MA Digital Screen Production

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Key information

Degree

MA Digital Screen Production

Types of study

Full time

Duration

12 months

Start date

September 2025

Faculty

International Communications / Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Entry requirements

Course Requirements: Open to graduates of any subject. This master's programme requires students to possess a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from a recognised institution at the same standard as a UK university's 2:1 (upper second class honours degree or international equivalent). 

English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have a degree from a UK institution, are required to have the following English language qualifications before they can register on an academic programme:

  • IELTS: 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) or
  • PTE Academic: 71 (minimum 65) or
  • TOEFL (IBT): 90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)

Further Requirements: Applicants must submit a CV, an academic writing sample, and a film portfolio.

Submission Guidelines:

1. Academic Writing sample:

  • A section from the dissertation/essay or a translated section from the dissertation or a translated essay (word length: around 1,000).

2. Film portfolio:
    1) Video Work:

  • Resolution: HD 1920x1080
  • Format: MP4 with h.264 codec
  • Length: 3-15 minutes
  • Submission: Submission as a viewable and downloadable link
  • Non-English language Screen work must be subtitled for English

Note: There is flexibility with the video submission. For example, it can be a 3-minute trailer showcasing your best work or a longer format, such as a short film.


    2) Production Documentation:

Applicants should provide:

  • A short statement (300 words) clarifying the nature of their role and their specific contribution in the submitted video work
  • Treatment for a screen idea or a short screenplay (Length: 5-15 pages)

Interview Arrangements: Only eligible applicants will be invited to complete an interview with the course admissions tutor. All applicants must achieve the *minimum entry requirement of an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than IELTS 6.0 in each of the individual bandings. 

*Applicants whose overall IELTS score at point of application is 6.0, may, at the discretion of the admissions tutor, be offered an interview to gauge their general aptitude and suitability for taking part in the course.

*Please note the number of places is limited, and applicants need to provide requested valid IELTS score as soon as possible to secure interview opportunities.

Course overview

The MA in Digital Screen Production programme is a leading practice-based programme focusing on the rapidly growing digital screen sector. It ensures students are equipped with relevant and up-to-date technical and artistic skills across creative disciplines such as film and television. The university’s state of the art facilities includes a Virtual Production (VP) and Motion Capture (MC) studio, as well as a Dolby Atmos and DCI Cinematic Studio. These resources are maximized by partnerships with industry leaders such as ARRI, granting ARRI Certified Film School status, and Arturia, renowned for their expertise in music technology.

The programme offers critical insights into the screen industry and helps learners hone diverse practical skills in directing, screenwriting, editing, cinematography, sound recording, virtual production, and more. Students benefit from access to leading global industry practitioners, scholars and elite facilities, particularly in film and television production.

A key feature is the practice-based dissertation module, which enables students to complete a creative product as research, supported by a written exegesis. The industry-based approach prepares students to become creative practitioners or kickstart careers as content creators, freelancers, or media business professionals.

Distinguishing Features:

  • Practice-based modules
  • Practice based research work
  • Industry-based approach
  • Hands-on training
  • Collaboration with the industry partners
  • Creative Industry orientation and readiness
  • State-of-the-art screen production facilities and training

Course structure

Our Digital Screen Production programme is designed to align closely with industry needs, equipping students with relevant and up-to-date skills. As an ARRI Certified Film School, we offer unique insights and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the industry as competent and skilled professionals. 

The MA in Digital Screen Production is offered as a one year full-time programme. It is structured into modules worth 10, 20, or 60 credits each. Students are required to complete a total of 180 credits, including 60 credits for the dissertation.

Year 1 modules

+

ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026

Compulsory - Students must take all the modules in this group.

Code

Title

Credits

Taught

INCM4116

Foundations of Screen Production

20

Autumn

INCM4117

Introduction to Screen Studies

20

Autumn

INCM4118

Studio I

10

Autumn

INCM4119

Studio II

10

Spring

INCM4120

Practice-Based Dissertation in Screen Production

60

Summer

Restricted

Students should take 60 credits from this group.

Code

Title

Credits

Taught

INCM4114

Music Technology, Production and Industry

20

Spring

INCM4121

Postproduction

20

Spring

INCM4122

Screen Production

20

Spring

INCM4123

Virtual Production (VP) and Motion Capture (MC) Filmmaking

20

Spring

Please note that the structure of this degree and its modules may be subject to change.

Careers and further study

By the end of the programme, students will have acquired the skills and knowledge to understand screen industry workflows and create content for a range of media and platforms. They will have a critical understanding of how the screen industry functions and how their creative practice fits the contemporary media landscape. Additionally, students will also be prepared both technically and artistically to compete for roles in the creative industry.

Our Careers Development Service will work with you to explore your options. They will invite you to attend recruitment events featuring potential employers, and will suggest further opportunities, such as relevant work experience placements and skills workshops.

Fees

Chinese Mainland students

120,000 RMB / year

China's Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan students

120,000 RMB / year

International students

130,000 RMB / year

Scholarships, sponsorships and bursaries

To encourage academic excellence, we offer a comprehensive and expanding range of full and partial scholarships. 

Please click here and find more information about scholarships.

More information

Contact us

Student Recruitment and Admission Office

University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China

E. admissions@nottingham.edu.cn
T. +86 (0574) 8818 0182
W.


Faculty Office of Humanities and Social Sciences

Room 306, Innovation and Enterprise Building (IEB)
University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China

E. FHSS@nottingham.edu.cn
W.


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