Marymount University

What you'll study

The MA in Film emphasises practical production, narrative craft and critical study. The curriculum combines workshops, lectures and supervised production to develop skills in directing, cinematography, editing, screenwriting and producing. Students complete a mix of core modules, electives and a culminating capstone project—a short film, documentary or a portfolio of advanced media work.

• Core production modules: directing workshops, advanced cinematography, production management, sound recording and design.
• Post-production and craft: nonlinear editing, colour grading, motion graphics, sound post-production and mastering for distribution.
• Writing and development: screenwriting for short and long form, script analysis, character development and adaptation.
• Industry and business: producing and budgeting, festival strategy and distribution, rights and contracts, pitching and development labs.
• Theory and context: film history and criticism, media ethics, documentary theory and contemporary screen cultures.
• Capstone project: an independently produced short film or portfolio project completed under faculty supervision and presented to peers and industry guests.

Programme delivery is studio-focused with regular lab time in production and editing suites, collaborative crew assignments, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary work with other arts and communication programmes. The typical full-time duration is one to two years depending on the chosen pathway and elective load.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in film, media, communication, theatre, fine art or a related discipline. Applicants with professional experience in media production may also be considered. Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts showing a satisfactory undergraduate record.
• A portfolio or demo reel showcasing recent work (short films, scripts, editing samples, or related media).
• A personal statement outlining creative objectives, areas of interest and proposed capstone ideas.
• One or two professional or academic references.
• A current CV or résumé detailing relevant production experience.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or equivalent evidence of prior study in English. Candidates without formal film training may be asked to take preparatory modules or submit additional evidence of potential, such as documented production experience or a strong creative portfolio.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Film move into a wide range of creative and industry roles. The programme prepares students for careers such as director, producer, cinematographer, editor, screenwriter, documentary maker, post-production specialist and festival or distribution programmer. Alumni also work in related fields including content development for streaming platforms, corporate and branded video production, education and community media, and roles within cultural organisations.

Because the course emphasises both creative practice and the business of moving-image work, graduates are equipped to launch independent projects, join production companies, or progress to further research or teaching in film and media.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount University offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling hands-on guidance throughout the production process. The university’s location near a major metropolitan area provides access to a broad range of production resources, cultural institutions and internship opportunities with regional media organisations and independent producers.

Students benefit from dedicated production and post-production facilities, including digital editing suites, sound studios and professional camera equipment, together with collaborative projects that simulate real-world production conditions. Faculty bring a mix of academic expertise and professional industry experience, and the programme focuses on preparing students for practical, career-ready outcomes through internships, festival exposure and networking opportunities.