MA/MSC PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN CREATIVE MEDIA INDUSTRIES degree
Your Masters, Your Way
Total Course Fees: £6,750*
SAE staff and alumni discount
SAE alumni and staff receive a 25% discount on fees.
Government Master’s loans are available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Total Course Fees: £6,750*
SAE staff and alumni discount
SAE alumni and staff receive a 25% discount on fees.
For option A:
• A 500 word proposal that outlines what you want to do for your Master's Major Project and why.
For option B:
• A portfolio of work that demonstrates your creative work experience. This must include all media files (not links) and a written document summarising your involvement in the project(s) submitted.
•A CV demonstrating industry experience.
• A 500 word proposal that outlines what you want to do for your Master's Major Project and why.
For option C:
• A 500 proposal that outlines what you want to do for your Master's Major Project and why.
If English is not your first language, please refer to the International Entry Requirements below.
If your qualification does not meet these requirements, we’ll ask for one of the following:
- IELTS (UKVI or Academic) – minimum 5.5 in all components and an overall band score of 5.5
- IELTS One Skill Retake – minimum score of 5.5 in skill retake
- IELTS Online – minimum 5.5 in all components and an overall band score of 5.5
- Pearson Test of English – 59 or above overall with a minimum of 59 in each component
- PSI Skills for English B2 SELT – Pass
- Trinity College London SELT– Pass with Merit
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) – 169 overall with no less than 160 in each component minimum grade C
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – 169 overall with no less than 160 in each component minimum grade B
- TOEFL (IBT or IBT Home Edition online) – 72 overall with no less than Listening – 17 Writing – 17 Speaking – 20 Reading – 18
- LanguageCert Academic – 60 pass with minimum score of 60 in each skill
- LanguageCert International ESOL C1 Expert – pass in all four components
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) – Pass with a minimum 33 in all components
- LanguageCert ESOL Integrated Skills in English II – pass in all components
- Duolingo English Test – Overall score of 100 with no less than 95 in Speaking, Writing and Listening. Minimum 100 in Reading.
SAE accepts various high school level English Qualification, please contact our Admissions team at ukenquiries@sae.edu to discuss this.
English language tests are valid for a maximum of two years.
SUCCESS AFTER MASTERS
Our graduates are shaping the creative media industries worldwide, from film and games to music and digital marketing.
Matt Duke
“Embarking on this professional practice Master’s after 15 years in the industry was a game-changer. It’s flexibility seamlessly blended with my work schedule, providing a space to delve into my chosen specialty. Guided by experienced academics from diverse creative fields, this transformative experience became a pivotal milestone in my career journey.” Matt Duke - Music Performance & Production Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Southern Regional College
Abbey Carter
“With the Masters course being online, self directed learning felt [like] I could really focus on my specialist field… although I had a lot of ideas, my tutor helped refine these and said something that I now teach to my students: “your work will only be as good as your passion”. Abbey Carter - Co-Founder and 3D Environment Artist, Atlantis 3D Studios
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Enrich your career with flexible, online learning to suit your life
- Enhance your practical skills to elevate your craft
- Target specific areas of creative industry practice to boost your career
- Build a jam-packed creative portfolio to showcase to industry
- Expand your professional network with new global artistic connections
- Reflect on your work in industry already, or help address key skills and knowledge gaps
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Design and deliver the ultimate creative masterpiece.
- Mix theory with practice to become a well-rounded practitioner.
- Explore your favourite areas of artistic expression.
- Present your industry passions at 3 online conferences.
- Get to grips with the latest in professional practice.
- Gain insider knowledge of the creative industries.
- Share ideas and feedback with friends and colleagues.
- Build deep connections across the global creative community.
- Become a standout creative entrepreneur.
- Propel your creative industries career.
YOUR MASTER'S JOURNEY BEGINS TODAY
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM OUR MASTERS IN CREATIVE MEDIA
Co-create your personal masters journey with SAE’s fully remote MA/MSc Professional Practice in Creative Media Industries. This flexible, industry-focused masters in creative arts can be studied as either a Master of Arts or Master of Science, letting you take control of your learning with tailored interests and career goals.
