Film Directing MA (eca)

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Film and Intermediality

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MA (eca) | 1 year | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Lauriston campus

Accreditation

Available

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About the degree programme

The MA Film Directing is one of the most long-established and respected postgraduate courses in film practice in the UK. The programme takes a practice-based, collaborative approach to studying for an award in Film Directing, focused on documentary, that integrates practical filmmaking with analysis of contemporary practice.

When studying with us, you will make a creative documentary or non-fiction film that defies genre definition and pushes the boundaries of narrative, using limitations in a creative way.

You will develop your skills through group seminars, technical workshops and tutorials.

You will work in an integrated framework that helps you question the form of your film and enables you to find the right language for your storytelling.

We encourage ways of working that foster the exchange of ideas, with inspiration from international filmmaking practice through support from our core team of documentary practitioners and visiting industry professionals.

Our tutors are top professionals currently working in the industry as:

  • directors
  • producers
  • editors
  • sound designers
  • cinematographers
  • sound recordists

Our experience in the industry encourages us to adapt our use of technologies to the current situation, using best industry practice and safe guidelines for filming.

Thinking about studying MA Film Directing at Edinburgh College of Art? Discover the programme, how you'll be taught, and hear from our students about their study experiences with us.

Programme benefits

  • Our art-college approach means experimentation, exploration, and making mistakes are welcomed.
  • You will have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, such as with composers, illustrators, and sound designers.
  • Being part of a large university allows you to explore subject areas beyond the art college. For example, for your electives, you can choose something related to the sciences, or to a topic that might benefit the research for your short film.
  • All our staff in the film department also work in the film industry, sharing up-to-date practices with you.
  • Close links with the Scottish Documentary Institute, which will provide opportunities for students to explore connections with the industry during their studies and the potential to explore their first commissioned work after graduation.
  • MA Film Directing is ScreenSkills accredited which gives the programme quality assurance and means you will receive a certain preparedness for the industry, both in Britain and abroad. 

I’ve really enjoyed every part of studying in this programme. It strikes a great balance between hands-on practice and academic exploration. Through the course, I not only learned how to make films, but also gained practical skills that helped me bring my ideas to life in a real and grounded way. 

What made the experience even more meaningful was the people I met. I felt genuinely supported by both tutors and classmates. It’s exciting to explore unfamiliar creative ground in a space that feels friendly and collaborative. Our tutors have also been committed to creating opportunities for us to connect with the industry - through pitching, guest sessions, and film festivals - which gave me a clearer idea of where our work can go next.

One of the things I appreciated most was how the course encourages us to find and develop our own creative voice. Your ideas are not just accepted, they’re welcomed. It’s a place where different perspectives are valued, and you’re supported in expressing your story in your own way. 

I’m truly grateful to have been part of this programme. It’s given me more confidence and clarity when facing the challenges of filmmaking - not only as a student, but as a creator.

Qinghe Zhang MA Film Directing, graduated 2025

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

While equipment will be provided for student film productions, you may incur a minor level of costs associated with your film production. This will be very project dependent and will vary accordingly. 

You will have to meet any costs of production apart from filming, sound, and editing equipment. You will need a hard drive for storing footage. You will have to pay travel costs to film, but this can be kept to a minimum if the subject is local.

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements you may still be considered on the basis of your portfolio and/or relevant professional experience.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. You can find out more about the portfolio requirements in the Applying section.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.0 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

This programme integrates practical advice on filming with a contextual awareness of contemporary film practice.

Your work is initially organised around micro-films that enhance your awareness of film language and your technical skills. At the same time, you will research and develop a documentary idea which you will film in the second semester, using whatever means are available to you.

You will prepare and shoot your graduate film, backed up by camera, sound and edit workshops - alongside project support from a tutor - before it is edited and finished with input from group crits and tutorials.

You may also attend or volunteer with Edinburgh Film Festival and the Edinburgh Pitch, to observe and engage with key players from the international documentary world.

On the MA programme, you will complete a short documentary in your one-year course.

Our students often go on to tour their short films around international festivals after their MA.

Images from the MA Film Directing Programme

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

Our cohort events offer great opportunities to connect students with each other and across disciplines.

These events are designed to inform you about the film industry, such as visiting production companies, to match your projects with collaborators from fields like sound design or composing, and to inspire you by exploring different practices across the arts, such as visiting an art gallery.

Additionally, there is the opportunity to get involved with either the Glasgow Film Festival or the Glasgow Short Film Festival, both of which offer valuable insights into the film industry and networking opportunities.

The Edinburgh Pitch is an important part of the programme, allowing you to see how filmmakers present their projects to an international film panel.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

This documentary film directing programme is project-led and delivered through:

  • seminars
  • individual tutorials
  • lectures
  • practical workshops
Seminars

There are seminars split into two groups where you will explore different tools related to cinematography, sound, and presentation.

Tutorials

You will have a tutor assigned to you to help you with your final major project.

Lectures

In the lectures, you will gain insight into various aspects of the creative documentary culture, including in-depth analysis of the diverse methods of filmmaking across the international documentary landscape. There will also be guest lecturers teaching occasionally.

Workshops

There are practical workshops in cinematography, sound recording, and editing, in which an experienced team of technical staff will cover the foundations. 

