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Master of Arts Screen: Directing

‘Sequin In A Blue Room’ | Dir. Samuel Van Grinsven | Photo by Nicholas Gascoine

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FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER IN THE GLOBAL SCREEN INDUSTRY

In our digital 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 nearly 50 years, directing graduates from AFTRS 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.

 

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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 –

  • Netflix First Nations Scholarship
  • Craft Excellence Scholarship
  • Equity Scholarships
  • First Nations Scholarships

AFTRS scholarships

 

Meet AFTRS’ Head of Directing Rowan Woods

 

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 collaborative experience, propelling you towards a professional role directing TV series, feature films, TVCs, gaming, online content and 360º formats.

Over the last nearly 50 years, AFTRS directing alumni have been nominated for and won a slew of awards. Notable AFTRS directing alumni include Jane Campion, winner of the Best Director Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Venice Silver Lion for The Power of the Dog (2021), nominated for BAFTA and Emmy Awards for Top of the Lake (2013, 2014) and nominated for an Academy Award as Best Director for The Piano (1994), for which she won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar; Gillian Armstrong, winner of AFI and London Critics Circle Film Awards for My Brilliant Career (1979), and winner of Australian Directors’ Guild Awards for Love, Lust & Lies (2010); Chris Noonan, nominated for an Academy Award Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Babe (1996); Cate Shortland, winner of Best Director at the AACTA Awards for Somersault (2004) and Berlin Syndrome (2017); Shannon Murphy, nominated for the Best Director BAFTA for Babyteeth (2019), after being the only film by a woman to premiere in competition at Venice that year, and current AFTRS Head of Directing Rowan Woods, winner of AFI and BAFTA Awards for his feature films and TV.

Meet Your Lecturers

Rowan Woods

Rowan Woods is an AFTRS alumni and award-winning director of TV and feature films. As Head of Directing he concurrently…

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Partho Sen-Gupta

Partho Sen-Gupta is a film writer and director. Born in Mumbai, they worked as art director and production designer on…

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Hannah Hilliard

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

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Megan Simpson Huberman

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

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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.

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

1. AUDIO-VISUAL CREATIVE STATEMENT

Make a three-minute audio-visual work that presents who you are as a creative practitioner.

There is no set form here, you can record a piece to camera or make a work that expresses these ideas (submit as a media file).

In the creative statement piece you could explore the following questions:

  • How would you define your creative voice?
  • What kind of stories connect with you and why?
  • Do you think stories matter? Why?
  • Who are your main creative influences and why?
  • How do you collaborate with other creative practitioners? What does collaboration mean to you?
  • What do you look for in your collaborators?

2. CREATIVE WORK

Submit up to three examples of your work as a key creative. Total running time 15 minutes or 30 pages.

Be selective with your choices. Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work.

Your example(s) should effectively demonstrate:

  • Your creative intent.
  • Your technical and/or craft skills related to the discipline you are applying for.
    These works can include any format: fiction, non-fiction, experimental; film, video, or other digital and on-line forms; linear or nonlinear; music scores (submit as media file).

Clearly outline your role on the work submitted in your portfolio (submit as a PDF file).

3. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Personal Statement outlining why you want to study at AFTRS within your chosen discipline.

Please write a one-page outline of your key objectives for studying at AFTRS. You may include information such as your personal history, your goals and ambitions. Where do you see yourself at the completion of the program?

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.

Please note shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit a supplementary task.

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 –

  • Netflix First Nations Scholarship
  • Craft Excellence Scholarship
  • Equity Scholarships
  • First Nations Scholarships

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.

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

1. AUDIO-VISUAL CREATIVE STATEMENT

Make a three-minute audio-visual work that presents who you are as a creative practitioner.

There is no set form here, you can record a piece to camera or make a work that expresses these ideas (submit as a media file).

In the creative statement piece you could explore the following questions:

  • How would you define your creative voice?
  • What kind of stories connect with you and why?
  • Do you think stories matter? Why?
  • Who are your main creative influences and why?
  • How do you collaborate with other creative practitioners? What does collaboration mean to you?
  • What do you look for in your collaborators?

2. CREATIVE WORK

Submit up to three examples of your work as a key creative. Total running time 15 minutes or 30 pages.

Be selective with your choices. Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work.

Your example(s) should effectively demonstrate:

  • Your creative intent.
  • Your technical and/or craft skills related to the discipline you are applying for.
    These works can include any format: fiction, non-fiction, experimental; film, video, or other digital and on-line forms; linear or nonlinear; music scores (submit as media file).

Clearly outline your role on the work submitted in your portfolio (submit as a PDF file).

3. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Personal Statement outlining why you want to study at AFTRS within your chosen discipline.

Please write a one-page outline of your key objectives for studying at AFTRS. You may include information such as your personal history, your goals and ambitions. Where do you see yourself at the completion of the program?

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.

Please note shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit a supplementary task.

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 –

  • Netflix First Nations Scholarship
  • Craft Excellence Scholarship
  • Equity Scholarships
  • First Nations Scholarships

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.

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.