Study plan

The Master of Film and Digital Image students follow the study pattern of the core units of study and electives as required.

Progression rules

Pre-requisites for each unit of study must be met for progression.

Capstone experience

The capstone experience in the Master of Film and Digital Image includes rationale development, exhibition in a Degree Show and formal oral examination of a student's creative work.

Graduate opportunities

Master of Film and Digital Image graduates acquire a core range of critical, conceptual, production and technical skills over the course of the degree. Students also graduate with a substantial portfolio of original digital film projects that reflects their creative expertise and knowledge of the digital filmmaking process.

Graduates work as directors, producers, cinematographers, scriptwriters, HD video editors, sound designers, motion graphics designers and independent filmmakers or digital artists.

Further study

Graduates of Master of Film and Digital Image who have completed the Research Methodology in Art Practice unit of study with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research at the Sydney College of the Arts.

Other study options

The following Master of Film and Digital Image electives are available to postgraduate students from other faculties or universities on non-award or cross-institutional basis with some knowledge of film and digital media production processes: Digital Effects for Film and Video; Digital Editing for Film and Video; Documentary Digital Video; Experimental Film; and Sound Design for Film and Digital Media. Students are required to obtain a permission to enrol in these electives from the course coordinator.

Admission requirements

A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Film and Digital Image will hold the Bachelor of Visual Arts degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution; and present a portfolio of creative work demonstrating the ability to undertake advanced art practice and coursework. The applicant should also have some knowledge of film and digital media production processes. In exceptional circumstances the dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed to be equivalent and sufficient to undertake the award.

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications are made directly to the University of Sydney and assessed by the faculty. You must submit a CV detailing relevant work experience, moving image projects and/or exhibitions, visual arts and film and digital image skills; and a portfolio of recent artwork. Portfolio guidelines are available on the faculty website.

Ancillary expenses

Special Events contribution

At the end of every year Sydney College of the Arts holds two major student exhibitions: the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree Shows. These large-scale group exhibitions, presented throughout the galleries and studios at Sydney College of the Arts, showcase the work of all graduating students and are a highlight of the academic year. Each exhibiting student is asked to pay a Special Events contribution fee of $120 towards the exhibition expenses. This fee goes towards the production of a catalogue, DVD, promotion of the exhibitions, invitations and the opening nights. The Special Events contribution fee is collected at the time of enrolment.

Access Keys fee

Postgraduate candidates are issued with keys to access relevant areas of the campus during their study at SCA. A one-off administrative charge, plus a refundable deposit of $25 for each key, is required.

International students

How to apply

International applicants may apply directly to the University, or through a University overseas representative (education agent). You must submit a CV detailing relevant work experience, moving image projects and/or exhibitions, visual arts and film and digital image skills; and a portfolio of recent artwork. Portfolio guidelines are available on the faculty website.

Ancillary expenses for international students

Special Events contribution

At the end of every year Sydney College of the Arts holds two major student exhibitions: the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree Shows. These large-scale group exhibitions, presented throughout the galleries and studios at Sydney College of the Arts, showcase the work of all graduating students and are a highlight of the academic year. Each exhibiting student is asked to pay a Special Events Contribution Fee of $120 towards the exhibition expenses. This fee goes towards the production of a catalogue, DVD, promotion of the exhibitions, invitations and the opening nights. The Special Events Contribution Fee is collected at the time of enrolment.

Access Keys fee

Postgraduate candidates are issued with keys to access relevant areas of the campus during their study at SCA. A one-off administrative charge, plus a refundable deposit of $25 for each key, is required.

Domestic students

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Film and Digital Image.

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Film and Digital Image.

Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.