City

What you'll study

The MA combines advanced practical workshops with critical reflection and research-led modules. You will take core units in production practice, post-production and editing, producing and project management, and research methods, then complete a substantial final project that can take the form of a short film, documentary, multi-platform series or a practice-based portfolio.

• Production Practice: hands-on modules covering directing, camera operation, lighting and crew roles, centred on collaborative shoots.
• Post-production and Editing: nonlinear editing workflows, colour grading, finishing and delivery standards for broadcast and online platforms.
• Scriptwriting and Story Development: narrative structure, pitching, treatments and adaptation for different formats.
• Producing and Project Management: budgeting, scheduling, legal and rights issues, funding routes and producing on limited budgets.
• Research Methods: methods for practice-led research, contextualising production work within media studies and industry practice.
• Major Project (Dissertation/Practice): an extended piece of creative work supported by a reflective critical commentary or dissertation.
• Optional modules: may include documentary production, advanced cinematography, sound design, multi-platform storytelling, and media business and distribution.

Teaching is delivered through a mix of seminars, technical workshops, guest masterclasses with industry practitioners and supervised independent practice. Assessment typically combines practical portfolios, project deliverables, presentations and a final written or practice-based dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a good honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as film, media, journalism, creative writing, or equivalent professional experience in media production. Applicants without a first degree but with substantial relevant work experience may be considered.

All applicants are expected to submit a portfolio or showreel demonstrating practical production skills and creativity, together with a personal statement outlining their project interests. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview or to discuss their portfolio with course staff.

International applicants whose first language is not English will normally be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Typical evidence is an approved English language qualification at a level appropriate for postgraduate study (for example an IELTS score in the mid-6s overall with no lower than 6.0 in any band, or an accepted equivalent).

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of production and creative roles across film, television, streaming platforms, independent production companies, broadcasters, agencies and online media. Typical job titles include producer, director, assistant producer, editor, camera operator, production manager, post-production supervisor, content producer, and documentary maker.

Alumni also work as freelance creatives, start independent production companies, or move into specialist roles such as commissioning, development, distribution, festival programming, and media strategy. The programme’s emphasis on practical experience and industry-facing projects helps graduates build showreels, professional networks and the portfolio evidence employers look for.

Why study at City

City provides a London location with close proximity to the UK’s major media organisations, offering strong industry links, visiting practitioners and placement opportunities. The university has teaching staff with professional production backgrounds and supports student work with access to industry-standard facilities, including studios, professional cameras, edit suites and sound equipment.

Smaller cohort sizes encourage collaborative learning and close supervision for major projects, while the careers service and departmental networks help with internships, freelance opportunities and routes into the industry. The programme balances practical skills, business awareness and critical understanding to prepare graduates for the realities of contemporary media production.