fbpx
icon icon

Master of Arts Screen: Directing

Still from 'MumLife' | Dir. by Ruby Challenger | Cin. Benjamin Bellette

Register your interest to stay up-to-date on future offerings, application or enrolment dates, and more information on this course.

FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER IN THE GLOBAL SCREEN INDUSTRY

In today’s world, the skills and capabilities demanded of the screen director are multifaceted. Unique in its structure, the Master of Arts Screen: Directing provides the opportunity for emerging directors to develop towards a mastery of screen directing through a program of carefully scaffolded collaborative workshops, research projects and mentorships.

For 50 years, AFTRS’ directing graduates have enjoyed successful and celebrated careers across the screen industries, locally and globally. AFTRS has repeatedly been named among The Hollywood Reporter’s top 15 film international film schools in their annual roundup.

You will gain access to world-class mentors and lecturers for practical and theoretical insights into screen directing skill sets and leadership. This course gives you the opportunity to work alongside cinematographers, writers, producers, production designers, editors, sound designers and composers in the development of creative projects. Through it you will build ongoing relationships within future industry networks.

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Master of Arts Screen; you will be prompted to apply for them following your submission.

AFTRS scholarships

 

Go behind the scenes of AFTRS’ Master of Arts Screen: Directing

Is the Master of Arts Screen: Directing right for you?

WHY DO THIS COURSE?

You will gain access to world-class mentors and lecturers for practical and theoretical insights into screen directing skill sets and leadership.

You will have the space, time and resources to develop, challenge and realise your vision. This course gives you the opportunity to work alongside cinematographers, writers, producers, designers, editors and composers in the development of creative projects. Through it, you will build ongoing relationships within future industry networks.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The Master of Arts Screen: Directing supports and develops your creative voice while proposing an active engagement with emerging technologies, screen culture and audience.

Your creative leadership will be exercised through intensive practical workshops, underpinned by an investigative approach to contemporary screenplay analysis, screen language and best-practice collaborations with actors and other screen disciplines.

Throughout the first year of the Master of Arts Screen: Directing, you will develop practical directing skill sets, learning from leading industry practitioners. In the second year, using AFTRS’ world-class facilities, you will direct a major project and a strategically aligned creative practice research project.

During the course, there will be an opportunity for a professional placement, which aims to support your transition into the industry upon graduation.

Career opportunities

The Master of Arts Screen: Directing will equip you with specialist knowledge and practical experience, propelling you towards a professional role directing TV series, feature films, TVCs, gaming, VR, AR and web-based screen projects. The course suits highly collaborative directors who aim to be creative interpreters of other writers’ scripts in the dynamic episodic space, as well as those whose focus is to be a writer-director.

The course suits highly collaborative directors who aim to be creative interpreters of other writers’ scripts in the dynamic episodic space, along with those who may choose to pursue their own story ideas. Award-winning alumni include Jane Campion, winner of the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Venice Silver Lion for The Power of the Dog (2021), nominee of BAFTA and Emmys for Top of the Lake (2013, 2014) and Academy Awards for The Piano (1994); Gillian Armstrong, winner of AFI Awards for My Brilliant Career (1979); Chris Noonan, Academy Award-nominee for Babe (1996); Cate Shortland, director of Marvel’s Black Widow (2021), Berlin Syndrome (2017) and the AACTA Award-winning Somersault (2004); and Shannon Murphy, BAFTA-nominee for Babyteeth (2019), and whose episodes of Killing Eve were nominated for multiple Emmys.

Read more about AFTRS alumni

Meet Your Lecturers

Pearl Tan

Pearl Tan was born in Perth, Western Australia. She is the founder and director of Pearly Productions, creating independent films…

Learn More

Hannah Hilliard

Hannah Hilliard is a multi-award winning AFTRS graduate who has worked as a director in film, television, and commercials. She…

Learn More

Megan Simpson Huberman

Megan Simpson Huberman is a writer, director, development consultant, script editor, story producer and senior development, production, and creative executive…

Learn More

You will learn to

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theory and practice as a director

Apply a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling to create audience-engaged work for the screen

Implement a creative practice that synthesises specialist knowledge and an understanding of personal process

Apply an adaptable skill set

Demonstrate an ability to collaborate across diverse projects

Get Answers

How to apply

To apply you will need to:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).

