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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
18 Months -
21 Sep 2026
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Advance your technical and practical skills in cinematography while also developing your individual voice
- Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others, through collaboration, collective endeavour and negotiation on a range of projects
- Learn to develop an understanding of film language, characterisation of light and motion and how to effectively communicate with audiences through the image
- Develop a portfolio of work in collaboration with your peers in one of the largest art schools in the North
Your specialist facilities
During this course, you’ll have access to a wide range of industry-standard facilities including:
- 200-seat Dolby Atmos Cinema
- Triple-height fully lighting rigged film studios
- Green screen studio
- Immersive sound mixing studios
- An entire floor dedicated to post-production
Develop a rounded skillset
You’ll develop a firm grounding in key concepts and concerns of cinematography for a range of screen media. Your studies will also emphasise the creation of new ideas through provocation, stimulation and inspiration.
We’ll help you build your confidence through a range of exercises and processes that encourage you to evaluate your own and other people’s work independently and effectively.
Join our film school community
You’ll be based in the Northern Film School. Joining a diverse and creative community will enhance your learning and development as you work alongside film production courses during your studies.
The Northern Film School graduates include:
- Writer, Jeremy Dyson (Ghost Stories (2017), Killing Eve (2019), The League of Gentlemen (1999-2017))
- Cinematographer, Fabian Wagner (House of the Dragon (2022), Game of Thrones (2014-2019), The Crown (2019))
- Director, Sam Donovan (Three Pines (2022), The Crown (2019), Humans (2015), Utopia (2014))
Our industry links
The Northern Film School and Leeds School of Arts has professional links with Northern based film and TV organisations including:
- Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF)
- Hyde Park Picture House
- Film4
- BFI Hub
- Duck Soup Films
- ITV
- Screen Yorkshire
- Freelance industry practitioners
Why study Cinematography at Leeds Beckett University?
- Study within Leeds School of Arts – one of the largest university arts communities in the North of England
- Access a wide range of specialist facilities including a 200 seat Dolby Atmos Cinema
- Collaborate across the school with students studying other postgraduate courses
- Learn from expert tutors with extensive and current industry experience
- Leeds is at the heart of a boom in the northern film industry, as well as being the birthplace of film and home to Channel 4’s new national headquarters
Leeds School of Arts ‘When I feel like I’m sinking’ is a poem to mark the opening of the Leeds School of Arts building at Leeds Beckett University. Recited by the poet and Leeds Beckett graduate, Zodwa Nyoni, this short film showcases the creative work produced by our Performing Arts, Music and Sound, Filmmaking, and Creative Technologies students and graduates.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in a cognate subject; at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for; or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applicants will be required to submit a portfolio to evidence an aptitude for the subject. Your portfolio should be of creative work that demonstrates creative ability and understanding of story, preferably including examples of Cinematography for the screen. Your portfolio may include your final year degree projects in detail and can also include edited work from the rest of your education where you think there is something relevant. We are keen to see how creatively you have spent your career to date so please also include any professional work and clearly explain your role and the project. The portfolio needs to be in chronological order. Please make sure that your work is clearly described and referenced. Do not put in everything you have ever done, edit with a critical eye.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to attend an interview. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in a cognate subject; at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for; or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applicants will be required to submit a portfolio to evidence an aptitude for the subject. Your portfolio should be of creative work that demonstrates creative ability and understanding of story, preferably including examples of Cinematography for the screen. Your portfolio may include your final year degree projects in detail and can also include edited work from the rest of your education where you think there is something relevant. We are keen to see how creatively you have spent your career to date so please also include any professional work and clearly explain your role and the project. The portfolio needs to be in chronological order. Please make sure that your work is clearly described and referenced. Do not put in everything you have ever done, edit with a critical eye.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to attend an interview. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Interview Required
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to attend an interview. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone.
