Structure and Content

This programme is a flexible learning environment: with a set framework and with the content following a bespoke curriculum. It is NOT a traditional, pre-determined curriculum that provides what you need to know or tells you what to do.  It requires a high level of personal goal-setting, planning, research and resourcefulness to design your own learning pathway.

• You will negotiate the content of your learning with your mentors and advisors,
• drive your own independent study throughout,
• engage in peer-to-peer group study,
• selectively choose open courses or Project Skills Labs to augment your learning,
• while taking responsibility to initiate, develop and execute a strategic learning plan that you’ve designed and negotiated to meet both your learning needs and university postgraduate requirements.

Marks and study credits are given for work which students submit at the end of each of six modules. The first two module assignments are Staffordshire University requirements. Students then negotiate the remaining modules.

What is a Negotiated Module?

For the negotiated modules, students can:

a) choose their own hands on projects, such as submitting a short film, short or feature scripts, mood board, marketing or business plan, marketing or crowdfunding campaign, etc. accompanied by a Reflective Report exploring a key learning and mastery area for the student in each module or

b) choose qualitative research projects, data analyses or theoretical business, financing or distribution model development to gain industry expertise.

What is a Reflective Report?

Each negotiated module in which a student submits a creative artifact, production plan or business document must also be accompanied by a Reflective Report. This report forms the foundation of learning in this degree. Through this Reflective Report students consolidate their learning and reflect meaningfully on their decisions and what they’ve learned. The Reflective Report can comprise 50% or more of the assessment mark for each negotiated module.

The Reflective Report is a written work expected at postgraduate level, which must include proper academic referencing, engagement with theoretical or industry context, and is marked according to British standards and conventions of postgraduate level writing and research.

How do I learn in this programme?

• Weekly study groups with a module leader,
• Tutorials with both an Academic Advisor and Industry Mentor,
• Independent Study and Research (ongoing),
• Industry outreach (ongoing),
• Online Cohort Community Posting and Discussion Groups (ongoing),
• Monthly industry-focused seminars,
• Raindance Open Courses (as selected).

The tuition fees for this course are GBP £11,950 if you are a UK Student and GBP £14,950 if you are an International Student. Payment plans are available.

Students on this course who are residents in the United Kingdom are eligible for support from Student Finance England.

1. Learning Plan -15 credits, 150 hrs.
In this first module, the student is expected to develop and pitch to the university a Learning Plan that will act as a roadmap of individual study over two years part-time. The Learning Plan will form the link between the individual’s project & career goals and the Programme’s academic and modular frameworks.

2. Research Paper -15 credits, 150 hrs.
This second module focuses on understanding proper research techniques, a lifelong skill to support a filmmaking, media and storytelling career. Students investigate a topic that is foundational to their chosen area of study.

3. Negotiated Modules (x 3) -30 credits each, 300 hrs each.
Students design 3 separate modules negotiated with their mentors and advisors. Together these modules lead developmentally toward the student’s final masters project. The negotiated modules typically combine research and applied practice, testing or executing some aspect of writing, directing or producing.

4. Negotiated Masters Module -60 credits, 600 hrs.
The final Masters is the culmination of the student’s work in the Programme and brings together the learning done in the previous modules.

Visit the team page here to learn more about our mentors.

Raindance considers multiple criteria to assess an applicant’s suitability for this programme. This criteria can include an academic, post-secondary degree, industry experience or transferrable professional skills. First and foremost, we will consider your readiness to engage with self-directed study, and the viability of your proposed learning pathway.

The following supporting evidence combine to determine an applicant’s suitability for this programme:

• Diploma(s) or certificate(s) of your prior learning from and accredited UK university or international equivalent, higher education institution, college or training programme together with the transcript
• Your up-to-date employment CV or student resume
• A 500-word essay, either reflecting on a project you were involved in, or analysing a film that you find inspirational.
• A written Learning Plan that briefly outlines your chosen focus of study, skills development, activities and resources to develop your knowledge.
• A sample or artifact of creative work in which you undertook a key creative role (writer, director, producer, cinematographer, composer, editor etc.)

Other supporting evidence may be required for some students, in addition to the above, and can be requested by the Registrar:

• Proof of UK residence for the duration of your studies (for London-based students)
• Additional course certificates or diplomas (if requested by the Administration Team)
• IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing (for students who have completed a degree outside the UK and/or in another language)
• Sample of academic writing (if requested by the Administration Team)
• Please visit our application page for the full details.

How do I apply?

Step 1:   Go to our online application page and fill out the application form. This application will be acknowledged by the Registrar.

Step 2:   Send your supporting documents to: filmschool@raindance.ac.uk. Please be advised that acknowledgement of your application may take between 3 to 5 business days.

If you experience any problem with your online application please contact the school at: filmschool@raindance.ac.uk

Graduates include:

• Sadie Frost, actress and producer of Buttercup Bill and Set the Thames on Fire.
• Luc Chamberland, writer-director of Seth’s Dominion.
• Suzanne Gielgud, choreographer of Alexander and director of The Gospel of Ross McKim.
• Louise Salter, star and producer of How to be Human.

“As an M.A Graduate student of Raindance, I can attest that this program has benefited me in both academic and practical development as a professional filmmaker. I chose this program above any other University graduate film program because it offers me the diversity and the structure to actually learn how to become a writer, producer and director in the real world.
I have thus far achieved several milestones in market research, and I am well on my way to producing my first feature film.
In addition, the program offers flexibility and a support system that is necessary to my connections and overall personal achievements. As a full time parent, the program flexibility is fundamental to my success.
I highly recommended this Masters Degree Program to any person serious in pursuing a career as an independent filmmaker in Canada.”
– Kimberly Hennessy, Montreal, Producer, Screenwriter

“Having over a decade of corporate experience in Toronto’s financial sector the M. A. program offered me an opportunity to enhance my experience and career potential whether partially or fully transitioning into filmmaking, due to its flexible nature.
This self-directed, but academically and professionally guided, program allows students to structure their studies to build upon their professional backgrounds or to explore and exponentially grow their understanding of new concepts. The ultimate result being a thesis that provides potential insight and growth to the film industry and a multitude of opportunities for the students.
What I hope and believe I will get out of this program at its end: academic growth and certification, unique industry expertise and recognition, strategic networking, and career opportunities.”
– Wilson Chan, Director, Toronto, Canada

“Having gone from a Saturday Film School-inspired film buff to an MA Filmmaking alumni, I get the hype. Raindance forced me out of my comfort zone, and into a position of taking the bull by the horns. That led to me making my debut feature, only a short while after completing the course.” – Chris Mul
“My docuseries was commissionned after graduating as a direct consequence of my research in the Raindance MA in Filmmaking, and my final thesis. I’m very grateful for the experience.”

– Miles Crossman