Course summary
MA Cinematography offers you a unique opportunity to develop the necessary skills and techniques to work professionally within the camera department, employ a range of technical and creative techniques to develop and enhance visual storytelling, and explore a range of film formats and processes. You are entering an industry transformed by innovative technology and formats, and with growing awareness of diversity, sustainability, progressive workplace practices, and globalisation. The screen industries are experiencing change – and we want you to be a part of this change. On MA Cinematography, you will study alongside a like-minded group of aspiring industry professionals. Alongside your acquisition of craft skills, you will develop crucial soft skills such as communication, creativity, and teamwork. Why Take the Course?
- Practical: Through hands-on exercises, workshops, seminars, masterclasses, and screenings, you will gain the skills and knowledge required to work with cameras and lighting to industry standards.
- Comprehensive: You will develop skills vital for look, design, and rushes management through creative and technical training in grading and processing software, enhancing the visual aesthetics of your productions.
- Industry-facing: Access opportunities to gain a wide range of industry-relevant skills across projects including training on both film and digital cameras, short filmed exercises, and collaborative productions with other MA pathways.
- Real-life Experience: You will get the chance to work as a Director of Photography (DOP) alongside other MA pathways on short video content for external clients, providing the opportunity to further highlight your talent.
- Professional Tutors: Many of our teaching staff are currently working in the industry as Film & TV DOPs, Camera Operators, Colourists, and more*.
Modules
Please download the Course Specification for a complete overview of MA Cinematography modules. Find below an overview of the key learning themes that this course will cover. Cinematography Craft and Industry Through seminars and practical exercises, you will explore the core craft skills a cinematographer needs in today’s screen industries, including the roles and function of the camera department. During the early weeks of the module, you will work with students from other pathways to make a short video using a camera phone, based on something that you want to say. Shooting interior and exterior You will cover a range of skills appropriate to your role, including the mechanics of lighting and camera movement across a range of shooting scenarios, with emphasis on exposure, depth of field, lens choice and camera placement, and how to use these techniques to tell a story. Professional Profile You will develop authentic and detailed career paperwork and supporting materials including a CV and personal profile. As part of the module, you will be offered Elective Upskilling sessions – opportunities to develop screen industry skills outside of your chosen discipline or as part of your multi-skilling profile. Client-driven Cinematography Working with production teams drawn from other pathways, you will work as a DOP on a number of videos for external clients. Sessions on key elements of location filming, green screen compositing, and shooting table-top for commercials will support you in your work. Creative Cinematography This module consists of a series of workshops and exercises in advanced aspects of cinematography, which includes a more sophisticated look at lighting and camerawork, such as the importance of inclusive lighting and exposure principles. This module will further conside the creative and collaborative working relationships between the cinematographer, and other members of the creative team, such as the director and gaffer, and the rejection of gendered or other terminology that may discourage crew diversity. This module will emphasise the relationship between technical and creative principles of cinematography and your own emerging signature, in preparation to working professionally as a cinematographer in today’s creative industries. Practice-based Research Building on the work of previous and concurrent modules, you will gain a deeper insight into current theories, principles, and discussions relating to issues of diversity, sustainability, and ethics within the screen industries. Final Project and Career Path Your third collaborative project gives you the opportunity to work independently to create work that demonstrates your development as a cinematographer/DOP. This is an opportunity to deliver work that is creatively exciting, distinctive, and industry-facing. You will also refine your career plan in preparation for entering or re-entering the screen industries on graduation.
Assessment method
We include a diverse range of learning and teaching methods, which include: Productions Seminar-style Group Teaching Tutorials Practical Group Work Formative Feedback through Critiques, Pitches, Screenings, and Reflective Sessions Work-integrated Learning Authentic Assessment We use a wide range of assessment methods, which include portfolios, performances, research presentations, and reflective work. Please download the Course Specification below for more information.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
For more information please visit our website: https://www.metfilmschool.ac.uk/admissions/international/ LANGUAGE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS Students applying for a visa via the Student Route must provide evidence of their English language ability. The following tests are satisfactory to demonstrate this: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge PET, ESOL Skills for Life Level 1 and 2, Trinity Level 1. - IELTS – MA Postgraduate courses requirements: Students need to achieve an IELTS overall score of at least 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 5.5 in listening, reading and speaking.
Entry requirements
Applicants must have a minimum 2:1 honours degree from a UK university or overseas equivalent. Applicants without this qualification, but possessing relevant work experience, are also invited to apply. Each application is considered on its individual merits.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £19000 | Whole course |
Northern Ireland | £19000 | Whole course |
Scotland | £19000 | Whole course |
Wales | £19000 | Whole course |
Channel Islands | £19000 | Whole course |
Republic of Ireland | £19000 | Whole course |
EU | £21000 | Whole course |
International | £21000 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
MetFilm
Ealing Studios
Ealing Green
Ealing
W5 5EP