MA
Science fiction remains one of the few genres that lifts us from everyday life and places us into a world of infinite impossibilities.
Make your dream a reality with this unique programme, the only MA in the UK that combines film and other visual media with science fiction and fantasy in which you will graduate with both a UK and US postgraduate degree.
Explore what we offer with the help of some of our Master’s students who share their experiences. We give something unique, as the only UK University offering all students a UK and US degree with one programme, providing diversity, choice and freedom.
About the programme
If you’ve had a life-long fascination with the world of science fiction and fantasy, you are probably aware that eight out of the top 10 grossing films of all time are in this genre, with Avatar and Avengers: Endgame taking the top two spots, alongside Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and many other Marvel Avengers instalments (Age of Ultron, Infinity War, Black Panther, Avengers Assemble), as well as Jurassic World. Sci-fi and fantasy characters have become international stars, such as Tyrion and Cersei Lannister, Superman, Wonder Woman, Captain American, Black Widow, Rey, Wolverine, Batman, Buffy, Doctor Who, Eleven, The Mandalorian, Furiosa and Spock, to name a few.
It’s a multi-million dollar industry, with increasingly spectacular special effects and big name directors, stars and celebrities in these films providing a seemingly unstoppable rise in popularity and success. Now also dominating streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Amazon and Apple TV, as well as games, comics, animation and so much more, sci-fi and fantasy are currently the most lucrative products of popular entertainment.
This rapidly changing environment is what makes our MA Film: Science Fiction and Fantasy so exciting.
What we can offer you
Take your passion to a whole new level with this programme, the only Film Masters of its kind in the UK inspired by science fiction and fantasy across film, television, comics, games, animation and other visual media in which you will graduate with both a UK and US postgraduate degree, opening up doors to global industry opportunities.
Explore this genre from an intercultural perspective in a truly international environment, located centrally within London and just a few short tube stops away from the world’s top entertainment production companies and film industry locations.
It will equip you with the professional skills and experience to work successfully in a variety of arts, film, television and cultural industries, from pre-to-post production, to professional project and studio management.
You will explore whether you wish to be a writer, producer, director, editor, visual effects artist and digital storyteller, actor, set technician or involved in the advertising and distribution of science fiction and fantasy entertainment products. Or you may wish to continue with more study and research in the same field.
What you will study
Fall Semester
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Spring Semester
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Summer Semesterplus EITHER
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OR
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Entry requirements
At Richmond our postgraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are available as 1 year (full-time) or two year (part-time) options with some programmes offering even more flexibility.
The entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen study option, excluding our International Business (MSc) programme
*All other equivalent eligible transfer credits will be determined by Admissions.
For more information on English Language Requirements visit our How to Apply webpage.
Fees & funding
Postgraduate tuition fees for students starting their programme this academic year can be found in the table below.
UK |
EU / INT / US |
|
| Spring / Fall 2023 | Spring / Fall 2023 | |
| MA Programmes
(per year) |
£9,000 | £13,250 (Spring 2023) £13,750 (Fall 2023) |
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
For more information visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
Employability
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment. Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
Career Paths
Actor, Director, Editor, Producer, Promotional Marketing, Set technician, Studio Management, Visual effects artist and digital storyteller, Writer or further study
Optional accredited internship
Optional Accredited Internship (London or International)
The Internship Programme at Richmond integrates industry knowledge with real working experience. Students will be challenged to relate course projects to the workplace, make contacts which may prove valuable to their future employment prospects, and gain confidence in their capabilities, creativity and communication skills. Internships are designed to be both demanding and rewarding. The internship will provide an opportunity to better understand the marketplace, using the skills learned on courses in a real-world setting, as students produce an assessed record of their experiences.
A broad education of this kind equips graduates for a wide range of careers internationally, while enabling them to develop specialist expertise in areas of particular interest.
Optional Accredited USA Internship (additional cost)
Students interested in gaining work experience in the USA during their last semester and wishing for help to secure a placement can be linked up to Richmond’s partner GCC (Global Career Center).
This organization will offer students comprehensive career training, find them a placement with a hosting company related to their field of studies in the USA and provide all the necessary support to students with their J1 visa application.
This optional internship will incur an additional cost of $3500 (£2600) which will cover: the J1 visa application, site visit and insurance costs ($1820), GCC’s continuous training as well as finding a placement.
The initial cost to start the coaching and training part of the programme is $1,000 and the rest of the fee is only paid once the internship has been confirmed by the host organisation/company and validated by RAIUL’s International Internship Coordinator.
An official certificate of completion will be awarded to every student having successfully completed the programme.
Visit our Careers & Internships webpage for more details on the Host Organisations and examples of Work projects.
For more information contact our Head of Careers and Internships Cecile Loyen.
How to apply
You can apply for Postgraduate study using our online application form.
Whilst most of our courses do not set an exact deadline for applications, you are advised to apply early to secure your place and organise any sponsorship or funding.
Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.
Register for a 1-2-1 consultation with a programme academic >>
Learn more about our Postgraduate degrees, scholarship opportunities and career prospects.
Spend a semester in Los Angeles with our partner Mount Saint Mary’s University and gain experience in any aspect of filmmaking and production you want to specialise in. Situated in the iconic Hollywood Blvd, Mount Saint Mary’s has state of the art facilities and an extensive selection of science fiction and fantasy courses.
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“What makes this MA so unique is that it is the only film-specific Sci-Fi and Fantasy MA in the UK. Added to this is our distinctive UK/US offering as all of our students graduate with a UK and US MA degree, providing fantastic career opportunities. Combined with an Anglo/Hollywood focused programme with world-leading film and production studios on the doorstep in London, it’s an unbeatable combination.”
– Dr. Caleb Turner, MA Convenor
