Film (Film with Practice) - MA
Canterbury Campus, United Kingdom
Film (Film with Practice) - MA
University of Kent
Film Studies & Filmmaking
Program Overview: MA Film (Film with Practice)
The MA Film (Film with Practice) at the University of Kent is a taught programme designed for film graduates, practitioners seeking to advance their skills in an intellectually stimulating environment, and non-film graduates with a demonstrated passion for filmmaking. You will develop as both a filmmaker and a critical thinker, receiving advanced training in key areas of production such as cinematography, sound design, and editing while deepening your analytical skills through a wide range of optional modules.
The University of Kent was one of the first universities in the UK to introduce Film Studies as an academic programme in 1977 and has a long-standing tradition of combining creative practice with history, theory, and criticism. The programme is taught by award-winning filmmakers, internationally recognised film scholars, and includes masterclasses from film industry professionals.
You will benefit from fully equipped production facilities, including a Film Studio, Sound Studio, production design workshop, purpose-built individual edit suites, and the university's own cinema. The programme culminates in a creative project, giving you the opportunity to refine your artistic voice and produce work as a writer or director of fact or fiction film.
Key Program Highlights
- Hands-on filmmaking combined with rigorous academic film theory and criticism
- Taught by award-winning practitioners and internationally recognised scholars
- Industry links with the British Film Institute, Arts Council England, and Kent Film Office
- Access to fully equipped Film Studio, Sound Studio, edit suites, and on-campus cinema
Curriculum & Modules
The MA Film (Film with Practice) curriculum combines compulsory practical filmmaking modules with a selection of optional theoretical modules. Assessment is 100% coursework, meaning you will be assessed through essays, treatments, project proposals, seminar participation, and a dissertation by film practice. The following modules are indicative of what students will typically study, though offerings may evolve in response to new developments.
Filmmaking 1: Skills & Fiction
CompulsoryExplore the fiction film as a way to engage with and learn key filmmaking skills. This module combines intensive analysis of fiction and short-form films with training in cinematography, sound recording, sound design, production design, and editing.
Filmmaking 2: Project Development
CompulsoryBuild on the skills acquired in Filmmaking 1 by developing your own film project. You will refine your creative ideas, plan pre-production, and develop the production management skills needed to realise your creative vision.
Advanced Screenwriting
CompulsoryTake an advanced look at one of the fundamental processes in creating work for the screen. You will review the basics of screenwriting craft before delving into complex topics such as narratology, medium specificity, authorship, and collaborative practices.
Final Creative Project (Dissertation by Filmmaking)
CompulsoryDevelop your creative voice as a writer/director of fact or fiction film. Under supervision, you will complete pre-production, production, and the associated critical analysis of your own film while also contributing to fellow students' projects.
Film Form, Style and Analysis
OptionalExamine how films communicate ideas, convey narratives, and build story worlds. You will learn to communicate confidently and professionally about film form, style, and technique in spoken, written, and audio-visual formats.
Sources, Methods and Methodologies
OptionalExplore a variety of sources, methods, and methodologies currently used in film scholarship. This module empowers you to understand how researchers strategically use sources and methods to advance knowledge and apply these insights in your own work.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The MA Film (Film with Practice) welcomes applications from film graduates, creative practitioners, and graduates from other disciplines who can demonstrate a passion for filmmaking. All applicants are considered on an individual basis, and relevant professional experience may also be taken into account. Apply through Uni4Edu to begin your application process.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationA first or second class honours degree (minimum strong 2:1), usually in a relevant humanities subject or equivalent
- Film Practice SampleA link to an example of your film practice (password-protected if necessary) demonstrating your role in the production
- Film TreatmentA treatment (max 1,000 words) for a 10-20 minute short fiction film you would like to make, written in present tense
- Academic Writing SampleA sample of academic writing, ideally an essay on a related topic from your undergraduate degree
- Non-traditional ApplicantsCandidates without a conventional education path but with relevant industry experience may be assessed individually by the Director of Graduate Studies
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5 (with minimum scores in each component as required by the university)
- Pre-sessional EnglishPre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes are available through Kent International Pathways
- Other TestsEquivalent scores accepted in TOEFL, PTE Academic, and other recognised English language tests
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Kent offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for postgraduate students, including specific awards for international students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for relevant funding to support your studies on the MA Film (Film with Practice) programme.
International Scholarship for Taught Masters Students
GBP 6,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable to international fee-paying students beginning a taught postgraduate degree at Kent. The scholarship is applied as a tuition fee waiver and is awarded based on academic achievement.
British Council GREAT Scholarship
GBP 10,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable for students from eligible countries including Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Turkiye applying for full-time postgraduate taught master's programmes at Kent.
Kent International Bursary
GBP 3,000 tuition fee reductionAutomatic tuition fee waiver available to eligible international students from selected countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Film (Film with Practice) programme are well-prepared for careers across the screen industries and broader creative and cultural sectors. The combination of practical filmmaking skills and critical analytical abilities equips you for a wide range of professional roles in film production, media, and the arts.
Potential Career Roles
Where Kent Graduates Work
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Kent is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom and is recognised globally for its research excellence and teaching quality. The School of Arts, which houses the Film programme, benefits from the university's strong reputation in creative arts and humanities.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Film and Media Studies | QS by Subject | Top 10 UK |
| Arts and Humanities | QS World Rankings | #260 |
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | EduRank | #34 UK |
| Creative Arts and Design | Research Excellence Framework | Strong research quality |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Filmmaking BA
Met Film School, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
August 2027
Gross Tuition
15950 £
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Virtual Production (with Placement Year) MA
Middlesex University, , United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2027
Gross Tuition
20100 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Film and Television Production BA (Hons)
University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
24456 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Film - MA
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
July 2026
Gross Tuition
19300 £
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
BA (Hons) Digital Film Production
Ravensbourne University London, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
March 2027
Gross Tuition
17000 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
