Film and Television: Research and ProductionMA

Supported with training throughout the MA, you'll develop research skills and methods in film and TV, then learn from industry experts on real-world projects by undertaking a placement. 

Our teaching combines theory with practical training so you can learn how to use film kit. Build your skills and networks with a media placement module, gaining work experience to help you stand out in the sector. 

You can access training in sustainability in production and gain an industry-recognised qualification in Health and Safety for productions. You’ll work alongside academics who are actively creating media content and you’ll get to work with industry professionals at broadcast television or independent production companies. Discover how students on the MA make the most of these industry connections on the FTV Birmingham blog. 

• Dedicated Film Manager and Digital and Media Technician to teach you filming and editing techniques.
• Focus on employability, combining academic theory with hands-on skills and professional training.
• Film Editing Suite with a range of technology and kit available, including cameras, lenses, lighting and sound equipment, content creation studios and Mac Studio 4K editing suites.

Placement and Training module

This offers work experience to prepare you for a career in industry after graduation. Our dedicated Placement Co-ordinator will help you find placement opportunities using our existing links to a range of production companies of varying sizes. We also offer an alternative Media Industries module if you want to focus on film-making theory instead of a placement. See our Placement and Training page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

You'll study four core modules, and complete either an industry placement or Media Industries module, and a dissertation. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation. 
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching. 
• Dissertation - you can choose to produce a 12,000 word written dissertation or a practical audio-visual dissertation, creating a 20-25 minute documentary film plus a 4,000 word defence essay.  

Facilities

Our Film Editing Suite is the perfect place for you to hone your filmmaking skills during the MA. There's a range of hardware and software available for you to use including:

• iMac Editing clusters and Mac Studio 4K editing suites and sound booth. These all include the full Adobe Creative Suite and Da Vinci Resolve editing software.
• Cameras including Black Magic 6K Pocket Pro, Sony FX30 and Sony A7 III.
• Lenses, lighting and sound equipment.
• Access to content creation studios with green screen capabilities.
• Access to Podcasting Studios.
• You’ll be supported by a full time Film Technician who will help you learn how to use the different equipment.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students should choose one of the following:

Students should choose one of the following:

Students should choose one of the following based on their choice of independent study:

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree. Your degree doesn't need to be in a media or film-related discipline and you don't need to have any experience in the media industry to apply. 

However, you'll need excellent communication skills, with high standards of written and spoken English.

We look at your degree grades, personal statement, any relevant experience in the media industry, and your English Language results (if you're an international applicant).

If you plan to apply for funding to study the MA, we recommend including a research proposal for your audio-visual dissertation. In this research proposal, you'll need to: explain which mode or approach to documentary filmmaking will work best for the story you're trying to tell; show you're aware of similar media content and what makes your proposed film unique; and mention critical sources illustrating the background to your proposal as well as your creative ideas for the film.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

Please note: places on this programme are limited: we can only accommodate a limited number of students on our placement projects. Due to the competitive nature of the programme, we strongly advise you apply early. 

Our Film and Creative Writing graduates enter many roles, including:

• Online Content Editor
• Video Editor
• Editorial Assistant

Employers our Film and Creative Writing graduates have worked for include:

• 3Wise Entertainment
• BBC
• Fremantle Media

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.