Cinematography is the art combined with the technology of motion-picture photography to create visually rich video formats. And as today’s world is pacing towards a more digitally recognized age, a career in cinematography is becoming more and more prominent. It is gaining a reputation that is extremely good and is rapidly expanding in terms of employment opportunities and scope. We will assist you all in learning more about this career through our blog and with each stage of applying for Masters in Photography in UK.
Course Name | Masters in Cinematography |
Degree | Post-Graduate |
Top Masters in Cinematography Courses in UK | MA in Film and Television Production Masters of Fine Arts in Film Production Master in Digital Film Master of Arts in Film and Media MA in Motion Pictures and Television MFA in Film and Television Studies MA in Television, Radio, and Film MFA in Film and Animations Master of Science in Fiction and Entertainment |
Top Masters in Cinematography Universities in UK | NFTS University of South Wales Bournemouth University Goldsmiths University of London University of York |
Average Tuition Fees | 21,600 Pound per year |
Popular Job Profiles | Cinematographer Director of Photography Camera Production Assistant Video Editor Lecturer |
Average Salary | 3,023-14,173 Pounds per annum |
This Blog Includes:
Why Study Masters in Cinematography in UK?
There are numerous reasons to study cinematography in the UK. The United Kingdom is home to a broad range of industries including but not limited to fashion, architecture, films, marketing, wildlife and marine life, etc. This becomes a doorway to many opportunities for professional cinematographers. Some other reasons to pursue the respective course include:-
- Iconic Locations
UK has some of the most iconic locations that provide creative freedom to cinematographers to create exquisite content. The various iconic locations present throughout the UK help cinematographers have that outdoor shooting experience that allows them to apply the theoretical knowledge they have of the subject.
- British traditions help make for excellent performers
UK has some of the best drama schools in the world that have already given the world some of the best actors in the field of cinema. To name a few, Tom Hiddlestone, Alan Rickman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Diana Rigg. the field of cinematography and the field of acting are mutually inclusive of each other. Hence, this provides cinematographers with amazing opportunities to work with the best of the best in the industry.
- UK offers a wide variety of Genres
As mentioned in the first point, the UK is home to many iconic locations. And to provide a silver lining over the same, it also has some of the best outdoor conditions. Bright sunlight, dramatic overshadowing clouds, and blue skies combined with dense trees, swimming pools, big mansions, etc. all of this allow the cinematographer to actually work to his/her’s complete potential and even expand it.
- Endless opportunities
In the world of cinematography, seeing is an important aspect of learning. Hence, the universities in UK provide the students with some of the most classic releases of the past. Not only those, but students also have access to a wide variety of films of different genres and categories. These films not only allow the individual to gain a deeper knowledge of how to actually apply the skills they have learned but also understand how the output will be generated for the said skills.
Also read: Film Studies: Eligibility, Fees, Top Courses & Colleges
Cinematography; Course Overview
Cinematography is a course that not only has a theoretical approach but a much bigger practical approach. The individual not only has to grasp the concepts but also has to apply the same and get the required output in terms of transitions, angles, colour coding, etc which, all together, generates an amazing video/film. So, the respective field of cinematography has a lot of skills that the individual grasps and each and every skill individually holds good potential in terms of expansion. It is important to understand and grasp the essence of each skill as these are more of an in-field approach based. Some of those skills and techniques are mentioned below:-
- Shooting at different locations
A career in the field of cinematography requires the knowledge of shooting at different locations and under different lighting, such as natural and artificial. Learning this skill will ensure that the individual knows how to work with the lighting and the setting of the shooting location so as to generate the desired output video. This plays a crucial part in making sure that when the dramatic effect is needed, so is achieved, if a more vivid effect is needed, so is achieved, and much more.
- Colour Theory
Colour-grading a video is extremely essential. Colours play an important role in delivering the desired output. An individual can completely transform a video just based on its colour grading. For every situation depicted in the video, there is a specific colour tone that goes with it. So the individual will learn how to make a video go from amazing to outstanding.
- Optics
The term optics basically is associated with the camera. This skill provides the individual with an understanding of how to angle the camera so as to take that particular shot from that particular angle. Focussing on the primary subject, shifting the focus, etc are also included in the same.
- Composition
The term composition refers to understanding the elements present in that particular location so as arrange them and place them in a specific perspective in the video and hence allow them to convey meaning through it. This skill works amazingly well with any provided environment. All you need to do is have a perspective of how you want that particular surrounding to play a role in your video.
- Learning about Editing Software
No project can be completed without the use of editing software such as Adobe Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc. Softwares are an essential part of post-shoot. All the shots taken are combined and edited and a final film is produced using such software.
