Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme balances creative practice with professional development. You will study directing technique, narrative development, production planning and post-production workflows, working on a sequence of tutor-led and self-initiated projects that build to a major directorial piece such as a short film, drama episode or multicamera studio production.

• Directing Workshops: hands-on exercises on shot selection, blocking, working with actors, rehearsal techniques and on-set leadership.
• Script Development & Storytelling: narrative structure, script editing, adapting material and collaborating with writers to shape directorial interpretation.
• Production Management for Directors: budgeting basics, scheduling, legal and health-and-safety responsibilities, and crew management on small-to-medium scale shoots.
• Cinematography for Directors: visual language, camera coverage strategies, lighting approaches and working with DPs to communicate visual intent.
• Television Directing: multi-camera studio practice, directing for episodic drama and working within writers’, producers’ and commissioning frameworks.
• Post-production & Editing for Directors: editorial decision-making, working with editors and sound designers, colour grading and preparing work for festivals and broadcast.
• Collaborative Production Projects: team-based shoots involving producing, cinematography, sound and acting students to simulate industry production environments.
• Professional Practice & Career Development: pitching, festival strategy, self-promotion, rights and contracts, and building a professional showreel and portfolio.

The course typically culminates in a substantial personal project that demonstrates your directorial voice and technical leadership. You will also complete reflective practice and contextual studies that place your work within contemporary film and television industries.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a relevant undergraduate degree (for example in film, media production, theatre or a related creative discipline). Candidates with a lower-class degree but significant professional experience in screen production may be considered.

• Submission of a showreel/portfolio demonstrating creative potential and practical ability in directing or related production roles.
• A personal statement outlining your creative ambitions, relevant experience and what you want to achieve on the course.
• References (academic or professional) supporting your suitability for postgraduate study in directing.
• Successful applicants may be invited to an interview (in person or online) and possibly a short practical exercise.
• International applicants will need to meet the university's English language requirements for postgraduate study (e.g. an accepted English test score or equivalent evidence of English proficiency).

Career prospects

Graduates go on to work across the screen industries in a variety of creative and production roles. Typical career destinations include:

• Film director (short films, independent features)
• Television director and assistant director roles in drama, factual and studio-based production
• Creative producer or development producer in independent companies
• Roles in commercial, branded-content and music video production
• Crew specialisms such as script supervising, editing or cinematography for those who broaden technical expertise
• Festivals, distribution and exhibition roles focused on programming and project development

The course emphasises building a professional showreel, networking with industry, and practical experience that makes graduates ready for freelance, commissioned or salaried work in film and television.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University has a long-established reputation for vocational, industry-connected screen education and offers access to broadcast-standard production facilities, edit suites and studios. The programme is delivered by tutors with current industry experience and guest practitioners from film, TV and post-production, giving students regular exposure to professional practice.

• Strong emphasis on practice-led learning and collaborative projects with students from producing, cinematography and acting courses.
• Access to industry-standard kit and post-production workflows, enabling you to produce work suitable for festivals, broadcast and online platforms.
• Opportunities to take part in external showcases, festivals and industry networking events supported by the university’s careers and enterprise services.
• Location advantages of the south coast for location shooting and proximity to regional and national production hubs.

These features make the MA Directing Film and Television at Bournemouth University a practical route for emerging directors aiming to develop a professional practice and transition into the screen industries.