Portfolio Required
All applicants will be required to submit a portfolio to evidence an aptitude for the subject. Your portfolio should be of creative work that demonstrates creative ability and understanding of story, preferably including examples of Cinematography for the screen. Your portfolio may include your final year degree projects in detail and can also include edited work from the rest of your education where you think there is something relevant. We are keen to see how creatively you have spent your career to date so please also include any professional work and clearly explain your role and the project. The portfolio needs to be in chronological order. Please make sure that your work is clearly described and referenced. Do not put in everything you have ever done, edit with a critical eye.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Explore the creative practice of cinematography. You'll investigate the cinematographer’s role and its impact on the filmmaking process, with an emphasis on creative interpretation in visual storytelling. Moving image for cinema and other screens extend from conception through to exhibition and all processes in between affect these images. They are the direct responsibility and interest of the cinematographer. This module will explore the impact that cinematography has and what it can bring
to the screen. You'll also consider a variety of practical techniques in order to develop your understanding of technical theory and the wider context of the discipline. Through this process, you'll further your understanding of the application of concepts of visual storytelling at an advanced level.
Study and understand structure and practices within the current screen industries. You'll explore how the cinematographer manages a crew and collaborates with other heads of department. You'll be encouraged to make your first demonstrable industry contacts.
This module will encourage you to develop your creativity and visual storytelling skills. You'll deepen your knowledge and understanding of camera and light, their qualities and how they can be manipulated through the use of sophisticated filming techniques to tell a story and impact characterisation. The emphasis of the module will be on creativity and using lighting as a powerful visual and storytelling tool. Workshops will focus on practical exercises to create an environment you'll experience in a professional production setting, with a clear focus on creativity and collaboration.
This module will help you leverage the work you've done on the course and launch successfully into the professional world of filmmaking. You'll develop a project that is designed to facilitate the next steps after completing your course, usually related to a head of department role and entry into the moving image industry.
Develop your understanding and critical awareness of visual storytelling techniques within the art and craft of cinematography. You'll analyse work from historical and contemporary artists across the analogue and digital domains. This will enable you to explore diverse aesthetic and technical approaches from both a practical and theoretical perspective. At the end of the module, you'll be able to demonstrate your awareness of these approaches and critically apply this knowledge to your own work. This module will also examine within this context the collaborative nature of the artform.
Combine your learning throughout the course into a significant piece of work, determined and shaped by you. You'll also reflect and critically evaluate the methods you've used as well as the final artefact you have created. This module will be run on an individual tutorial basis, so you'll have regular supervision from a range of tutors with experience and skills relevant to your particular subject area.
Fees and funding
£10,510
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10510. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£18,440
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£10,510
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10510. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- Access to a suitable computer, DAW software and audio interface to be able to work independently at times off campus (£500-1500).
- Stills camera (cost will vary).
- External hard drive (cost will vary).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,440
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series.
Essential Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- Access to a suitable computer, DAW software and audio interface to be able to work independently at times off campus (£500-1500).
- Stills camera (cost will vary).
- External hard drive (cost will vary).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Philip Robertson
Senior Lecturer / Leeds School of Arts
Philip Robertson is an Internationally renowned Cinematographer who also serves as the Senior Lecturer in Cinematography in the School of Arts. Robertson trained at the Russian State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow (VIGIK) and is a graduate of the Northern Film School.
This is a unique course, designed by cinematographers for cinematographers. It will prepare you for a career in this dynamic, exciting and challenging industry. You’ll learn from experts with a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to share.
Philip Robertson
Senior Lecturer
Career Prospects
You'll have been building your professional and industry networks from day one of your course. This will help drive your career in cinematography when you graduate and increase the opportunities open to you.
On completion of this course, you’ll have developed an individual portfolio of a variety of new work. Coupled with your industry knowledge and creative expertise, you’ll be primed for a career in cinematography.
If you work as a director of photography, you’ll have the expertise to work in:
- Drama
- Documentary
- Music videos
- Commercials
You’ll also have the skillset to work as a camera operator in high-end drama or as a second unit director of photography.
Dr Laura Taylor
Course Director / Leeds School of Arts
Laura is an accomplished filmmaker specialising in sound and documentary filmmaking; with credits for the BBC, ITV, and Channel Five. Her research focuses on co-production in filmmaking, immersive film production, AI in the creative industries and sound design's role in storytelling.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
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