Key facts

Duration

The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.

Locations

The Master of Film and Television requires students to be on-campus for discipline specific equipment, software and assessment activities.

Course overview

Prepare for the challenges of the film and TV industry with Deakin’s Master of Film and Television. In this experience-rich course, learn with world-class academics in industry-grade facilities at Deakin Studios (Melbourne Burwood Campus), a virtual production, TV and film studio. Deakin is the #1 university in the state of Victoria for facilities. Grow your transferable skills for success in media industries, including collaboration, problem-solving and personal organisation. Work in a writers’ room on a digital short series, learning to write with the camera. Create your own short documentary and trailer, building skills in editing and colour grading. Develop an individual short film in your second year and hone business skills, from pitching stories to understanding audience, distribution, promotion and film festivals submissions. Intern, volunteer, network and build your personal brand with our support. Graduate with a portfolio for careers as a director, editor, producer and more.

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027

Current Deakin students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Award granted
Master of Film and Television
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
A706
CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
0100300 Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION

Course structure

To complete the Master of Film and Television you must pass 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.

A 16-credit point Master of Film and Television includes:

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

4
Core credit points
+
4
Research credit points
+
8
Elective credit points
=
16
Total credit points

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Film and Television Discipline Core

Writing with the Camera
Studio 1:  The Writer's Room
Post Production
Screen Business

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

  • Start date: July
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Assessment

Assessment will take place at the unit level and has been designed to ensure successful attainment of all 8 Course Learning Outcomes and corresponding Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes over the duration of the course. In particular, assessment of the core units focuses the application of skills and knowledge to produce work that reflects industry practices and standards.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Compulsory learning experiences

International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning and collaborative research training arrangements.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).

1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
  • completion of a graduate certificate in a related discipline and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
  • completion of a graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline

1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline

2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline

^Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Film and Television may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate level studies.

Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to: film and television, film production, new media production, screen production or television production, animation.

Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: editor, content writer, sound designer, media, videographer.

*Recognition of prior learning will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.

You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

$25,000 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.

Check your eligibility or learn more about a FEE-HELP loan.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.

Search or browse through our scholarships

Deakin alumni discount

We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.

Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

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Pathways

Alternate exits

Career outcomes

Join a growing industry: film, television, radio and stage director job opportunities are expected to grow 11.1% by 2028 (Jobs and Skills Australia).

 Exciting roles that may lie ahead for you include:

For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Course Learning Outcomes
Apply specialist knowledge and skills in film making practices and competitive positioning in the industry. 
Interpret, convey, present and pitch complex ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Exhibit high level skills in the use of digital technologies to produce, document, present, publish and research in Film and Television. 
Rationalise and substantiate creative decision making in film and television practice. 
Identify, evaluate and resolve practical, theoretical and methodological challenges in film making practices.
Exercise autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility in film making practices.
Employ advanced interpersonal skills in collaborating in film making practices.
Consider, reflect on and apply an ethical approach to film making practices including openness and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and perspectives as well as diverse communities and cultures in a global context. 

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.

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