Mode of Study
Full-time, Part-timeDuration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-timeStart date
September 2023Overview
If you've got the ambition to explore how storytelling is changing across TV, film and new media – and develop the skills required to bring the next generation of stories to life – then this MSc Film and Television degree course will help you get there.
With access to our excellent facilities and equipment, you'll learn to use the latest kit and develop the specialist techniques that'll make you attractive to any employer in whatever area of TV and film you want to pursue.
You'll analyse the technical, academic and professional skills needed for a career in the industry, and be supported throughout by expert lecturers with a wealth of experience across the sector.
When you graduate with a Master's in Film and Television, you'll have defined, developed and produced your own personal project to industry standards, and you'll be ready for your chosen career in the industry, whether as a production manager, researcher, assistant to producer or director, or technical operator.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Develop your existing skills by accessing our excellent facilities and the latest equipment used by professional filmmakers, including our video editing suite, sound recording studio, our multi-camera TV studio and location equipment such as Arriflex cameras and multi-track location audio recorders with timecode
- Research, design and develop a personal project of your choosing, from specialities including documentary, fiction film, scriptwriting, interactive multimedia websites, digital archiving and music videos
- Create a film, TV, new media, or cross-platform programme to a professional standard
- Learn how to adapt to the complex and changing demands of the industry
- Gain experience and improve your employability by sourcing your own micro-placements within the industry
- Showcase your Adobe expertise to industry peers by gaining Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) qualifications
What you'll study on this MSc Film and Television degree course
Full-time
Core
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse and reflect on the context of the project evaluation process and how this impacts and informs the assessment of a resolved artefact.
- Analyse and synthesise research findings as appropriate.
- Independently resolve a project, to a professional standard, through the application of a range of intellectual skills, including the synthesis and integration of material to produce critically challenging outcomes.
- Critically reflect on and contextualise the final resolution, or redevelopment, of the project and its challenges, which may be at the forefront of the discipline.
- Evaluate and respond to questioning and the judgement and evaluation of others from an informed position and by way of reasoned argument.
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Independently present a research project proposal through the application of a range of intellectual and communication skills.
- Critically reflect on the relationship of practice methods to scholarly contextual research.
- Understand how creative practice can enhance knowledge and understanding through the review of pertinent examples.
- Reflect on the appropriateness of qualitative versus quantitative research methods, inductive versus deductive research, in media practice research.
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Synthesise exploratory research into a clearly focused project definition.
- Explore and conceptualise a coherent body of supporting material on the basis of a clearly defined practical project in Media.
- Critically evaluate appropriate sources and provide evidence of the theoretical, critical and historical contexts and knowledge frameworks, which inform the project programme.
- Evaluate how selected methodologies will facilitate the exploration of the project and derive suitable research questions.
- Systematically articulate the practice project, its sources, its contextual framework, its methodologies and the basis upon which it may be innovative.
- Examine the relevant social, professional and legal factors related to project programme.
- Synthesise exploratory research into a clearly focused project definition.
- Explore and conceptualise a coherent body of supporting material on the basis of a clearly defined practical project in Media.
- Critically evaluate appropriate sources and provide evidence of the theoretical, critical and historical contexts and knowledge frameworks, which inform the project programme.
- Evaluate how selected methodologies will facilitate the exploration of the project and derive suitable research questions.
- Systematically articulate the practice project, its sources, its contextual framework, its methodologies and the basis upon which it may be innovative.
- Examine the relevant social, professional and legal factors related to project programme.
Optional
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Synthesise a diverse range of information and requirements to plan the practical exploration of a creative research problem.
- Reflect on practical research methodologies mobilised to address a research problem and question.
- Analyse the inter-relationship of research context and method in the execution of a practice research project.
- Critically evaluate the project's progression to take account of the relationship between research output and professional practice.
- Synthesise a diverse range of information and requirements to plan the practical exploration of a creative research problem.
- Reflect on practical research methodologies mobilised to address a research problem and question.
- Analyse the inter-relationship of research context and method in the execution of a practice research project.
- Critically evaluate the project's progression to take account of the relationship between research output and professional practice.
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Synthesise a diverse range of information and requirements to plan the practical exploration of a creative research problem.
- Reflect on practical research methodologies mobilised to address a research problem and question.
- Analyse the inter-relationship of research context and method in the execution of a practice research project.
- Critically evaluate the project's progression to take account of the relationship between research output and '''''''
Part-time
Core
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Independently present a research project proposal through the application of a range of intellectual and communication skills.
- Critically reflect on the relationship of practice methods to scholarly contextual research.
- Understand how creative practice can enhance knowledge and understanding through the review of pertinent examples.
- Reflect on the appropriateness of qualitative versus quantitative research methods, inductive versus deductive research, in media practice research.
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Synthesise exploratory research into a clearly focused project definition.
- Explore and conceptualise a coherent body of supporting material on the basis of a clearly defined practical project in Media.
- Critically evaluate appropriate sources and provide evidence of the theoretical, critical and historical contexts and knowledge frameworks, which inform the project programme.
- Evaluate how selected methodologies will facilitate the exploration of the project and derive suitable research questions.
