M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.F.A. in Filmmaking
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
UNCW's M.F.A. in Filmmaking is an immersive studio-academic apprenticeship that prepares students to be well-rounded filmmakers. The curriculum covers a multi-modal approach, encompassing narrative, documentary, and experimental filmmaking. Students are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of all stages of film production, from screenwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and sound design. The program's goal is to enable graduates to use cinematic language in a wide variety of expressive and commercial applications, whether they aim to be independent filmmakers, work in Hollywood, or contribute to other media forms.
Curriculum: The M.F.A. curriculum is comprehensive and hands-on. It includes workshop-style courses in core areas such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design. Students also take courses in cinema history, theory, and aesthetics, providing a strong critical and analytical foundation. A key component of the program is active production: students develop technical expertise and a creative voice by directing three film projects and collaborating on projects directed by their peers. Elective courses are available in specialized areas like animation and new media (e.g., installation, 360 video, VR, and interactive media), allowing for tailored skill development. The program emphasizes experiential learning, reflecting the department's belief that studying cinema and artistic production are complementary.
Research Focus: While an M.F.A. is a creative practice-based degree rather than a traditional research degree, the UNCW Filmmaking program integrates a strong element of applied research through its emphasis on film production and critical analysis. Students engage in the "research" of storytelling, visual language, and technical execution, constantly refining their craft through practice and critical self-reflection. The development and execution of multiple film projects serve as a form of artistic research, where students explore narrative structures, visual aesthetics, and experimental forms. Faculty mentors, who are often accomplished filmmakers and scholars, guide students through this creative inquiry, fostering a deep understanding of cinematic language and its expressive possibilities.
Industry Engagement: UNCW's M.F.A. in Filmmaking benefits significantly from its location in Wilmington, North Carolina, which has a historical connection to the film industry. The program fosters strong industry engagement through various avenues. Faculty members often have extensive professional experience in the film industry, bringing real-world insights and connections into the classroom. The department hosts the "Movie Makers and Scholars Series," which brings in visiting filmmakers, film industry professionals, and scholars for lectures and presentations, offering students invaluable networking opportunities. The program's emphasis on hands-on production and developing a strong portfolio directly prepares graduates for professional roles. While specific formal industry partnerships are not always explicitly listed, the presence of an active local film community and a focus on practical skills inherently encourages industry integration.
Global Perspective: The M.F.A. in Filmmaking at UNCW cultivates a global perspective by incorporating the study of global cinema and diverse filmmaking traditions into its curriculum. Students are exposed to films from various cultures and historical periods, fostering an understanding of how cinematic language is used across the world. Faculty research and expertise often extend to international film movements and theories, enriching the classroom experience. By encouraging students to develop their unique creative voice, the program implicitly prepares them to contribute to a global cinematic landscape, where diverse stories and perspectives are increasingly valued and shared across borders.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28152
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Filmmaking from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provides a comprehensive, hands-on education designed to prepare graduates for diverse and competitive roles within the film and media industries. This terminal degree program emphasizes both the technical craft and the artistic vision necessary to become a "complete filmmaker," with a curriculum spanning narrative, documentary, and experimental modes.
Film Director: This is a primary aspiration for many M.F.A. graduates. Directors are responsible for the creative vision of a film, guiding the cast and crew to bring the script to life, making key decisions on set, and overseeing the entire filmmaking process.
Screenwriter: Graduates can focus on crafting compelling narratives for film and television. They develop original scripts, adapt existing material, and work on character development, dialogue, and story structure.
Cinematographer (Director of Photography - DP): These professionals are responsible for the visual aesthetic of a film, making decisions about lighting, camera angles, movement, and composition. They work closely with the director to achieve the desired visual style.
Film Editor: Editors are crucial in the post-production phase, assembling raw footage into a cohesive and compelling narrative. They work with the director to refine pacing, storytelling, and visual flow.
Film Producer: Producers oversee the entire filmmaking process from conception to distribution. This includes securing financing, hiring crew, managing budgets, scheduling, and ensuring the project stays on track. They can work as independent producers or for production companies.
Sound Designer/Mixer: Graduates can specialize in creating and manipulating the auditory landscape of a film, including recording dialogue, creating sound effects, designing ambient sounds, and mixing all audio elements to enhance the film's emotional impact.
Independent Filmmaker: Equipped with a comprehensive skill set across various filmmaking disciplines, graduates can pursue careers as independent artists, writing, directing, producing, and often even editing their own films for festivals, online platforms, or distribution.
University Professor/Educator: As an M.F.A. is a terminal degree in the arts, graduates are qualified to teach filmmaking or film studies at colleges and universities, shaping the next generation of filmmakers and scholars.
Post-Production Specialist (VFX, Colorist): Beyond editing, graduates can specialize in other critical post-production roles such as visual effects (VFX) artists, creating digital imagery and effects, or colorists, who manipulate the color and tone of a film to achieve a specific aesthetic.
New Media/Experimental Artist: With coursework in new media, graduates can explore careers in emerging forms of cinematic expression, including creating content for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), interactive media installations, or immersive experiences for museums and galleries.
