MA Filmmaking

When you join the MA Filmmaking at Plymouth, you're not just studying theory — you’ll be making films, collaborating with peers, and using industry-standard gear. The course is very practice-driven: you’ll experiment, take creative risks, and build a strong professional portfolio. With support from award-winning staff and visiting professionals, you’ll translate your ideas into real-world work, all while developing your own voice as a filmmaker.

Here’s how experiential learning works in this MA:

• State-of-the‑art filmmaking facilities: You have access to the Jill Craigie Cinema, Moving Image Studios, and well-equipped editing and post-production suites.

• Professional production equipment: Use 4K cameras, lighting rigs, grip gear, dollies, and other industry-standard hardware. 

• Immersive Media Lab: Explore extended and interactive storytelling — there’s an Immersive Media Lab for XR / VR and experimental media work. 

• Digital fabrication & immersive technology: Via their Digital Fabrication & Immersive Media Laboratories, you can work with 3D printing, motion‑capture, AR/VR — supporting ambitious, future-facing projects. Core module “Filmmaking Technique”: You’ll get hands-on via workshops, guided by staff, to develop technical skills in specific areas (e.g., cinematography, directing).

• Story development & production projects: Through the “We are Storytellers: Stories that matter” module, you’ll pitch, plan, and produce a short film (or body of creative work), supported by your peers and tutors. 

• Creative collaborations: There’s a module called Creative Collaborations — you’ll work in group settings, often in outward‑facing projects, building professional experience.Masterclasses & industry links: The course is supported by visiting filmmaking professionals, giving you insight into real industry practices. 

• Final research / practice-based project: For your dissertation, you can choose a creative (practice-based) route or a more traditional research output — giving flexibility to tailor your project. 

• Showcase opportunity: Students participate in the Masters Showcase (e.g., “Crossroads”), displaying their final films and creative work. 

• Strong creative‑industry network: The School of Art, Design & Architecture has links with local and national creative organisations, giving opportunity for live projects, third‑sector engagement, and professional exposure. Dedicated technical team: You’ll be supported by a faculty technical services team, ensuring access to labs and safe use of equipment.

Facilities information: Plymouth’s technical facilities for creative/media students are extensive: 2 Digital Fabrication & Immersive Media Labs, film & TV studios, audio & animation studios, darkrooms, print studios, and more. 

Graduating with an MA Filmmaking from Plymouth equips you with a strong creative portfolio, hands-on experience, and strategic industry connections — setting you up for roles such as film director, film producer, editor / cinematographer, or creative content producer. You’ll be ready to step confidently into the screen industries or launch your own production projects.

• University Services to Support Employment

  • The Careers Service at Plymouth provides one‑to‑one career advice, CV and application support, interview preparation, and access to part-time work or internships. Plymouth supports entrepreneurial students via The Cube and its Formation Zone®, giving you space and mentorship to build your own media or production business. 

  • Through the School of Art, Design & Architecture, you'll benefit from masterclasses with industry professionals and visiting filmmakers, helping you build meaningful networks. Employment Outcomes & Career Paths

• • According to Plymouth’s media & filmmaking careers page, alumni move into a wide variety of roles: film / TV production, video editing, digital content creation, broadcast, and more. 

  • Some are freelance videographers, editors, or set up their own production businesses. 

  • Employers of Plymouth media / filmmaking graduates include BBC, Sky, Aardman Animations, and other independent media companies.

• University–Industry Exposure & Partnerships

  • The MA has “substantial links with the film industry and third sector,” including live BFI‑funded projects, giving you a chance to work on real-world briefs. 

  • You’ll train using state-of-the-art facilities: Moving Image Studios, an Immersive Media Lab, the Jill Craigie Cinema, and professional editing/post‑production suites. 

  • The faculty includes research-active and practicing filmmakers, so you’ll be learning from people currently working in the industry. 

• Long-Term Value & Academic Strength

  • The course encourages creative risk-taking and supports distinct voices, helping you develop both as a storyteller and a technically skilled filmmaker. 

  • Because of the portfolio-driven nature of the degree, you graduate with tangible creative work (films, show-reel) that can directly support your job applications or your own production company.

  • The university’s entrepreneurial infrastructure (like The Cube) gives long-term support for self‑employment or creative start-ups — very useful for filmmakers.

• Graduate Impact

  • Graduates have gone into film production, direction, editing, and multimedia roles across broadcast, digital media, and independent film. 

  • You could also use your experience to push into teaching, festival programming, or cultural media roles, leveraging the critical and practical skills you gain.

Further Academic Progression:
If you choose to continue studying after this MA:

• You could apply for a PhD in Film, Media or Creative Practice, pursuing a research-led or practice-led doctoral project.

• Alternatively, you might enroll in a specialist postgraduate programme, such as screenwriting, immersive media, or digital storytelling.

• You could also take professional development courses (short courses or certifications) in emerging areas like VR filmmaking, post-production, or cinematography to deepen a particular skill set.