UK Cinema Association Announces Support For Two New Scholarships At The National Film And Television School

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) and the UK Cinema Association (UKCA) are pleased to announce a renewed commitment from the UKCA to support two new scholarships for students wishing to join the School’s popular Marketing, Distribution, Sales and Exhibition (MDSE) MA.

The MA first launched in 2016 and was developed in partnership with UKCA, a key partner sponsor of the School that represents the overwhelming majority of UK cinema operators. The UKCA has previously supported students of the MA with scholarship funding, enabling them to gain the skills, knowledge and experience to become highly employable executives in the film, television and games industries.

Graduates of the Marketing, Distribution, Sales and Exhibition (MDSE) MA have gone on to contribute widely to the screen sector value chain, achieving roles with high profile companies including All3Media International, Lionsgate, Signature Entertainment, Altitude Films, NBC Universal, Fremantle and Curve Games.

The resumption of the scholarships is a further practical demonstration of the National Film and Television School and UK Cinema Association’s commitment to strengthening diversity and inclusion and making the film and television industry accessible to all.

Applications are currently open, with the two scholarship recipients due to join the MA in January 2023. The scholarships are aimed at those who may not otherwise have the necessary financial means to study at the National Film and Television School.  

Former NFTS student Colette Madden studied the Marketing, Distribution, Sales and Exhibition course with the aid of a UKCA scholarship and is now working at Signature Entertainment as a Distribution Executive. Reflecting on the opportunities the scholarship provided, Colette said: “Without the UKCA, I wouldn't have had the confidence to take the plunge and fully give my all to the MA. The generous scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies and follow my passion rather than worry about the financial aspects that were holding me back. Since the course ended, I have been lucky enough to continue a career doing what I love and I know I wouldn't have had this opportunity if the UKCA hadn’t taken a chance on me." 

Louise Giadom graduated from the MDSE course in 2021 and is now Festivals, Brands and Social Co-ordinator at All3Media International. Louise commented:  “The UKCA scholarship was a fundamental part of my being able to confidently pursue my interest in film marketing through joining the Marketing, Distribution, Sales and Exhibition MA. Receiving this scholarship meant I had the benefit of not having to worry about finances throughout the course, easing a burden that would have been a huge hindrance otherwise. Without the UKCA’s support on my course, I know I likely wouldn’t be where I am now, progressing in a career within the industry I’m deeply passionate about.” 

Phil Clapp, UK Cinema Association Chief Executive said: “I know that I speak on behalf of all Association members when I say how proud we are to support the National Film and Television School, and the MA in Marketing, Sales, Distribution and Exhibition in particular. Alongside our wider sponsorship support, we very much hope that these two new scholarships will make that course accessible to the widest possible pool of talent, something which is essential if our industry is to be truly reflective of the audiences we seek to serve and entertain.”

Jon Wardle, Director of the National Film and Television School added: “We are extremely proud that the NFTS provides more bursaries and scholarships for UK students than most other educational institutions. We are passionate about breaking down barriers to accessing funding for training and improving representation within the industry. Scholarships offered by organisations like the UKCA will ensure the cinema sector can continue to thrive, with our job ready graduates delivering measurable change as they become part of a workforce that better reflects the true diversity of contemporary Britain.”  

Find out more about the course and start your application today at nfts.co.uk/mdse

To apply for the Marketing, Distribution, Sales and Exhibition scholarships, you must be a UK citizen. If you are offered a place and are eligible, you will be invited to apply for a scholarship.