry in action and meeting people who make it tick.

Final Term / Dissertation:
You’ll finish by completing a dissertation or dissertation project (60 credits), supported by both an academic supervisor and an industry mentor. This gives you the chance to explore a topic you’re passionate about and build connections that can launch your career.

Focus Areas

International film finance, distribution & markets, innovation in film business models, global strategy, entrepreneurship in screen industries.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll gain the know-how to navigate the international film industry, create innovative business strategies, pitch projects confidently, and analyze global markets. By the end, you’ll be ready to step into roles that combine creativity with business insight.

Professional Alignment / Accreditation

Partnered with the London Film School, giving you direct access to industry professionals and real-world insight.
Your project is guided by both academic supervisors and film-industry mentors, so you graduate with knowledge and contacts.

Reputation / Employability

Exeter’s alumni work all over the film world — in production, distribution, festivals, licensing, and streaming platforms.
The University of Exeter is ranked 6th for Drama, Dance, and Cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
You’ll have access to Exeter’s Career Zone, helping you network, find mentors, and get career guidance tailored to the creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On this MA, you’ll do much more than just read about the film industry — you’ll actually step inside it. From guest lectures with industry professionals to real-world projects, you’ll gain hands-on experience that brings theory to life. Studying across Exeter and London gives you a unique perspective on the global film business, and you’ll get direct exposure to distribution campaigns, film festivals, and professional networks. You’ll also have access to amazing resources like the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, special audio-visual collections, and expert librarians who can guide your research.

Here’s how your learning becomes practical and real:

Work on live campaigns for eXeFilm, Exeter University’s film-distribution label, seeing how films reach audiences.
Attend field trips, including one in Devon to explore alternative cinema exhibition, and another to a major international film festival or market like Cannes.
Participate in masterclasses, seminars, and mentoring sessions at the London Film School, and even get involved in a graduation film project.
Complete your dissertation or project with guidance from both an academic supervisor and an industry mentor, blending scholarly insight with professional advice.
Explore the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, home to over 70,000 film artefacts, giving you a hands-on look at cinema history.
Use Exeter’s library and audio-visual collections, including over 12,000 film titles and computing facilities for postgraduate projects.
Access the International Film Business Subject Guide, full of specialized databases, journals, and archival materials to support your research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MA often step straight into exciting roles across the global film and screen industries. Many find themselves working as a Film Sales Executive, Distribution Manager, Creative Producer, or Festival Programmer, blending creative insight with business know-how. Your degree opens doors to hands-on roles where you can shape how films reach audiences worldwide:

University Support: Exeter’s Career Zone helps you every step of the way, from one-to-one career mentoring to creative industry-specific job fairs, and even connecting you with alumni who are already working in the film world.
Alumni Success & Employment Stats: Over 350 alumni are working in international sales, distribution, festival management, and licensing across 30+ countries. Past graduates have landed key positions, like Sales Manager at Cornerstone Films.
Industry Partnerships: Thanks to the partnership with the London Film School, you’ll benefit from direct industry connections, guest lectures, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on an LFS graduation film project.
Long-Term Value: Your qualification is recognized and respected globally, combining the reputation of Exeter with the practical industry credibility of LFS.
Graduate Outcomes: You’ll join a growing, supportive alumni community, giving you access to networking, sector-specific advice, and potential collaborations worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could move into PhD research in film, media economics, or cultural policy, or specialize further with postgraduate degrees in producing, film finance, or creative industries management — all helping you deepen your expertise and expand your career options.