MA
Filmmaking

The MA Filmmaking is a one-year postgraduate programme that offers five collaborative pathways that explore narrative fiction filmmaking:

We also offer a stand-alone pathway in:

The Screen Documentary pathway trains you to be an all-rounder, with skills in all areas, ready for employment as a self-shooting director in the documentary industry.

What we teach 

Across all pathways, we teach an intense, innovative curriculum that emphasises the development of creative thinking, technical expertise and a deep understanding of image, sound and narrative. 

Teaching on the five fiction filmmaking pathways is divided into three parts:

  • Specialist studies – Detailed tutoring by experienced film professionals in the five specialisations
  • Optional modules – A selection of courses chosen by each student to broaden their film experience
  • Group film projects – Films of increasing complexity conceived and produced by the students, the last one being a 15-minute Graduation Film

Teaching on the Screen Documentary pathway also includes specialist studies and optional modules, as listed above. You will also complete a final project, a 20-minute documentary film.

Find out more about the individual pathways we offer.

Modelled on professional practice

The essence of successful filmmaking is working together in a creative environment. This is the ethos that guides MA Filmmaking at Goldsmiths. Our aim is for you to bring your individual skills and creativity to every stage of production as part of collaborative projects. 

The programme is modelled on professional film practice, so you will learn the methods, crafts and technologies needed to work in the professional film industry.

Go beyond technical training

Over the three terms, the programme will challenge you to think critically and expand your creativity. You will test and explore your personal ideas, inventing ways to bring to life these ideas and touch an audience.  

We carefully select applicants for the pathways, aiming to assemble a group of filmmakers with diverse interests, skills, experiences and traditions. However, our main requirement is for you to be open-minded in your approach, and to join the programme without expectations or preconceptions. You will be surprised by what you learn. 

Why Goldsmiths? 

The one-year immersive Masters, based in London’s culturally stimulating New Cross community, gives you the opportunity to learn while practising.

Your core curriculum provides intensive tutoring in your chosen specialisation.

Through exercises, workshops, lectures and cross-discipline teaching, you will perfect the technical skills and creative thinking expected of professional filmmakers in an ever-changing film industry.  

Top facilities
Our department offers hands-on experience. Depending on your programme you'll have access to a range of specialist facilities and equipment.
Research leaders
Our department has been ranked second in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (third in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings by Subject.
Learn from experts
Our academics are industry professionals and you'll have access to industry speakers and networking events.

Pathways

This MA has six pathways: 

MA Filmmaking (Cinematography)

With its unique blend of hands-on workshops, studio and location filming exercises, and high production value collaborative film projects, the MA Filmmaking (Cinematography) elevates your skills as a moving-image storyteller to the level of Director of Photography.

Full information and how to apply for MA Filmmaking (Cinematography)

MA Filmmaking (Directing Fiction)

The MA Filmmaking (Directing Fiction) is the premier place to develop your skills as a director, working on a range of projects from personal ‘essay’ films to large-scale shoots with professional actors and feature crew.

Full information and how to apply for MA Filmmaking (Directing Fiction)

MA Filmmaking (Editing)

This MA will enhance your narrative skills as an editor of fiction for film and television. Experienced tutors and guests provide expert guidance designed to enhance the flow of your individual research, experimentation and artistic achievement.

Full information and how to apply for MA Filmmaking (Editing)

MA Filmmaking (Producing)

The MA Filmmaking (Producing) will provide you with thorough training in all aspects of producing – from the conception of an initial idea through to development, financing, production and release.

Full information and how to apply for MA Filmmaking (Producing)

MA Filmmaking (Sound Recording, Post-Production & Design)

Learn the fundamental technical skills necessary to begin a career in screen sound, both as a location sound recordist and post-production sound designer. Equally importantly, you will gain an understanding of how a film’s narrative relies on the precise partnership between image and sound.

Full information and how to apply for MA Filmmaking (Sound Recording, Post-Production & Design)

MA Filmmaking (Screen Documentary)

This MA will develop your skills and creative vision in documentary production. It enhances your understanding of the historical context and contemporary modes of documentary production against a backdrop of the wider issues in media production.

Full information and how to apply for MA Filmmaking (Screen Documentary)