The equipment you will be using is ScreenSkills accredited, ensuring you can work with cameras, sound equipment, and editing facilities that meet current industry standards. If you already have significant experience with the technical side, these workshops will provide an opportunity to further develop your skills.

Assessment

Each semester will include both a formative and a summative assessment.  

For formative assessment, the tutor will provide verbal feedback to give an indication of your progress, usually in the middle of the semester. 

The summative assessment changes each semester, featuring written treatments and practical film work, all contributing to your final graduation film. 

In Semester 1, you will also complete a verbal pitch assessment. For summative assessment, feedback will be provided as both written feedback and a grade. 

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Our tutors are top professionals currently working in the industry as:

  • directors
  • producers
  • editors
  • sound designers
  • cinematographers.

Staff on the programme include:

  • Jamie Chambers: Senior Lecturer in Design (Film), Co-Programme Director
  • Ling Lee: Lecturer in Film and Moving Image, Co-Programme Director
  • Dr Amy Hardie: Senior Lecturer
  • Julie Bills: Film and TV technician
  • Ross Buchanan: Film and TV technician (Sound)
  • Eiko Emersleben: Post-production technician

Where you will study

Study location

The majority of your teaching, including lectures and seminars, will take place at ECA's Lauriston Campus in the Central Area. 

You will also get to experience lectures and classes across the wider University of Edinburgh campus.

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, due to finish in April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus: Edinburgh College of Art

Academic facilities

We offer excellent technical facilities, including:  

  • film studio
  • editing suites
  • colour grading suites

You will also be able to access a range of broader campus and University-wide resources.

Workshops are staffed by specialist technicians and practitioners, who will support and guide your technical development during your studies. 

In addition to these facilities, we also have the ECA Store on campus where you can purchase materials for your artistic projects, along with our Free-Use Hub where you can access free recycled materials.

You will also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free as part of being a student.

Bookit - Equipment loans and studio booking

More about facilities and resources at ECA

Accreditation

MA Film Directing has been awarded the ScreenSkills Tick, a rigorous assessment process conducted by experts working in the Creative Screen Industries.

The ScreenSkills Tick is the industry kitemark of quality, awarded to practice-based courses which best prepare students for a career in the industry.

Career opportunities

Graduate films do well internationally, regularly winning BAFTAs, Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards and awards at international festivals. Our students and graduates have also received an Oscar nomination and an Oscar shortlist.

Our students go on to a wide range of roles, including:

  • producer
  • director
  • writer
  • production or location manager
  • researcher
  • editor
  • assistant director
  • cinematographer
  • journalist

Graduates have found work directing for the BBC and making work internationally for top broadcasters and film funds.

Related fields include:

  • advertising
  • community films
  • academia
  • film development agencies

More information on alumni successes are on our Film Directing Instagram

Professional links

We are closely aligned with the Scottish Documentary Institute, one of the UK’s leading institutions concerned with nurturing documentary filmmakers and audiences. SDI believe in the power of documentary to spark critical thinking and to inspire positive social change, in a generous and thought-provoking way. They offer screenings, training, and inspirational events which our students are frequently able to engage with.

Our students also have the option to visit the Glasgow Short Film Festival and The Edinburgh Pitch, allowing them to find out about the latest industry practices and to network with the industry.   

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application and selection deadlines as noted below.  

We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding or a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.  

If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1. 

Selection deadlines

RoundApply byReceive decision no later than
1Monday 14 December 2026Thursday 18 March 2027
2Monday 31 May 2027Wednesday 30 June 2027

Please note that these are the latest dates by when you will receive a decision. We expect many applicants will receive a decision sooner than these published deadlines. We will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis. 

When to submit supporting documents 

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.  

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirement, please submit this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met the English language requirement, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. 

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References 

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Portfolio

You need to submit a digital portfolio as part of your application.

You should start planning your portfolio as soon as you decide to apply.

If you do not submit your portfolio, your application will be unsuccessful.

What to include
Portfolio

Your portfolio should:

  • include a link to one finished film which can be any form, but must be subtitled in English
  • demonstrate technical skills in filmmaking
  • demonstrate experience in directing

Your portfolio should not:

  • include more than one film
  • be a showreel
Written statement

You should also include a short-written statement describing what you did in the film. This is an opportunity to contextualise your practice. 

If your submitted film is fiction, you must include in your statement why you wish to make documentary films.

Uploading your portfolio and short written statement

A few days after submitting your application, you will receive an email asking you to upload your portfolio. This email will contain details of how and where to upload your portfolio.

The application portal's capacity limit is 4MB per document. If your portfolio is larger than this, please follow these steps:

  1. Upload the portfolio to an online sharing website (for example, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive).
  2. Copy and paste the link into a Word Document. Ensure the link is not password protected.
  3. Upload the Word document containing the portfolio link and short written statement to your application.

All portfolios must be uploaded as a single file in the Applicant Hub. Do not provide multiple separate portfolio files.

We do not accept password protected files or links, nor platforms that require an account to access the document.

Once the application is complete and is under consideration, you can no longer make changes to the portfolio or provide a new version.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media. 

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art Student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Our community

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions.

With degrees in Art, History of Art, Music, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians.

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices coexist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet.

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future facing and interdisciplinary, embracing of bold innovation and continuous enhancement.

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study film directing.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include: 

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • the Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum 

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the: 

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival 

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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