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Our ScreenSkills accredited MA Filmmaking provides a stimulating, supportive and professional environment in which to rigorously develop your unique voice and gain the skills to transform your dreams into cinematic realities.
This master's degree is designed to support those who wish to work professionally in a variety of roles; including as directors, producers, writers, editors, cinematographers, sound recordists and editors. Students will be taught advanced industry practice in fiction, documentary or experimental filmmaking genres, including immersive virtual reality productions.
Working collaboratively, students will each make three films over the course of the year (a documentary, a fiction film, and then a graduation film in any genre). You will combine theory and production in film practice modules, whilst also extending your professional knowledge and industry understanding of the practice of filmmaking in two other classroom-based modules.
Teaching on this master's is undertaken by active and award-winning film practitioners, including by BAFTA and Oscar nominated lecturers. You will also have the opportunity to attend specialist industry events at the Glasgow Film and Short Film Festival. Opportunities will also exist to learn from the professionals who work in Film City and, on occasion, for you to make use of the Film City facilities to complete post-production on your own films.
Mixing the best of behind-camera talent, with the business expertise that takes scripts from the page, through development and, finally, to the big screen, we seek to inspire and equip our students with the knowledge and contacts necessary to fulfil their ambitions.
Our MA Filmmaking is proud to have a 95% post-graduation employability rate within the national and international screen industries.
*This programme is delivered from Film City Glasgow, with some delivery at our Ayr campus.
This is just the kind of training future filmmakers need. It is rare to find and we applaud the efforts made by UWS.
David Mackenzie (Director - Outlaw King, Hell or High Water)
Ryan Pollock is a graduate of the MA Filmmaking from UWS and is clear on the fact that his successes in the industry are down to his time on the course at UWS:
The MA Filmmaking course is highly practical, and you’re granted a lot of freedom by tutors who’re very well-respected filmmakers. I’d never made a film before enrolling, and everything I’ve done since graduating is a direct result of doing the MA course and would have been totally unachievable for me without it.
Ryan's carer successes started with “Bluebird” his graduation film from the MA Filmmaking course at UWS. This won the Latimer award at the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture’s 197th Annual Exhibition in the National Gallery of Scotland and was presented in the House of Lords as a ‘Best UK Short Film’ nominee at the Film the House awards.
After graduating, Ryan continued making short films while working as an Edit Assistant with Serious Facilities and got accepted onto the Sean Connery Talent Lab at the National Film and Television School Scotland. He recently graduated from this course, having made a £25,000 budget short film called “Gowk”, set in his hometown of Wishaw, which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August 2025.
Ryan has recently been offered a place on the prestigious MFA Directing Fiction course at the National Film and Television School which commences in January 2026.
Our MA Filmmaking course allows you exclusive access to ScreenSkills Select events and valuable industry accredited micro-credentials including health and safety and Covid set protocols. We provide students privileged access to specialists strands within the context of national film festivals and taking advantage of their presence in Scotland, we invite UK and international industry visitors to run special industry careers events included as part of our annual Future jobs in the Creative Industries event hosted by the UWS Creative Media Academy.
There will also be opportunities for you to learn from the professionals who work in Film City, and, on occasion, to make use of their facilities (facilities which no UK university can rival). Additionally, on set experience is delivered through site visits to BBC Studios, Wardpark Studios and Nightsky Studios, where a variety of feature film and television shows are produced including the long running high-end studio drama, Outlander, that now employs several of our graduates.
Guest sessions from the selection teams of the Screen Scotland and BFI talent schemes; Bridging the Gap and Sharp Shorts, often lead to placement opportunities on funded fiction and documentary short film productions.
Recent industry guest tutors have included David Mackenzie (Director - Outlaw King, Hell or High Water), Harry Wootliff (Director - True Things, Only You) Peter Mackie Burns (Director - Daphne, Rialto), Iain Smith OBE (Producer - Mad Max Fury Road, Children of Men) and Jamie Lapsley (Production Designer: Bodyguard, Anansi Boys and Annika).
Our Screenskills accredited MA Filmmaking programme is delivered from our state-of-the-art seminar and screening space at Film City Glasgow.
With its academic and facilities base on the UWS Ayr Campus, our course is principally delivered from Film City Glasgow seminar and screening room. Film City is, the bespoke industry hub for twenty independent film and TV production companies and post-production facility houses and boasts Scotland’s only Dolby sound mixing studio.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Don’t worry if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience
If you are applying with an EU or non-EU qualification, please check our Postgraduate Entry Requirements page which gives more information about country-specific entry requirements.
Honours degree (minimum lower second) or equivalent. You will be required to submit a portfolio of relevant creative work (previous films or creative projects), a written statement (500-750 words), and attend an interview with the Course Leader either in person or via video conference.
Our course may in certain circumstances permit entry where specific professional or other experience is demonstrated and is deemed appropriate to the level.
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see section below for more details).
SOCIAL WORK DEGREES
For our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work programmes, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme:
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to, or require professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, applicants are required to have an IELTS or Occupational English Test (OET)*.
