Course summary
This 15-month Postgraduate Diploma - the only one of its kind in the UK - has been developed in response to industry demands for suitably trained production sound professionals. Taught exclusively by practising professionals, the course aims to give students high quality training in the theory and practice of recording sound for picture both on location and in our state-of-the-art 4K multi-camera television studio, as well as Fisher Boom training and experience of in-studio music recording and post-production techniques. Students will collaborate with those in other specialisms to make several films – with all production costs met by the School. Graduates have been employed on recent television productions including Midsomer Murders and Holby City, and films including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, World War Z and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. All NFTS students can attend Masterclasses. Recent guests include David Fincher (Fight Club), Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave), Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), Ben Wheatley (Free Fire), Rapman (Blue Story), Louis Theroux, Debra Granik (Winter’s Bone), Denis Villeneuve (Bladerunner 2049), Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here), Sam Mendes (1917), Asif Kapadia (Senna), Joanna Hogg (The Souvenir), Russell T Davies (Doctor Who) and Mark Ulano (The Hateful Eight). The NFTS wants to encourage applications from the brightest and best talent out there, whatever your background. That’s why we have made scholarship funding available for this course. This course is industry recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark which indicates courses best suited to prepare students for a career in the screen industries.
Modules
The course offers an unrivalled opportunity to learn the practical skills required for a career in this field, and covers: location sound recording techniques for drama and documentary sound production for multi-camera television equipment maintenance and problem solving The course starts in September with a term of intensive workshops and exercises that prepare students to record sound on shoots with MA students in the following Spring and Summer terms. Alongside location and studio shoots for documentary, fiction films and television productions, the programme of workshops and tuition continues throughout the course. Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School. In addition you will be given a cash Production Budget.
Entry requirements
A proven interest in sound - particularly recorded sound - a lively interest in film, television and music and a willingness to work as part of a team are essential. We are looking for people who are practically minded and who have a good general education although there are no specific educational requirements for this course. Interpersonal skills are as important as practical ones, because sound recordists need to be able to work effectively as part of a team. You’ll also need to be fit and have plenty of energy, as sound recording can be physically demanding. While we don’t select applicants on the basis of their ability to drive, we strongly recommend that you learn to drive, as a clean, current, driving license will be essential in your future career. While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will always consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification. If you are an EEA or International citizen, you must already be in possession of UK settled/pre-settled status or another visa which allows you to study for the duration of the course. If you do not already hold a UK status, unfortunately we cannot accept your application as we are currently unable to support a visa on our Diploma courses. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £8750 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £8750 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £8750 | Whole course |
| Wales | £8750 | Whole course |
Additional fee information
These are the fees for September 2022 intake. Fees for 2023 will be confirmed soon.
Students with EU settled / pre-settled status are still eligible to apply.
Provider information
National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 1LG