Film Directing MA (eca)

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Art and Design

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MA (eca) | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Lauriston campus

Accreditation

Available

Apply now

19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply.

Register now

About the degree programme

This 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.

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 these through group seminars 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 team of documentary practitioners. 

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

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

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. 

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

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.
  • 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 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.

We also welcome applicants who do not meet academic entry requirements but demonstrate relevant professional experience.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. 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

Please also include a short written statement describing what you did on the film. This is an opportunity to contextualise your practice. If your submitted film is fiction you must include in your personal statement why you wish to make documentary films. 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.

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 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): total 100 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 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • 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)
  • 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

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 round international festivals from their MA.

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. 

Learning outcomes

  • Challenge boundaries, encourage original thought, and develop intellectual and critical approaches to making films.
  • Combine the contemporary energy and discipline of current creative approaches to film practices with the professionalism of industry practices, in order to produce innovative and grounded work.
  • Facilitate the interrelationship between different cultural traditions, traditional and emerging screen technologies, and classical and non-traditional cinematic genres and conventions.
  • Ability to take risks with established forms of narrative.
  • Understanding of contemporary international documentary practice.
  • Practice-based knowledge of the tools to make a short original documentary film from conception to completion.

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, 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

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

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 

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, 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.

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 deadlines as noted below.

Each application round has a decision deadline, also listed below, but note that we will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis, in advance of the published decision deadline.

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.

Please note that 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.

Selection deadlines

RoundApply byReceive decision by
1Monday 15 December 2025Thursday 19 March 2026
2Monday 4 May 2026Tuesday 30 June 2026

After Round 2, if there are still places available, applications will remain open. As this is not guaranteed, however, you are advised to apply by the application deadlines above.

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. 

You should upload your video to a website of your choice (such as YouTube or Vimeo) 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

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

Related degree programmes

You may also be interested in