For such courses, the IELTS score is as follows:
* Note that the Occupational English Test (OET) will now be accepted in addition to IELTS as proof of a Nurse's English Language Competence (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2019).
For our BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science programmes, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
TOEFL IBT*: 78; no sub-test less than:
* Please note that TOEFL is still acceptable for admission to this programme for both home/EU and international students.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use TOEFL to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level courses. We therefore still accept TOEFL tests taken in the last two years for admission to this programme.
West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE) including acceptance of WAEC Scratchcard*
*UWS will accept a WAEC scratchcard confirming that an applicant has achieved C6 or above as evidence of meeting English language requirement from Nigeria if the student graduated within the last 5 years. After 5 years applicants would be required to provide the WAEC Certificate.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
Want to learn British Sign Language, French or Spanish in addition to your postgraduate studies? We offer a range of beginners-level modules on our Paisley and Ayr campuses. Go on! Broaden your horizons and enhance your international perspective and CV.
Study languagesWhether your desire is to make first-person documentaries, avant-garde essay films, or commercial dramas, whether you want to be a director, editor, cinematographer or sound designer the MA filmmaking offers a bespoke response to the creative potential of each candidate.
With a roster of award-winning fiction and documentary filmmakers from around the world to call upon, as well as a core staff of dedicated academic practitioners, led by industry active filmmaker-academics, Professor Nick Higgins, Paul Wright and Sam Firth, this course distinguishes itself by its commitment to developing distinctive voices and telling original stories.
The programme will be delivered from our unique seminar and screening space within Film City Glasgow, the film industry hub where over 20 production companies and post-production facilities are located, including Scotland's only Dolby sound recording studio. Additional sessions will also be delivered from our award-winning £81million state-the-art Ayr Campus, only 45 minutes from Glasgow.
On completion of the full MA Filmmaking degree, you will have made three short films – a documentary, a fiction film, and also a graduation film in any genre of your choice. You will combine filmmaking theory and production while also extending your knowledge and understanding of industry best practice in two key modules.
For the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) stage, you will study the following core modules:
Successful completion of the PgDip allows you to proceed to the master's module:
LEARNING AND TEACHING
ASSESSMENT
Assessment methods will include:
In May 2024, we celebrated the creative endeavours of UWS students at our annual showcase and awards event on our beautiful Ayr campus.
The event boasted film screenings, broadcast production work, live music performances, art exhibition displays, theatre productions, songwriters’ circle and news-room journalism material. Elements of the event were also broadcast via UWS Radio.
You can now view the Filmmaking digital showcase to see the types of opportunities available to our students as part of their MA Filmmaking degree with UWS.
The MA Filmmaking benefits from strong connections with the Scottish and international film industry, including access to services at Film City Glasgow and skills development support for students from film executives from the BFI, Screen Scotland and ScreenSkills UK. On graduating you will be in an excellent position to access industry funding for their future film projects, and develop viable professional careers.
Our programme is proud to have a 95% post-graduation employability rate within the national and international screen industries.
Recent Filmmaking graduates have worked at the Cannes Film Festival, the Scottish Documentary Institute, the Amsterdam International Film Festival (IDFA), BBC Scotland, ITV and Warner Brothers as well as picking up awards for their films at festivals internationally, including winning the best UK short drama award at the Royal Television Society Student awards in 2019 and nominations for the Grierson Trust best student documentary. Our student’s films regularly screen at the Glasgow Short Film and Edinburgh International Film Festivals as well as screening as far afield as Russia and New Zealand.
Our MA Filmmaking degree will support your development of working professionally in the independent and world cinema sectors of the film industry in a variety of roles including as:
UK Funding bodies
Alumni Discount
University of the West of Scotland graduates receive a 20% discount on the first year of their postgraduate tuition fees.
More details: www.uws.ac.uk/money-fees-funding/uws-scholarships-bursaries-other-sources-of-funding
BAFTA UK Scholarship Programme
The BAFTA UK scholarship programme is open to British citizens in need of financial assistance to study eligible undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK.
BAFTA Scholars undertaking postgraduate study receive up to £12,000 towards their annual course fees (up to a maximum of £20,000 across 2 years). As well as financial assistance, BAFTA scholars also receive mentoring support and free access to BAFTA events around the UK.
Apply here: www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/scholarships/uk-programme
Royal Television Society Television Production & Journalism Bursaries
This bursary is for students from lower income households studying subjects including but not limited to: TV Production in all its forms (editing, directing, producing, set-design etc.), Journalism, Film, Humanities and Social Sciences.
What is important is an evident interest in wanting to pursue a career in television, film or related media industries. It is open to new and first-year students and provides financial support and mentoring to 25-30 applicants each year. All successful applicants also receive free RTS membership and events access.
If you are interested in current affairs journalism or documentary production, your application can be considered for a Steve Hewlett Scholarship.
More details here: www.rts.org.uk/SteveHewlettFund
These are supported by Steve’s colleagues, broadcasting organisations, family and friends through the Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund. The award aims to commemorate Steve’s extensive and ground-breaking work in this field.
