Film Art MFA

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Art and Design

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • Master of Fine Art | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study location

Lauriston campus

Accreditation

Not available

Apply now

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About the degree programme

Our unique MFA Film Art is jointly taught between Edinburgh College of Art and Paris College of Art. The programme explores independent film-making through creative collaborative practice combined with reflection and research in contemporary cinema. You will specialise in fiction, experimental or expanded forms of filmmaking. 

You will study in two art schools with strong traditions of film education which are connected to thriving creative industries in European capital cities. Drawing on this artistic context, the programme supports you to push the boundaries of narrative filmmaking and delve into interdisciplinary approaches to cinema as you create a festival-ready thesis film across two years. 

You will be part of a cohort of filmmakers, supporting each other’s learning through an international exchange of ideas, peer feedback and research-driven practical experimentation.  

The programme recognises and celebrates an expansive understanding of film, its audience and the sites and contexts in which it can be presented. Supported by a range of teaching activities, practical exercises and individual tutorials, you will make films that foreground innovation and a commitment to examining form and content. 

Our tutors are acclaimed filmmakers and artists, currently working in the industry as: 

  • directors
  • producers
  • cinematographers
  • editors
  • sound designers 

The programme structure reflects our professional expertise, with the development, creation and completion of your thesis film project reflecting industry structures and preparing you to embark on a successful film career upon completion of the degree. 

Programme benefits

  • Study at two renowned institutions, both located in European capital cities that feature strong cinema cultures and industries.
  • Embrace film in an art school context where experimentation, exploration, and learning from mistakes are welcomed.
  • Develop your practice in a supportive cohort of international filmmakers and draw on wider art forms to inform your creative practice.
  • Learn from tutors who are practising filmmakers and artists, with strong industry connections and expert knowledge of contemporary film production and distribution.
  • Take opportunities to specialise and tailor your studies to individual interests through elective course choices at both institutions, which allow you to explore wider subjects in the art school or wider University. 

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

This programme is taught at Edinburgh College of Art in Year 1 and Paris College of Art in Year 2. You should be prepared to relocate from Edinburgh to Paris as you progress for Year 2 of the degree. 

The programme involves field trips between the institutions, with your travel and accommodation funded by the University. You may need to consider additional costs such as food or public transport during these short trips.

The creation of your final thesis film may also incur production costs that you will need to consider, depending on the scope and approach taken for your project.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

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 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

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

You should have basic technical skills relevant to film, existing practical and theoretical knowledge in a related creative field and an interest in exploring the boundaries of conventional filmmaking approaches. 

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. More information about portfolio requirements is included in the Applying section.

International 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
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • 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 6.5 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): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 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)
  • Trinity ISE
  • 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

The MFA programme is project-led. Across the two years of the programme, you will research, write, film and complete a "festival-ready" thesis project.

Year 1 

The first year of the programme is based at Edinburgh College of Art.

During Semester 1, you will:

  • build and refine essential practical skills, such as a variety of film-making techniques and the creative principles of different industry disciplines
  • study wider art form and practices to inform your creative work
  • develop individual research approaches to help you combine theory and practice

During Semester 2, you will begin working on your final thesis film project. This may involve writing your project proposal and outline, conducting test filming and presenting your work in progress.

Year 2

The second year of the programme is based at Paris College of Art. 

During Semester 1, you will prepare and realise principal photography on your final thesis project. This may involve:

  • detailed pre-production work
  • location scouting
  • practical tests
  • storyboarding
  • budgeting
  • filming on location or in a studio setting

During Semester 2, you will undertake post-production processes and the exhibition of your final thesis project. This may involve:

  • assembly and rough-cut editing
  • colour grading
  • sound design
  • composition
  • various exhibition tests

At the end of Year 2, your final thesis project will be exhibited as part of the MFA degree graduation show.

Events

Throughout the programme, co-curricular events are organised between Edinburgh College of Art and Paris College of Art. These events, held online or in hybrid format, offer opportunities to connect with professionals, as well as other students, and build your network. 

These events are designed to:

  • inform you about film-making and the wider creative industries
  • provide opportunities to match your projects with collaborators from relevant fields like sound design, composing or costume
  • inspire you by exploring different artistic practices

Additionally, there are opportunities to get involved with local festivals which offer valuable insights into the film industry and networking opportunities, such as:

  • Edinburgh International Film Festival
  • Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival
  • Cinéma du Réel
  • Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival

Field trips

Year 1

As part of your Cinema Lab 1 course, you will travel from Edinburgh to Paris to meet staff and students at Paris College of Art and undertake a practical workshop.

Year 2

As part of your Cinema Lab 2 course, you will travel from Paris to a major international film festival (such as the International Film Festival Rotterdam or Berlin International Film Festival) where you will attend screenings and industry talks.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

This programme is collaboratively taught by Edinburgh College of Art and Paris College of Art, and has been carefully designed to mirror industry film and artistic processes to provide you with an immersive, project-oriented learning experience.