Top Masters in Cinematography Courses in UK
The UK provides a variety of options for international students to study master’s of cinematography in order to allow them to explore the vast field of cinematography professionally. Some of those courses are mentioned below-:
- MA Film and Television Production
- Masters of Fine Arts in Film Production
- Master in Digital Film
- Master of Arts in Film and Media
- MA in Motion Pictures and Television
- MFA in Film and Television Studies
- MA in Television, Radio, and Film
- MFA in Film and Animations
- Master of Science in Fiction and Entertainment
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Top Colleges for Masters in Cinematography in UK
There are plenty of universities in the UK that offer different Master’s courses in cinematography. Some of the good ones are listed below in the table:-
- NFTS
- University of South Wales
- Bournemouth University
- Goldsmiths University of London
- University of York
Eligibility Requirements
The field of cinematography, firstly, is passion-driven and hence, does not require any specific eligibility criteria that are needed to be fulfilled. But, the general eligibility criteria to pursue Master in Cinematography in the UK are as follows:
- Must possess a graduate degree in the related discipline with a minimum aggregate of approximately 55%.
- Must have a skill-centric background
- Some universities may ask for professional experience in Cinematography, such as cinematic shoots
English Language Requirements
You must prove your English proficiency if you wish to pursue Masters in Cinematography in the UK. To fulfil this requirement you must provide English Proficiency Test scores. The score requirements may vary according to the University but the minimum score requirements for different tests are as follows:
Test | Minimum Score Requirements |
IELTS | 6.5 and above |
TOEFL iBT | 79 and above |
PTE | 58 and above |
Application Process
Here’s how Leverage Edu can help you start your application process for Masters in Cinematography in the UK:
- We will help you select your course through our trusted AI Course Finder.
- Experts at Leverage Edu will then start with your application process at the respective university.
- Documents such as SOPs, Essays, LORs and IELTS, TOEFL etc. are an important part of your university application. So you’ll have to gather and compile all the necessary documents.
- Experts at Leverage Edu will then start with the application process for accommodation, student visas, and scholarships/student loans after submitting your application and the required documents.
- The time has come to wait for your offer letter which usually takes around 4-6 weeks.
Documents Required
Each university in the UK, at the Masters level, has different requirements. But there are certain basic documents that are common for all. Those include-:
- All official academic Transcripts and diplomas if any
- Passport
- Visa
- Updated CV/Resume
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- Letter of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- TB Test Certificate for UK Universities
- Financial Evidence
- Portfolio or writing samples if required
Cost of Studying
Here is the cost of studying Masters in Cinematography in the UK for international students:
Name of the University | Course | Fee per year(In Pounds) |
NFTS | Cinematography, MA | 26,000 |
University of South Wales | MA Film | 14,950 |
Bournemouth University | MA Cinematography for Film and Television | 15,500 |
Goldsmiths University of London | MA Film Making | 26,840 |
University of York | MA Film and Television Production with Cinematography | 27,200 |
Career Prospects
The career prospect of cinematography is immensely vast and because of the potential it holds, it is only going to grow in the near future at an exponential rate.
There are various profiles that an individual can work on after completing his/her education in the respective field. Some of them with initial pay range are mentioned below (with no upper limit):-
Job Profile | Average Salary per annum |
Cinematographer | 3780-14,173 Pounds per annum |
Director of Photography | 7,559 Pounds per annum |
Camera Production Assistant | 4,724 Pounds per annum |
Video Editor | 2,834-5291 Pounds per annum |
Lecturer | 3,023-7,559 Pounds per annum |
After doing a Master’s in cinematography, the opportunities are endless. One can opt for a particular discipline for example:- wildlife cinematography, etc and grow in the respective field. That field will not only allow him/her to become experienced in the said discipline but also will not restrict that individual from gaining experience in other disciplines. As marketing is growing, every individual is realizing the potential of cinematography.
Cinematography is a rich field in terms of experience, job opportunities, and whatnot. It is becoming a way of connecting people, a way of expressing and all these aspects have well-backed support in the UK as the country is not lagging by any means in proving opportunities for the same in its own aspects and recognizing and hence valuing photography as a profession.
Also read: Highest Paying Careers in the Entertainment Industry
FAQs
MA Film and Television Production
Masters of Fine Arts in Film Production
Master in Digital Film
Master of Arts in Film and Media
MA in Motion Pictures and Television
MFA in Film and Television Studies
MA in Television, Radio, and Film
MFA in Film and Animations
Master of Science in Fiction and Entertainment
Cinematographers- 4-15 LPA with no upper limit
Director of Photography- 8LPA with no upper limit
Camera Production Assistant- 5LPA with no upper limit
Video Editor- 3-5.6 LPA with no upper limit
Lecturer- 3.2-8 LPA with no upper limit
The most basic is that the individual must possess a graduate degree in the related discipline with a minimum aggregate of approximately 55%. Other than that, anyone from any field with any background can pursue a career in cinematography. Rather than an academic background, a more skill-centric background is essential, along with a passion for the subject is of more importance
Planning to Study Masters in Cinematography in the UK? If yes, then contact Leverage Edu and start your study abroad journey now!