MA in Regia e Produzione di Scienze e Storia Naturale

Overview

A unique course, the only one of its kind in the UK, designed to fast track you into the industry.

New technology and a greater variety of formats are challenging the traditional boundaries of Science and Natural History Programming and driving greater audience demand. British production companies are at the forefront of leading innovation in formats and high-end content, with growing opportunities to work with North American and international broadcasters.

Top reasons to apply:

• Exclusive scholarship available for this course with RSPB and other partners.*

• The course includes masterclasses from leading practitioners in industry, including from the world-renowned BBC NHU

• Students will gain the skills and expertise needed to direct science, natural history and wildlife productions and the know-how to produce entire shows.

• The course gives students the ability to generate science and natural history programme ideas and formats.

• Gain the confidence and know-how to pitch those ideas to commissioning editors.

• Graduate with a brilliant list of industry contacts and relevant skills for building a sustainable career as a Producer/Director.

• Work experience at the UK’s major wildlife production companies.

'A new MA designed to bring on the next generation of natural-history programme-makers' BBC Wildlife

'You are the future. It’s up to you to change things about the way you look at the natural world, using formats I haven’t dreamed about.' Sir David Attenborough, NFTS Masterclass 2017 (Picture: Sir David Attenborough with Science and Natural History Students)

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Those accepted onto the course starting in 2018 and 2019 will have their fees guaranteed at the UK rate for both years of the course. Postgraduate students can apply for a loan to help with their studies via the Student Loans Company Loans. A £10,609 loan is available to contribute to course and living costs. The Postgraduate Loan is only open to EU/EEA and UK Students who normally live in England. It is not currently available to Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Students. Find out more here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 21 NOV 2019

Entry Requirements

If you are lively and imaginative, then this is the course for you! Applicants must be able to demonstrate their passion, commitment, and talent for developing a career in Television.

Typically applicants will have a proven interest in science and natural history, which, typically, may involve a background in Physics, Chemistry, combined Natural Sciences, Zoology, Biology, Psychology, Mathematics etc.

Apply With

• A short proposal for a science or natural history television programme (one side of A4)

• Optional: A digital portfolio containing samples of your work specifying your exact role in each. This work does not need to be in the science and natural history area, as some applicants may not have a film or other programme-making background.

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply directly to us at the NFTS by clicking on the link below:

• APPLY FOR DIRECTING & PRODUCING SCIENCE & NATURAL HISTORY COURSE

• You can apply online, or download a word document of the application form to submit via email

When selecting your course, please ensure that you have read the entry requirements and details of the supporting materials that should accompany your application.

TIMING YOUR APPLICATION

We are happy to receive applications 24/7 and 365 days a year up until the deadline.

History

The National Film School (as it was first named) opened in 1971, the culmination of a major effort by the Industry and government to create an institution to educate and train talent for the British Film Industry.

In 1970, Colin Young, a Scot then chairing the University of California's Department of Theater Arts, co-founded the NFTS and was appointed as the School's first director. With a loan from Rank, the NFS bought the old Beaconsfield Film Studios in Buckinghamshire - which had been home to organisations as diverse as British Lion Film Corporation, The Crown Film Unit and the North Thames Gas Board - and set about refitting it to professional industry standards. Young established four permanent departments - production, camera, editing and sound - and in 1971 the first intake of 25 students passed through the studio gates. Directors Mike Radford (The Merchant of Venice, Il Postino), Bill Forsyth (Local Hero) and Ben Lewin (Ally McBeal), pioneering documentarist Nick Broomfield (Aileen: Portrait of a Serial Killer), and visual effects specialist Dennis Lowe (Cold Mountain, The English Patient) were among their number.

Production Facilities

The NFTS is the only UK film school with its own industry standard film studio, 4k Television and rehearsal studios. With a recent £20 million investment in the School, we offer cutting-edge dedicated workspaces for all courses, making our student experience unparalleled at any other UK creative institution.

NFTS students are given 24/7 access, 364 days a year to the largest production facilities at any UK film school. Not only do these include our studios, but also our sound and dubbing theatres, over 50 top of the range cameras, the latest editing software in dedicated suites, our Dolby Digital Surround Cinemas, and more. These unique facilities enable our students to create BAFTA, Royal Television Society, CILECT award winning and Oscar-nominated productions.

Curriculum

There is no other film school in the world that offers so many individual specialist practical filmmaking courses. 18 Masters, 14 Diplomas, 4 Certificates and a wide range of short courses.

NFTS Courses are based on learning and applying the crafts and skills of the medium. Students are encouraged to develop a solid understanding of how their specialist role fits into the overall process of project development, production and programme-making. All practical learning is carefully integrated with seminars and other activities that place film, television and games in a historical, cultural and business context.

Alumni Network

Just because you've graduated, doesn't mean it's over!

The NFTS has a very active Alumni Network, with many graduates staying in touch and working together long after they have left the School. There are also an increasing number of recent graduates working on projects with graduates from many years back.

As part of the Alumni Network, you will receive regular emails containing information about jobs, Bridges to Industry projects and news from the school. We also have our Annual NFTS Alumni Party that takes place in Central London every January – be sure to keep an eye out for your invitation!

Don’t forget to keep us up to date with contact details and let us know about any credits or festivals you are involved with!

To contact our NFTS Alumni team, please email alumni@nfts.co.uk

To help you stay connected, reunite with old classmates or meet graduates from other years why not join us online on Facebook and Linked In.

Partners

The NFTS is indebted to the many organisations, companies and individuals who support our work, many of whom have supported the School for the majority of its existence.

PLATINUM PARTNER SPONSOR

KEY PARTNER FUNDERS

KEY PARTNER SPONSORS

KEY PARTNER ACCREDITATIONS

Bridges to Industry

The NFTS works with a range of partners in the Industry to provide opportunities for NFTS students and graduates.

The NFTS Bridge to Industry Schemes are designed to help NFTS students and graduates into the Industry - providing opportunities to create shorts, films and promos with our Industry Partner sponsors, whilst continuing to be supported by the NFTS.