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Applying to MA Film in the UK without a first degree. How likely will I be accepted?

Background: I am currently an undergraduate medical student in my second year of medical school. Our school offers an option to intercalate abroad during my third year in any subject, and since film is something I have always been passionate about, I've been looking to take a one year film course, preferably in London (as that's where I'd like to study).

Problem: Since I only have one year, I can only pick MA film courses (although I have also found some certificate courses that last a year long). All the schools I have looked at, which I will put down as a list below, state that while an undergraduate degree is a requirement for entry, former industry experience or demonstration of an ability to succeed at an MA level may be accepted, and that they can also consider individuals holistically on a case-to-case basis. While I do not have a first degree or any former industry experience, I believe I do have the ability to build a compelling enough portfolio as I have made a few short films in the past.

Question: I am wondering in my case, realistically, how likely will these schools accept me? Or is the chance of my success based on my qualifications very low, that it is probably not worth the effort of applying?

Schools I have looked at: University of Arts of London, Raindance, MET film school, Central University, Goldsmith University, Kingston University, University for the Creative Arts.

P.S. If there are any one year long film courses in the UK (preferably London) that do not require a first degree or much prior experience, please let me know.

Reply 1

A few short films are not going to be enough - typically, relevant experience will mean paid work, or if not, then a significant amount of experience across several years. It sounds like certificate courses or shorter training/skills courses would be much more appropiate to your level of experience. But certainly, doing an MA before an undergraduate degree and with no relevant experience is a guaranteed rejection. Sorry it's not the response you would have liked, but hope you get the opportunity to do something in film during your year abroad.

Reply 2

Original post
by skullcutter02
Background: I am currently an undergraduate medical student in my second year of medical school. Our school offers an option to intercalate abroad during my third year in any subject, and since film is something I have always been passionate about, I've been looking to take a one year film course, preferably in London (as that's where I'd like to study).
Problem: Since I only have one year, I can only pick MA film courses (although I have also found some certificate courses that last a year long). All the schools I have looked at, which I will put down as a list below, state that while an undergraduate degree is a requirement for entry, former industry experience or demonstration of an ability to succeed at an MA level may be accepted, and that they can also consider individuals holistically on a case-to-case basis. While I do not have a first degree or any former industry experience, I believe I do have the ability to build a compelling enough portfolio as I have made a few short films in the past.
Question: I am wondering in my case, realistically, how likely will these schools accept me? Or is the chance of my success based on my qualifications very low, that it is probably not worth the effort of applying?
Schools I have looked at: University of Arts of London, Raindance, MET film school, Central University, Goldsmith University, Kingston University, University for the Creative Arts.
P.S. If there are any one year long film courses in the UK (preferably London) that do not require a first degree or much prior experience, please let me know.

Hello,
It's great that you're considering a creative degree at UAL. I am a MA student rep at UAL and can point you in the right direction for your query. The first step is to consider which film degree you would like to do at UAL as there various types at MA level that you can try out. I will link the landing page for the UAL post graduate film degrees: https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/london-college-of-communication/courses/postgraduate-courses/film-and-television

Once you have selected the course that works best for you, make sure to look at the entry requirements and selection criteria in detail as they may differ across courses. As long as you can meet those you are welcome to submit your application.

Reply 3

Original post
by skullcutter02
Background: I am currently an undergraduate medical student in my second year of medical school. Our school offers an option to intercalate abroad during my third year in any subject, and since film is something I have always been passionate about, I've been looking to take a one year film course, preferably in London (as that's where I'd like to study).
Problem: Since I only have one year, I can only pick MA film courses (although I have also found some certificate courses that last a year long). All the schools I have looked at, which I will put down as a list below, state that while an undergraduate degree is a requirement for entry, former industry experience or demonstration of an ability to succeed at an MA level may be accepted, and that they can also consider individuals holistically on a case-to-case basis. While I do not have a first degree or any former industry experience, I believe I do have the ability to build a compelling enough portfolio as I have made a few short films in the past.
Question: I am wondering in my case, realistically, how likely will these schools accept me? Or is the chance of my success based on my qualifications very low, that it is probably not worth the effort of applying?
Schools I have looked at: University of Arts of London, Raindance, MET film school, Central University, Goldsmith University, Kingston University, University for the Creative Arts.
P.S. If there are any one year long film courses in the UK (preferably London) that do not require a first degree or much prior experience, please let me know.

Hi @skullcutter02

Lovely to hear you are thinking of Kingston!

I would suggest maybe contacting Kington directly to see if they can give you a contact as to who runs the course and what they are looking for.
Here are some useful contacts
Student recruitment team - [email protected]
Admissions enquire - https://www.kingston.ac.uk/enquire/undergraduate-ksa/
Admissions Contact - https://www.kingston.ac.uk/contact-us/#blockid22719

You could also attend an open day to speak to lectures in person and see what kind of work the students are producing.

Also many places offer short courses that are a few weeks long this may be useful in building your portfolio.

I hope this is useful and if you have any questions about Kingston don't hesitate to ask :smile:
-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 4

Original post
by UAL PG Reps
Hello,
It's great that you're considering a creative degree at UAL. I am a MA student rep at UAL and can point you in the right direction for your query. The first step is to consider which film degree you would like to do at UAL as there various types at MA level that you can try out. I will link the landing page for the UAL post graduate film degrees: https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/london-college-of-communication/courses/postgraduate-courses/film-and-television
Once you have selected the course that works best for you, make sure to look at the entry requirements and selection criteria in detail as they may differ across courses. As long as you can meet those you are welcome to submit your application.

Hi, can you tell me how many students there are each year on the MA in Film? Thanks

Reply 5

Original post
by TD10000
Hi, can you tell me how many students there are each year on the MA in Film? Thanks

Hi @TD10000

I am not too sure but I can ask around and try and find out the answer for you :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 6

Original post
by TD10000
Hi, can you tell me how many students there are each year on the MA in Film? Thanks

Hi @TD10000

I found out that there are usually 35 students enrolled onto this course, however it can vary each year.

I hope this helps :smile:
-Grace (Kingston Rep)

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