2. Upload supporting documentation, which includes certified copies of your:
a) Proof of citizenship/residency
b) Highest educational qualification

3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.

4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au, or refer to the Application Guidance Notes.

Admission requirements

Places in this course are competitive and are based on merit selection.

1. Prerequisites

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training.

The typical duration of a bachelor degree is 3-4 years, and candidates applying by degree equivalence are required to demonstrate they have achieved corresponding learning outcomes by completing a similar volume of relevant work experience and/or training. If you wish to apply for admission to a postgraduate program by degree equivalence, you will need to submit a Degree Equivalence Form. For more information, please contact the Admissions team at applications@aftrs.edu.au.

2. Selection criteria

1. Demonstrated experience or related skills relevant to the discipline.
2. A distinct creative perspective.
3. A proven capacity for leadership and collaboration.
4. A willingness and capacity to engage in critical thinking, reflection and research.

Refer to the Application Rubric for more information.

3. Resume and educational qualifications

Provide a one-page list of your achievements, educational qualifications and work experience. You must also provide a certified copy of your highest education level.

4. Proof of citizenship/residency

Ensure you submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Application tasks

For help and support in completing the following tasks, please see the Application Guidance Notes.

  1. CREATIVE STATEMENT

Create a three-minute audio and/or visual work that expresses your approach to audiovisual storytelling. The work can take any form of your choosing. For example, it may be a piece to camera, podcast, edited footage with voice over or a combination of multiple and/ or other forms.

Your creative statement may include responses to the following:

  • How do you define your creative approach to storytelling within your discipline and what makes it unique?
  • What kinds of stories deeply resonate with you and why?
  • How do you collaborate with other creative practitioners and what does collaboration mean to you?
  • What areas of creative inquiry interest you and how do you see research integrating with your creative process?

2. CREATIVE WORK

Submit up to three examples of your work as a key creative. Total running time 15 minutes and max 20 pages across all the submissions. Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work in the discipline area you are applying for.

Your example(s) should effectively demonstrate:

  • Your creative intent.
  • Your technical and/or craft skills related to the discipline you are applying for.

Ensure accurate labelling and accreditation of all submissions in a PDF document, including title, year, your role and any other relevant information. Make sure evidence of your discipline skills are clearly identified and documented.

Be selective with your choices. If submitting portions of work, submit entire sequences and summarise the rest of the film or story in the submission description.

For some specialisations, you may choose to submit vision statements or preparatory work that showcases evidence of your creative process, from ideation through to completion.

3. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Submit a personal statement outlining why you want to study at AFTRS in your chosen discipline.

Please include:

  • Your key objectives for studying the MA at AFTRS.
  • Describe why this is the right time for you to be undertaking study in the MA.
  • Where do you see yourself at the completion of the course?

Please include information such as your personal history, goals and ambitions.

Fees and scholarships

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees shown above are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. They are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Master of Arts Screen; you will be prompted to apply for them following your submission.

AFTRS scholarships

Note: FEE-HELP and scholarships are available for eligible domestic students only.

International students

AFTRS welcomes international student applications into this course. You must be aware of your English language proficiency, visa conditions, health insurance and financial obligations you are required to meet as an overseas student.

Please refer to the International Students section for further information.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

International applicants must meet:

(a) the same academic admission requirements as domestic applicants, and
(b) a minimum English proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 7.0 IELTS (exemption categories apply).

HOW TO APPLY

To apply as an international student, there are several steps you will need to go through:

1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure that you meet the admission requirements above.

2. GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
You must provide the required application documents when you submit your application. These documents include:

(a) all application tasks,
(b) resume,
as well as certified copies of your:
(c) highest educational qualification,
(d) passport, and
(e) English language proficiency test results.

Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation made by an accredited translator.

3. APPLY FOR THE COURSE

Click on Apply Now and set up your account. Once you have your AFTRS login, follow the below steps:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).
2. Upload supporting documentation.
3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.
If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au.

4. WAIT FOR YOUR OFFER

Assessment of your application will take place once the closing date has passed. You will be notified if further documents or additional information is required. All international applicants who are considered for a place in the course will be required to attend an interview either in person (if already in Australia) or via online conference call (e.g. Skype).

5. RECEIVE AN OFFER

If your application is successful, you will receive an email with an Offer and Enrolment Guide comprising of:

1. Letter of Offer
2. How to accept your offer
3. How to pay your fees
4. How to obtain health cover
5. Enrolment information
6. Other related material

AFTRS also emails unsuccessful applicants.

6. ACCEPT YOUR OFFER

When you receive your Offer and Enrolment Guide, review your Letter of Offer and make sure all details are correct (including the exact spelling of your name). Accept your offer as per the instructions supplied.

7. PAY YOUR FEES AND OBTAIN HEALTH COVER

Make arrangements to pay your fees and apply for Overseas Health Insurance Cover (OSHC). Provide a copy of your OSHC to the Student Centre. You will then receive an email that confirms your enrolment, called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

8. APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA

Apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide your OSHC & CoE as part of this application.

9. RECEIVE STUDENT VISA

Advise the Student Centre studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au once you have been successful in obtaining a student visa. We will then send you additional information regarding commencing your enrolment in your course.

If you require assistance with any of the above steps, please contact the Admissions team on 1300 223 877 or applications@aftrs.edu.au.

Get Answers

How to apply

To apply you will need to:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).

2. Upload supporting documentation, which includes certified copies of your:
a) Proof of citizenship/residency
b) Highest educational qualification

3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.

4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au, or refer to the Application Guidance Notes.

Admission requirements

Places in this course are competitive and are based on merit selection.

1. Prerequisites

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training.

The typical duration of a bachelor degree is 3-4 years, and candidates applying by degree equivalence are required to demonstrate they have achieved corresponding learning outcomes by completing a similar volume of relevant work experience and/or training. If you wish to apply for admission to a postgraduate program by degree equivalence, you will need to submit a Degree Equivalence Form. For more information, please contact the Admissions team at applications@aftrs.edu.au.

2. Selection criteria

1. Demonstrated experience or related skills relevant to the discipline.
2. A distinct creative perspective.
3. A proven capacity for leadership and collaboration.
4. A willingness and capacity to engage in critical thinking, reflection and research.

Refer to the Application Rubric for more information.

3. Resume and educational qualifications

Provide a one-page list of your achievements, educational qualifications and work experience. You must also provide a certified copy of your highest education level.

4. Proof of citizenship/residency

Ensure you submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Application tasks

For help and support in completing the following tasks, please see the Application Guidance Notes.

  1. CREATIVE STATEMENT

Create a three-minute audio and/or visual work that expresses your approach to audiovisual storytelling. The work can take any form of your choosing. For example, it may be a piece to camera, podcast, edited footage with voice over or a combination of multiple and/ or other forms.

Your creative statement may include responses to the following:

  • How do you define your creative approach to storytelling within your discipline and what makes it unique?
  • What kinds of stories deeply resonate with you and why?
  • How do you collaborate with other creative practitioners and what does collaboration mean to you?
  • What areas of creative inquiry interest you and how do you see research integrating with your creative process?

2. CREATIVE WORK

Submit up to three examples of your work as a key creative. Total running time 15 minutes and max 20 pages across all the submissions. Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work in the discipline area you are applying for.

Your example(s) should effectively demonstrate:

  • Your creative intent.
  • Your technical and/or craft skills related to the discipline you are applying for.

