Cinematography

Scholarships Available

2 Years Full-time

Main Campus In person

Application deadline 1 May 2025

Register interest

Cinematography

COURSE OVERVIEW

The only two-year specialist cinematography MA in the UK.

Shoot several films including live action and animation with a range of camera equipment including 16mm and 35mm film, as well as Alexa XT and Alexa Mini Cameras. Learn the art and craft of cinematography from industry professionals and graduate with the experience and knowledge to shoot cross-genre for film and television.

Benjamin filming Demi Moore on set of The Substance
Suzie with camera crew on tv show set
Roger Deakins with camera on location

"The course was an early career defining moment. It gave me the chance to hone my individual craft outside of industry pressure and to form long-lasting professional relationships."

Benjamin Kračun
DoP, The Substance, Encounter, Promising Young Woman

"I don’t think I would have had an opportunity to make a living as a DoP without the NFTS. It was everything for me."

Suzie Lavelle
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, Severance (S2), Normal People

“I am grateful every day for the opportunity that I was given. The NFTS gave me a solid base from which to move forward.”

Sir Roger Deakins
Oscar-winning NFTS graduate

Content Tabs

This highly practical course explores the many ways in which the cinematographer participates in the collaborative process of translating screenplays into films. Exercises, workshops, masterclasses and productions, supported by critical and analytical study of the history and development of cinematography, will give you a solid foundation in the art and craft of your future career.

 

COURSE FACILITIES

You will have access to our range of over 50 film and digital video cameras, which includes the Arri Alexa Mini, Sony Venice Cameras, Arri SRIII (S16mm), Aaton XTR Prod (S16mm), Arri LT 35mm, Sony FX9s, Sony FX6s, Sony FS7, Canon C200 and Panasonic DVX200 Doc/Broadcast cameras. Our large stock of grip equipment and a wide range of lighting allows you to maximise your creativity in any situation.

Funding Available

The NFTS awards more scholarships and bursaries to British students, relative to the size of our student body, than almost any other educational institution in the UK. If you’re successful at gaining a place on the course, you will be contacted by our funding team with details on how to apply for one of these scholarships.

Tutors

Student Showcase

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Remains (trailer)
2024 graduation film

Director/Writer - Theja Rio
Producer - Jai Vir Rodgers
Cinematographer - Natdanai Naksuwarn

A Windrush migrant is employed as a servant on an estate, presumably to look after master and manor, including a collection of colonial artefacts, but soon discovers he was actually procured to be part of its most prized possessions.

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Jester
2024 graduation animation film

Director - Harry Sherriff
Producer - Bernardo Angeletti
Cinematographer - Bart Bazaz

A depressed Jester sets out across plague-ridden England to rescue the Queen’s nephew and prove he is more than a fool.

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Dragfox (trailer) 
2024 graduation film

Director/Animator - Lisa Ott
Producer - Owen Thomas
Cinematographer - Rufai Ajala (Roo)

Sam's search of identity gets interrupted by a mysterious neighbourhood fox. Together, they embark on a magical journey to the attic to discover the surprising things they might have in common, and how to celebrate the ways in which they differ. Finalist at the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

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Jellyfish and Lobster (trailer) 
2023 graduation film

Director/Writer - Yasmin Afifi
Producer - Elizabeth Rufai
Cinematographer - Linda Wu

Two residents of a care home form an unlikely relationship while struggling to come to terms with the inevitability of their impending end of life.

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From The Top (trailer)
2023 graduation animation film

Director/Animator - Rich Farris
Producer - Martina Buendia Silva
Cinematographer - R. J. Ong

Things haven’t gone quite the way Robin expected them to, so she decides the time has come to get rid of her drum kit. But giving up her passion might not be as simple as she anticipates.

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Car Projection Workshop (behind the scenes)

Watch behind the scenes where first year students are taking part in a rear projection workshop as part of the course – learning the craft of rear projection when shooting in cars.

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Take 2 Painting Workshop (behind the scenes)

MA Cinematography students take part in a series of lighting and camerawork challenges. 

Graduate Success

NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.

Recent credits include...

The Substance

Cinematographer Benjamin Kračun

The film has won multiple awards including Best Screenplay at Cannes. It was also nominated for the Palme d'Or  (2024).

The Substance publicity poster

Graduate Success

NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.

Recent credits include...

Rivals

Cinematographer Carlos Catalan

Rivals publicity poster

Graduate Success

NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.

Recent credits include...

Doctor Who (2023-4)

73 Yards and Dot and Bubble: Cinematographer Sam Care

Doctor Who publicity still

Graduate Success

NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.

Recent credits include...

Inside No. 9

Cinematographer Sean Van Hales

Inside No 9 publicity still

Graduate Success

NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.

Recent credits include...

Heartstopper

Series 1: Cinematographer Diana Olifirova 
Series 2: Cinematographer Simona Susnea

Heartstopper TV poster

Graduate Success

NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.

Recent credits include...

Wednesday

Cinematographer Stephen Pehrsson

Wednesday poster for Netflix