Throughout the programme, you will engage in a range of learning activities, including:

  • Lectures and seminars: Exploring relevant film and artistic theory alongside contemporary industry practices
  • Tutorials: Offering bespoke guidance and feedback from tutors either individually or in small groups to support your creative development and project work
  • Critique screenings: Providing regular opportunities for peer and tutor feedback.
  • Practical and technical workshops: Giving hands-on opportunities to build your technical skills in both traditional and cutting-edge filmmaking techniques
  • Field trips: Exposing you to rich cinematic cultures and professional environments, offering firsthand insights into the industry

Additionally, the programme’s collaborative structure across two vibrant cities enhances cultural exchange and professional networking opportunities, preparing graduates for a successful career in the international film landscape.

Assessment

You will be assessed entirely on coursework, including presentations, reflective writing, practical exercises and the creation of your final thesis film project. 

Learning outcomes

This programme will enable you to:

  • relate creative approaches to the contemporary world, with a particular focus on screen forms
  • identify and analyse appropriate methods for your practice through creative analysis, curiosity, interdisciplinarity and experimentation
  • engage in independent thinking, reflection and navigate uncertainty during a professional and artistic development
  • communicate original ideas convincingly within the context of creative and collaborative work while showing an ability to listen to others
  • demonstrate organisation, group work skills and adaptability in order to conceive and create a moving image artwork
  • successfully employ a range of image and sound techniques in support of a moving image artwork

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:

  • Alex Nevill
  • Harald Hutter
  • Aurélien Froment
  • Scott Barley
  • Myk Anusas

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, from April 2024 to 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

The programme draws on the strengths of two renowned institutions; Year 1 at Edinburgh College of Art emphasises research, conceptual grounding and project development, while Year 2 at Paris College of Art emphasises production, exhibition and engaging with European film industries.

You will have access to specialist film production and post-production facilities across Edinburgh College of Art and Paris College of Art, including:  

  • dedicated film production studio spaces suitable for practical exercises, set building and equipment preparation
  • mid- and high-end digital cinema cameras such as Sony FX, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema, Arri Amira cameras
  • analogue 16mm equipment, such as Arri SR and Bolex H16 cameras
  • cinema lenses, such as Sigma, Zeiss, DZO PL, Sony, Canon and Tokina EF mount lenses
  • location audio recorders and professional microphones such as:
    • Zoom and Sound Devices audio recorders
    • Rode, Schoeps and Sennheiser microphones
  • lighting and grip equipment, such as Arri Skypanels, Fomex LED and Joker Bug HMI lights
  • individual edit suites with professional post-production software and colour grading monitors
  • 48-60 seat cinema screening rooms

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

In addition to these facilities, you will also have access to:

  • the ECA Store on campus, where you can purchase materials for your artistic projects
  • our Free-Use Hub, where you can access free recycled materials
  • the Bookit system, which you can use to access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment at no extra cost

Bookit - Equipment loans and studio booking

More about facilities and resources at ECA

During both years of the programme, you will also benefit from access to the University of Edinburgh library and online resources.

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour. 

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art 

Career opportunities

Our students go on to a wide range of careers in film, including:

  • director
  • artist filmmaker
  • cinematographer
  • editor
  • producer
  • writer
  • sound recordist/designer
  • production or location manager
  • researcher
  • other freelance positions such as assistant director, assistant camera operator, etc.

This programme also prepares you for teaching positions in the United States.

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

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 29 June 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

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 requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, 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 must submit a portfolio as part of your application. 

You won't be able to submit your portfolio immediately, but you'll receive an email prompt within a few days of submitting your application that will explain how to upload your portfolio. 

Your portfolio should:

  • include a link to one finished film or artistic project, which can be any form but must be subtitled in English if it features a language other than English
  • demonstrate personal creative interests through formal, aesthetic and conceptual approaches within a film or artistic project
  • demonstrate relevant practical skills for filmmaking (which may also be shown through experience in other media such as photography, sound, art practice etc.)
  • demonstrate collaborative working practices 

Your portfolio should not:

  • include more than one film/artistic project
  • be a showreel

We welcome work that demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach to moving image practice. 

Please also include a short written statement (maximum 500 words) briefly describing your creative influences for the film/artwork, your motivations for pursuing this specific degree between Edinburgh and Paris, and how you envision developing your practice through the programme. 

You should upload your video to a website of your choice (eg YouTube, Dropbox, etc) and add the link to the portfolio upload section of your online application. We do not accept film links that require a password or login to access.

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

Video: Bringing together creative practices at Edinburgh College of Art

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 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.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office

Academic contact

Alex Nevill

Programme Director

  • Edinburgh College of Art
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

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