COURSE OVERVIEW
The only two-year specialist cinematography MFA 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.
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.
We are excited to announce this MFA course is part of an innovative slate of new qualifications from 2025/2026. Our A Fresh Take page tells you all you need to know!
You’ll be working with film, and also training in High Definition, Digital Cinema and Digital Post Production. We emphasise visual storytelling alongside the art of creating mood and evoking emotion through the right combination of composition and lighting. You’ll be working closely with students of other specialisations, and have the opportunity to shoot fiction, animation and documentary films, commercials and multi-camera television.
During the course you will be provided with tutorials, seminars, screen studies, workshops and Masterclasses with specialist tutors and visiting professionals.
We are looking for people with innate talent. Therefore, previous training in these areas is not mandatory but some basic technical knowledge is required. Experience gained from working in the camera department of the film and television industry is helpful but not essential.
You will need an understanding of the role of the Director of Photography and its creative and logistical responsibilities, and demonstrate good communication, collaborative skills and leadership qualities.
You must have a good understanding of “cinematic language” and demonstrate this in your submitted film material.
While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record (for instance, in theatre or other arts) or an alternative qualification.
International students Visa and English language requirements
If you have any questions, please email info@nfts.co.uk.
The following item(s) should accompany your online application:
- You will be asked to provide up to 3 Vimeo link(s) of your work. The total combined length of those links should not exceed 15 minutes.
- At least one piece of work should contain a continuous narrative piece of fiction and/or documentary film that you have shot. It should clearly identify you as the camera operator and also the creator of the lighting design, i.e. that you are Cinematographer/Director of Photography.
- Your work should demonstrate a strong visual sensibility and an awareness of the considerations of camera operating, composition and lighting and their potential for creating mood and atmosphere. Most importantly, your fiction film should have a clear element of visual narrative and show your ability to tell a story with images, using all the elements that can be brought to contribute to it. Each submitted item must have original titles and credits at the beginning and the end. Works in progress are not acceptable.
Applications will close at 23:59 on the day of the deadline, shown at the top of this page.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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
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
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
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
