University of Technology Sydney

What you'll study

This programme blends practical production units with theory and industry-facing skills. Core study typically includes advanced directing, producing for screen, cinematography, editing and post-production workflows, sound design, screenwriting for short and long form, documentary production, and visual effects/performance capture techniques.

• Production modules — short and long-form narrative projects, documentary projects, and collaborative studio productions that culminate in a major capstone project or thesis film.
• Technical skills — camera and lighting practice, multi-camera studio work, non-linear editing, colour grading, sound recording and mixing, and industry-standard post-production pipelines.
• Creative development — script development, story editing, directing actors, visual storytelling, and producing strategies for different distribution platforms.
• Industry and business — producing and budgeting, legal and business frameworks, festival strategy, distribution, and pitching for finance and commissioning.
• Research and professional practice — methods for practice-led research, reflective practice, and elective units that allow specialisation in areas such as interactive/immersive media, animation workflows, or screen scholarship.

Study structure is practice-oriented and cohort-based, with workshops, studio blocks and long-term production projects. Students complete a substantial final production or portfolio demonstrating high-level creative and technical competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (such as film, media, communication, screen production, animation, theatre, or a related creative field) or have equivalent professional experience. Selection commonly considers academic record, a showreel or production portfolio, a CV, and a personal statement outlining creative goals.

• Portfolio/showreel — a curated selection of work demonstrating your skills in directing, producing, cinematography, editing, sound or related screen practice.
• Academic requirements — a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent; applicants without a directly related degree but with substantial professional experience may be considered.
• Interview — some applicants may be invited to an interview or audition to discuss their practice and proposed focus of study.
• English language — international applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements; evidence such as IELTS, TOEFL or an approved equivalent is usually required.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of creative and technical roles across film, television, online and interactive media. Common career destinations include:

• Director, assistant director or script supervisor
• Producer, line producer, production manager or development executive
• Cinematographer, camera operator, gaffer or lighting technician
• Editor, colourist or post-production supervisor
• Sound recordist, sound designer or re-recording mixer
• Visual effects artist, motion graphics designer or immersive/VR content creator
• Content producer for online platforms, commissioning editor, festival curator or distribution specialist
• Further study and research pathways in practice-led PhD programmes

Graduates are prepared to work as freelancers, within production companies, broadcasters, streaming platforms, post-production houses, agencies, arts organisations and cultural institutions.

Why study at University of Technology Sydney

• Industry-focused, practice-led learning — the programme emphasises hands-on production, collaboration across disciplines and real-world project delivery with industry-standard workflows.
• Professional facilities — students have access to professional production resources including studios, editing suites, sound facilities and post-production labs that support advanced filmmaking and screen work.
• Location and industry connections — based in Sydney, the course benefits from close links with local and national screen organisations, production companies and festivals, providing networking, internship and placement opportunities.
• Experienced staff and guest practitioners — teaching is delivered by screen practitioners and researchers, with frequent masterclasses and guest lectures from industry professionals.
• Portfolio and career support — the degree culminates in a substantial body of work suitable for festival submission, commissioning or professional employment, supported by career and industry engagement services.