We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component.
TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition) 92 or above with 20 in each section. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component.
Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components.
We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.
English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
We encourage you to find individual approaches through directing work in documentary, drama or experimental film. Work which challenges filmic norms and boundaries is nurtured through exercises and short films. Through this work you will find your own creative identities, and perfect skills which will help you find work in the industry on graduation.
Practical experience in directing, camerawork, sound and editing is gained in order to explore how every aspect of film can be a means of creative expression.
We strive to work as a film community across years and encourage cross-fertilisation between different technologies and conventions. We believe that you will learn the creativity necessary to enter the film and television industries with a fresh approach to changing technologies and the cinematic ideas that they embrace.
You will benefit from workshops and masterclasses from internal and visiting staff, who all work and exhibit internationally in film and television. You will also experience sessions provided by Edinburgh College of Art's (ECA) Scottish Documentary Institute.
Our students graduate primarily as directors, having made several films during their time at ECA. We also encourage you to have a secondary practical skill to help gain work in the industry.
Integrated with the practical studio work, Design & Screen Cultures courses provide a contextual and theoretical understanding of the holistic nature of contemporary screen studies.
Year 1
You will work on your own mini-films and exercises as well as attending masterclasses and workshops on various practical aspects of the film-making process.
In Semester 2 you will collaborate on senior productions in order to understand the working of a crew and the different roles possible.
In Design and Screen Cultures you will address the key histories and theories of design and screen studies.
You will be able to take up to 60 credits of option courses, either within ECA, or across the wider College, subject to availability and discussion with your Personal Tutor and relevant course organisers.
This offers you the flexibility to construct a suite of courses that reflects your interests and enhances your main study.
Year 2
Basic principles, theories, working practices and technical instruction of film will be covered in set projects and exercises.
You will have practical workshops in the use of camera (including prime lenses, 16mm and the Red), lighting, sound and editing.
You will also collaborate on an experimental film, as well as directing your own self-initiated short film in Semester 2.
You will assist senior-year students with their productions in order to develop a secondary skill in camera, sound, editing, or production.
Again, alongside Design and Screen Cultures courses, you will be able to choose option courses from the wider College, subject to availability.
Year 3
An externally facing professional practice year where there are a range of opportunities for exchange, competitions and live projects with the film industry.
In addition you will take a further Design and Screen Cultures course and opportunities for study abroad will help broaden your understanding of the discipline.
Students may also choose to collaborate on senior projects within the department.
Year 4
In Semester 1 you will attend workshops to help develop ideas and approaches for your final film and in Semester 2 you will direct either a fiction or a documentary.
Your work is supported by practical tutorials as well as by contextual reflection. You will identify the aspects of production best suited to your interests and abilities.
You will also produce a graduation film as director, producer, cinematographer, editor, or sound designer.
You will also produce a written dissertation.
Programme structure
Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.
To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.
Our programmes have strong industrial pathways to ensure the most successful and meaningful careers for graduates.
We boast a vibrant alumni network and strong links with the cultural and creative sector across Scotland and beyond.
The University Careers Service offers exceptional support throughout your time with us.