- Systematically articulate the practice project, its sources, its contextual framework, its methodologies and the basis upon which it may be innovative.
- Examine the relevant social, professional and legal factors related to project programme.
- Synthesise exploratory research into a clearly focused project definition.
- Explore and conceptualise a coherent body of supporting material on the basis of a clearly defined practical project in Media.
- Critically evaluate appropriate sources and provide evidence of the theoretical, critical and historical contexts and knowledge frameworks, which inform the project programme.
- Evaluate how selected methodologies will facilitate the exploration of the project and derive suitable research questions.
- Systematically articulate the practice project, its sources, its contextual framework, its methodologies and the basis upon which it may be innovative.
- Examine the relevant social, professional and legal factors related to project programme.
Core
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse and reflect on the context of the project evaluation process and how this impacts and informs the assessment of a resolved artefact.
- Analyse and synthesise research findings as appropriate.
- Independently resolve a project, to a professional standard, through the application of a range of intellectual skills, including the synthesis and integration of material to produce critically challenging outcomes.
- Critically reflect on and contextualise the final resolution, or redevelopment, of the project and its challenges, which may be at the forefront of the discipline.
- Evaluate and respond to questioning and the judgement and evaluation of others from an informed position and by way of reasoned argument.
Optional
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Synthesise a diverse range of information and requirements to plan the practical exploration of a creative research problem.
- Reflect on practical research methodologies mobilised to address a research problem and question.
- Analyse the inter-relationship of research context and method in the execution of a practice research project.
- Critically evaluate the project's progression to take account of the relationship between research output and professional practice.
- Synthesise a diverse range of information and requirements to plan the practical exploration of a creative research problem.
- Reflect on practical research methodologies mobilised to address a research problem and question.
- Analyse the inter-relationship of research context and method in the execution of a practice research project.
- Critically evaluate the project's progression to take account of the relationship between research output and professional practice.
Additional content
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Synthesise a diverse range of information and requirements to plan the practical exploration of a creative research problem.
- Reflect on practical research methodologies mobilised to address a research problem and question.
- Analyse the inter-relationship of research context and method in the execution of a practice research project.
- Critically evaluate the project's progression to take account of the relationship between research output and '''''''
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR)
Create stunning works for film, TV, music, gaming and immersive reality in the UK's first integrated facility of its kind.
Eldon TV studios
Learn the skills you need to work in video/audio production and broadcasting and get involved in our student-led TV channel, CCI TV.
Music and Sound Recording Studios
Our high-end professional music studio complex—completed in Summer 2022—houses 3 studios, 2 live rooms, editing rooms, and a vocal booth.
Video editing suite
Award-winning kit for future award-winning filmmakers. Our suite includes non-linear editing software Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve, and specialist hardware for efficient film editing.
Industry film making equipment
Shoot high-quality footage with Sony x70, FS5, FS7 and FS9 cameras, and Arri Alexa Cinema systems: the platinum standard among professional cinematographers. Access Sound Devices and Zoom multitrack timecode recorder/mixers, and take advantage of specialist software such as AVID - Pro Tools (Sound) & Media Composer.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this Master's in Film and Television prepares you for
As a graduate of this course, you'll have successfully completed a personal project in an area of your choosing, working to your own brief and producing a programme to a professional standard.
You'll have experienced a wide range of media forms and been encouraged by your specialist lecturers to take your skillset to postgraduate level.
When you graduate, you'll have developed the necessary knowledge base and skills for a successful career in the media sector. You might choose to use your transferrable critical, analytical and research skills in another profession, or go on to further study.
Depending on the scope of your personal project, you could have a career in sectors including:
- film
- broadcasting
- advertising
- web content and design
- social media content and design
Recent graduates of this course have found jobs such as:
- researcher
- content provider (traditional or new media)
- production manager
- producer
- director
- camera operator
- editor
- media commentator
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 1 year (full-time study)
- 2 years (part-time study)
- 16 months (full-time study, January start)
You can expect:
- 1 day of teaching per week (pro rata for part-time students)
- between 20–30 hours of dedicated independent study each week (pro rata for part-time students)
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
This course offers a blended approach to learning, and face to face teaching is complemented by an online option to reflect the different needs of our students. You are encouraged to take the opportunity to learn on campus, although this is not compulsory.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- project proposal
- research and development papers
- reflective reports
- completed artefacts
- presentations
You'll be able to test your knowledge and skills informally before submitting assessments that count towards your final mark.
You'll get plenty of feedback, to help you improve in the future.
Meet your course leader
Mr Steve Whitford
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project/dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Supporting your learning
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2023 start)
- Full-time: £8,500
- Part-time: £4,250 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £8,500
- Part-time: £4,250 per year
- Full-time: £17,200
- Part-time: £8,600 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
If you're a UK student who achieved a first in your undergraduate degree you may be eligible for a £3,000 University of Portsmouth scholarship.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Discover how you can fund your Master's study at Portsmouth – including loans, scholarships and bursaries – and read our guidance on topics like how to budget, and how to get support if you're disabled or have dependents.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2023
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
- An online portfolio submission may be required as part of the selection process.
For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our MSc Film and Television portfolio guide.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2021, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.