From the pool of applicants being considered for the TV Production and Journalism bursary, one additional bursary is awarded to an exceptional candidate with an interest in producing. They will be awarded the Beryl Vertue Scholarship and will receive additional support and funding from Hartswood Films, the company run by the daughters of the late Beryl Vertue. This scholarship is designed to honour and commemorate Vertue’s illustrious television career.
For more information and how to apply please visit: www.rts.org.uk/education-training/television-production-and-journalism-bursaries
Dewar Awards
The Dewar Arts Awards were set up by the then Scottish Executive in 2002 as a fitting memorial to Scotland’s first First Minister, Donald Dewar.
We disburse the income from a trust fund to support talented young artists in Scotland, who do not have the financial means to pursue their ambitions.
We accept nominations for the awards all year round, in recognition of the fact that opportunities do not always fall neatly into the financial calendar.
Apply here: www.dewarawards.org/apply/
The Snowdon Trust Master's Scholarship
The Snowdon Trust Master's Scholarship has been designed to identify and accelerate exceptional Disabled Students through their higher education, creating the influences of the future. We are searching for individuals who choose to use their lived experience of disabling barriers to make a difference. To create change.
The award will provide up to £30,000 for exceptional Disabled Students applying to study a master’s degree. We are investing in the influencers of the future. This consists of up to £15,000 towards course fees and a maintenance allowance of £15,000 for the duration of your course.
The eligibility requirements are as follows:
Applications open at 2pm on 15 January 2024. For more information and to apply, visit their website: www.snowdontrust.org
The Gilchrist Educational Trust
Considers applications from Postgraduate students who have made proper financial provision to fund their studies but find themselves facing unexpected financial difficulties which may prevent completion of it. Applicants will normally be in the last year of their course.
For more information visit: www.gilchristgrants.org.uk/grants-to-individuals.html
Funds For Women Graduates
Various grants to help women graduates with their living expenses while registered for Postgraduate study.
For more information visit: www.ffwg.org.uk
The Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust
Awards grants to help meet tuition costs, but only in respect of the last year of the course. They will consider applications from Postgraduate students, whether from overseas or from the UK. Grant cheques will not be paid to the applicant but to the institution at which they are studying.
For information and application guidelines: www.fergusontrust.co.uk
Chevening Scholarship
Chevening is the UK government’s international awards programme aimed at developing global leaders since 1983. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations, Chevening offers two types of award – Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships – the recipients of which are personally selected by British Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world. It is a scheme set up to help International students studying in the UK with a view to using the skills they have learnt to benefit their country on return. It is available in over 100 countries.
Swedish Loan and Grant programme
Grants available for Swedish students to cover course fees and living costs for studies in the UK.
• Tuition Fees
• Accommodation costs
• Travel costs
• Food Costs
• Entertainment/socialising costs
Apply here: www.csn.se
Charles Wallace Trust, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma
The four UK-registered Charles Wallace Trusts were established in 1981 with funds bequeathed by Charles Wallace, a British businessman and entrepreneur who flourished in India in the late 19th century and died in London in 1916, aged 60. After making provision for his family, he left his estate to be divided between the British Treasury and the Treasury of British India.
Across the Pond – Mexico
Students who are from a Mexico and who are self-funding their course are eligible for a £4,000 scholarship for entry onto a full-time programme in September 2024 or January 2025.
For more information and application details visit: www.mx.studyacrossthepond.com
All students should apply directly to the University through our online application system. Before you apply, you should check that you meet our entry requirements and you should have all your supporting documents ready.
The first stage of the process is to complete the initial application form. You will then receive a follow-up email with further instructions relating to your application including documents that you will need to forward to support your application, e.g. degree transcripts and certificates etc.
Most courses don't have a formal closing date, but they will close when they are full; apply early to avoid disappointment. There may also be funding deadlines that apply to you.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.
Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate.
An ATAS certificate may be required for certain taught postgraduate master's degrees for international students at UWS.
For the latest information on ATAS and details of eligibility and how to apply for a certificate check the UK Government's dedicated ATAS web pages.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Our friendly admissions teams are here to help!
International prospective students
Our international team is ready to support you with your application and any questions about joining UWS from abroad.
UK-based prospective students
If you’re applying from within the UK, our applicant enquiry team is here to guide you every step of the way.
£8,000 per year of study
£11,750 per year of study
£11,750 per year of study
£18,000 per year of study
£1,140 per module (20 credits)
£1,680 per module (20 credits)
£1,680 per module (20 credits)
£2,570 per module (20 credits)
£8,500 Total cost of tuition
£12,350 Total cost of tuition
£12,350 Total cost of tuition
£18,900 Total cost of tuition
£1,200 per module (20 credits)
£1,760 per module (20 credits)
£1,760 per module (20 credits)
£2,700 per module (20 credits)
Estimated costs per year of study.
With cutting edge facilities, specialist knowledge and world-leading and internationally excellent expertise, we aim to develop research outputs that have a tangible, early and positive impact on society across the globe.
DiscoverWe will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.