Official Master's Degree in Film Directing
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Overview
The Official Master’s Degree in Film Directing aims to train future film directors and researchers, placing special emphasis on critical reflection regarding the ethical implications, historical relevance, and aesthetic possibilities of film directing, with the ultimate goal of applying this knowledge and these concepts to a final project.
Students will analyze historical and contemporary case studies to understand how ethical and aesthetic decisions can influence a film’s narrative and impact. They will also study the evolution of cinema from its origins to the present day, examining how great directors have influenced the development of cinematic language.
Theoretical classes will be complemented by practical workshops, where students will have the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from experienced film industry professionals. Furthermore, they will develop the skills required to direct actors and coordinate creative and technical teams, while learning how to use visual and sonic elements to create atmosphere, convey emotion, and tell stories effectively.
Beyond these creative and technical roles, students will develop as researchers, delving into specific topics and acquiring the skills necessary for academic and critical discourse on film directing. Upon graduation, these skills may lead to careers in specialised media, academia, film festivals, and cultural events, contributing to the promotion of emerging works and new talent.
Methodology
The educational activities for the Master’s programme include the following:
- WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
- Includes dissertations and project reports. These activities enable students to develop research, analytical, and academic writing skills. Essays and project reports typically document the processes and outcomes of research projects or practical work.
- APPLIED EXERCICES
- These activities involve the practical application of theoretical knowledge in real-world or simulated contexts. Their purpose is to consolidate theoretical learning through hands-on experience.
- ORAL PRESENTATIONS
- Students present a topic verbally to an audience. This activity develops communication skills, the ability to structure ideas effectively, and confidence in public speaking. Oral presentations may be delivered individually or in groups and often incorporate visual aids such as slides.
- WORKING WITH INFORMATION SOURCES
- These activities include information gathering, document analysis, and the viewing of audiovisual materials. They foster research skills and critical thinking, enabling students to identify, evaluate, and synthesise relevant information from a variety of sources.
- INDEPENDENT LEARNING
- Refers to the process through which students take responsibility for managing their own learning. It involves planning, carrying out, and evaluating independent study activities. This approach promotes self-discipline, responsibility, and self-assessment skills.
Teaching methodologies
- MASTERCLASSES
- During these sessions, lecturers deliver knowledge directly to students through structured presentations on specific topics, making use of resources such as slides, whiteboards, and audiovisual materials.
- PRACTICAL SESSIONS
- These sessions take place either in computer labs using digital resources or on sound stages and location shoots using professional audiovisual equipment. They allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled environment. Students work directly with software, digital tools, and audiovisual production equipment to solve specific problems and complete practical tasks. This methodology encourages active learning and the development of technical skills through hands-on experience, while also facilitating the understanding of abstract concepts through practice.
- PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
- A teaching methodology that engages students in the development of projects addressing real and relevant challenges. Students research, plan, and execute projects while applying knowledge and skills from different disciplines.
Curriculum
Programme Name: Official Master’s Degree in Film Directing
Qualification awarded upon graduation: Official Master’s Degree in Film Directing by the University of Barcelona
Programme duration and ECTS credits: One academic year and 60 ECTS credits
The Official Master’s Degree in Film Directing consists of 60 credits and is completed over the course of one academic year. Core (compulsory) courses account for 45 credits, and the Master’s Thesis accounts for 15 credits.
CURRICULUM FOR THE OFFICIAL MASTER’S DEGREE IN FILM DIRECTING
Applicant Profile
The programme is affiliated with the fields of Arts and Humanities, as well as Social and Legal Sciences.
Applicants whose undergraduate degree is not directly related to the programme’s core content must undergo a technical leveling phase. This requires the successful completion of 3 ECTS credits of preparatory coursework, delivered intensively at the start of the academic year:
- Theoretical Foundation: Introduction to documentary language.
- Narrative: Screenwriting and audiovisual story structures.
- Technical Training: Fundamentals of audiovisual production.
As a guideline, the recommended applicant profile includes the following characteristics:
- Strong competencies in oral and written expression.
- The ability to structure and communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
- Creativity in the use of narrative and visual techniques.
- An interest in cinematic narrative and the use of audiovisual elements to construct coherent and emotionally resonant stories.
- Basic knowledge of film history and, in particular, the influence of film directing on the evolution of the audiovisual language.
- Prior experience in filmmaking- whether through academic, professional, or personal projects – such as directing short films, participating in audiovisual productions, or working in technical film departments.
Admissions
To apply for this Master’s programme, the following materials must be submitted:
- Video pitch (max. 3 minutes).
- CV / Resume.
- Academic Transcript and/or Official Degree Certificate.
If you have a portfolio featuring projects you have participated in, whether at a professional or amateur level, you may attach it, although it is neither mandatory nor strictly required.
In cases where further clarification is needed to make a final admission decision, the programme directors will conduct an online interview with the candidate.