Ensure accurate labelling and accreditation of all submissions in a PDF document, including title, year, your role and any other relevant information. Make sure evidence of your discipline skills are clearly identified and documented.

Be selective with your choices. If submitting portions of work, submit entire sequences and summarise the rest of the film or story in the submission description.

For some specialisations, you may choose to submit vision statements or preparatory work that showcases evidence of your creative process, from ideation through to completion.

3. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Submit a personal statement outlining why you want to study at AFTRS in your chosen discipline.

Please include:

  • Your key objectives for studying the MA at AFTRS.
  • Describe why this is the right time for you to be undertaking study in the MA.
  • Where do you see yourself at the completion of the course?

Please include information such as your personal history, goals and ambitions.

Fees and scholarships

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees shown above are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. They are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Master of Arts Screen; you will be prompted to apply for them following your submission.

AFTRS scholarships

Note: FEE-HELP and scholarships are available for eligible domestic students only.

International students

AFTRS welcomes international student applications into this course. You must be aware of your English language proficiency, visa conditions, health insurance and financial obligations you are required to meet as an overseas student.

Please refer to the International Students section for further information.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

International applicants must meet:

(a) the same academic admission requirements as domestic applicants, and
(b) a minimum English proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 7.0 IELTS (exemption categories apply).

HOW TO APPLY

To apply as an international student, there are several steps you will need to go through:

1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure that you meet the admission requirements above.

2. GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
You must provide the required application documents when you submit your application. These documents include:

(a) all application tasks,
(b) resume,
as well as certified copies of your:
(c) highest educational qualification,
(d) passport, and
(e) English language proficiency test results.

Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation made by an accredited translator.

3. APPLY FOR THE COURSE

Click on Apply Now and set up your account. Once you have your AFTRS login, follow the below steps:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).
2. Upload supporting documentation.
3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.
If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au.

4. WAIT FOR YOUR OFFER

Assessment of your application will take place once the closing date has passed. You will be notified if further documents or additional information is required. All international applicants who are considered for a place in the course will be required to attend an interview either in person (if already in Australia) or via online conference call (e.g. Skype).

5. RECEIVE AN OFFER

If your application is successful, you will receive an email with an Offer and Enrolment Guide comprising of:

1. Letter of Offer
2. How to accept your offer
3. How to pay your fees
4. How to obtain health cover
5. Enrolment information
6. Other related material

AFTRS also emails unsuccessful applicants.

6. ACCEPT YOUR OFFER

When you receive your Offer and Enrolment Guide, review your Letter of Offer and make sure all details are correct (including the exact spelling of your name). Accept your offer as per the instructions supplied.

7. PAY YOUR FEES AND OBTAIN HEALTH COVER

Make arrangements to pay your fees and apply for Overseas Health Insurance Cover (OSHC). Provide a copy of your OSHC to the Student Centre. You will then receive an email that confirms your enrolment, called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

8. APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA

Apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide your OSHC & CoE as part of this application.

9. RECEIVE STUDENT VISA

Advise the Student Centre studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au once you have been successful in obtaining a student visa. We will then send you additional information regarding commencing your enrolment in your course.

If you require assistance with any of the above steps, please contact the Admissions team on 1300 223 877 or applications@aftrs.edu.au.

AFTRS graduates are

Storytellers

Practitioners

Creators

Cultural leaders

Storytellers who possess the courage and integrity to embrace and reflect Australian perspectives.

Practitioners skilled for the screen and audio industries.

Creators who can effectively communicate ideas, problem-solve and collaborate inclusively.

Cultural leaders able to apply positionality and ethics in their practice.

Storytellers

Storytellers who possess the courage and integrity to embrace and reflect Australian perspectives.

Practitioners

Practitioners skilled for the screen and audio industries.

Creators

Creators who can effectively communicate ideas, problem-solve and collaborate inclusively.

Cultural leaders

Cultural leaders able to apply positionality and ethics in their practice.

DISCLAIMER: Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.