Course overview
MFA Directing Fiction is a postgraduate (master's) course in arts, design & media at National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, United Kingdom. It takes 2 years full-time, with intakes in January.
National Film and Television School is a public institution. Read the full course description, modules and entry rules on the official course page.
Key highlights
| University | National Film and Television School (Public) |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaconsfield, United Kingdom |
| Course | MFA Directing Fiction |
| Level | Master's (postgraduate) |
| Subject area | Arts, Design & Media |
| Duration | 2 years full-time |
| Tuition per year | £27,600 (≈ ₹33.7 lakh) |
| Intakes | January |
| English requirement | IELTS Academic 6.5 in each component (or approved SELT at CEFR B2) |
Interested in MFA Directing Fiction?A counsellor checks your eligibility and helps you apply, free of charge.
Fees and costs
Tuition for international students is £27,600 a year, about ₹33.7 lakh. Over 2 years that is roughly £55,200 (≈ ₹67.3 lakh) before any yearly increase.
January 2027 intake
Living costs for the UK as a whole: £12,000–18,000 a year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Plan my monthly living costsCareer outcomes
Graduate employment
80.3%
Sustained employment with or without further study, 1 year after graduation, tax year 2023-24
Average (median) salary
£23,900
≈ ₹29.2 lakh a year
Median annualised earnings
Job roles
- Graphic designer
- Television/film/video producer
- Social media manager
- Multimedia specialist
- UX designer
- Photographer
Employers hiring for these roles worldwide
WPP
Heineken
Disney
Netflix
BBC
Adobe
Sony
Meta
Google
Universal Music Group
Eligibility
General entry requirements at National Film and Television School for master's courses. Some courses ask for more, so check the course page.
- Applicants usually hold a degree, but NFTS considers those without one if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification.
- Each course asks for its own portfolio, for example up to three short films for Directing Fiction or Vimeo links for Cinematography, followed by interview.
- For the January 2027 intake, many MFA courses had closed by October 2026; several MAs listed a deadline of 26 November 2026.
- International students can take full-time MA and MFA courses on a Student visa. Diploma courses are not open to Student visa applicants.
English requirements
For this course: IELTS Academic 6.5 in each component (or approved SELT at CEFR B2).
| Test | What the university asks for |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall with 6.5 in each component, usually required for the Student visa |
| Other tests | Other UKVI-approved SELTs at CEFR B2 are accepted |
| Exemption | Some applicants are exempt, for example those with a UK-taught degree |
Intakes
This course starts in: January.
Upcoming intakes and deadlines in the UKHow to apply
- Check the entry requirements and the deadline on the official course page.
- Take IELTS, PTE or the test the university accepts, if you need one.
- Prepare your documents: transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters and CV.
- Apply on the university's application portal and pay any application fee.
- Accept your offer, meet any conditions and pay the deposit.
- Apply for your student visa for the UK, then arrange accommodation.
Documents you'll need
- Online application
- Portfolio (films, showreel, scripts or work samples, depending on course)
- Degree certificate, if you have one
- IELTS Academic or approved SELT result
- Passport
About National Film and Television School
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is a specialist film, television and games school based at Beaconsfield Studios in Buckinghamshire. It began in 1971 and teaches over 700 students a year. Its two-year MFA courses cover cinematography, directing, producing, screenwriting, editing, sound, composing and games design, and its one-year MAs cover areas such as animation, VFX, virtual production and the business of the creative industries. NFTS alumni have won Oscars, Emmys and BAFTAs.
International students can join the full-time MA and MFA courses on a Student visa, but not the Diploma courses. Entry is by portfolio and interview rather than marks, and a degree is not always required. NFTS says it currently has no funding for international students, so Indian applicants should plan to fund themselves or find external scholarships.
Similar courses
Arts, Design & Media courses at other universities in the UK
- MA Animation ProductionArts University BournemouthFull time from September (see the course page for length) · £19,950 / year
- MA Visual Effects and Photorealistic Computer GraphicsArts University BournemouthFull time from September 2027 (see the course page for length) · £22,000 / year
- MA User Experience (UX/UI)Arts University BournemouthFull time or part time from September 2027 (subject to validation) · £19,950 / year
- MA Graphic DesignArts University BournemouthFull time from September 2027 (no September 2026 intake) · £19,950 / year
- Master of Architecture (Part 2 RIBA/ARB)Arts University Bournemouth2 years (full time) · £19,950 / year
- MA Immersive MediaArts University Plymouth1 year full time (2 years part time) · £18,000 / year
More courses at National Film and Television School
- MFA Cinematography2 years full-time · £27,600 / year
- MFA Producing2 years full-time · £27,600 / year
- MFA Games Design and Development2 years full-time · £27,600 / year
- MFA Screenwriting2 years full-time · £27,600 / year
- MFA Editing2 years full-time · £27,600 / year
- MA Animation for Film and Games1 year full-time · £22,450 / year
FAQs
What is the fee for MFA Directing Fiction at National Film and Television School?
The tuition for international students is £27,600 a year (about ₹33.7 lakh). January 2027 intake. Fees usually rise each year, so check the course page before you apply.
How long is MFA Directing Fiction?
The course takes 2 years full-time.
What English score do I need?
IELTS Academic 6.5 in each component (or approved SELT at CEFR B2). Some universities also accept Class 12 English marks or other tests; confirm on the course page.
When can I start?
Intakes: January. Apply early: popular courses can fill up before the deadline.
Can Admission Mantra help me apply?
Yes. A counsellor checks your eligibility, helps you prepare your documents and statement of purpose, and guides you through the application and visa. The first conversation is free.
We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026 from the university's own pages. Fees, entry rules and intakes change every year; confirm them on the official course page before you apply. Listing a course doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university.