Whatever your creative industries sector – music business, audio production, social media marketing, content creation, film production, games, animation or web development – you’ll join students from across the globe to research, reflect, upskill and create.
Across weekly online webinars, you’ll discover a world of creativity, connecting with fellow students remotely to fit around your busy life. With support from your personal Learning Advisor, you’ll work collaboratively to build a standout portfolio and Major Project of your choice – typically a film, musical recording, musical, animation, game, website, social media platform or business. Working with industry is also highly encouraged, so you can progress your career while gaining a master’s degree.
For those of you at the beginning of your industry journey this masters will allow you to focus on addressing key skills and knowledge gaps to help kickstart your career in industry. For those with years of industry experience, use this existing knowledge to acquire an impressive postgraduate qualification.
The ultimate celebration of creativity, this masters in creative arts will see you turn your significant industry experience into an impressive postgraduate qualification, growing your professional network and taking your creative career in a bold new direction.
Course FAQS
What is this course?
The MA/MSc Professional Practice in Creative Media Industries is a flexible, fully online master’s degree designed for creative professionals.
You’ll develop a major creative project in one of the following areas: audio production, music business, film production, visual effects and animation, game art and animation, games programming, web development, content creation and online marketing.
Is it an MA or MSc?
You choose. An MA suits creatively driven projects, while an MSc focuses on technical practice.
Who is it for?
Designed for early-to-mid-career creative professionals, the course suits those wanting to upskill, reflect on their practice, or change direction. It’s open to both UK and international students and is especially popular with learners aged 25+, however our student body contains a range of ages, backgrounds and international locations.
How long does it take?
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time, or a custom plan to suit your schedule.
How is it delivered?
The course is fully online, combining self-directed project work with online webinars, regular supervisor meetings, virtual research conferences and peer collaboration.
How is it structured?
Three modules:
- Project Planning and Theoretical Perspectives – Develop and present your project plans, including practical work, upskilling and research.
- Professional Development Scheme – Engage in practical work that helps address skills and knowledge gaps. For those with significant industry experience, reflect on those years and your development.
- Creative Media Project – Engage in the work designed by you. With a written as well as practical element (although 100% written is an option) finalise your masters work and gain an impressive postgraduate qualification.
When can I start?
Intakes are available in January, May and September.
What support will I get?
A dedicated Learning Advisor matched to your project, weekly webinars and academic support, technical help for creative tools, access to SAE’s global creative community, wellbeing services and peer networking opportunities.
What careers can this lead to?
Graduates pursue roles such as audio producer or sound engineer, music business entrepreneur (management, live music & artistry), filmmaker or director, animator or VFX artist, games developer or programmer, web developer, content creator or digital marketer, academic or researcher.
Can this help me move into teaching or academia?
Yes. The course develops advanced research and critical reflection skills, making it a strong pathway to lecturing, higher education roles or a PhD.
Will I graduate with a portfolio?
Yes, if this is what you want. Your masters is designed by you, and portfolio building can take place throughout your masters journey, focusing on one large project or several smaller ones to demonstrate your spread of ability.
What do I need to apply?
A relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience.
Can I apply without a degree?
Yes. Significant industry experience may be accepted instead of formal qualifications. Applications are assessed case by case.
Do I need to be working in the creative industries now?
No. While many students are professionals, the course also supports those transitioning into creative careers.
English language requirements may apply for non-native speakers.
How much does it cost?
SAE offers one of the most affordable postgraduate programmes in the sector. For current fees, visit the SAE Fees and Funding page.
Are discounts available?
Yes. SAE undergraduate alumni receive a 25% discount.
Is funding available?
Depending on your location, you may access postgraduate loans, scholarships or employer sponsorship. Contact SAE’s student support team for guidance.
How do I apply?
Apply online: https://www.sae.edu/gbr/apply-now/
You’ll need a personal statement, academic transcripts or evidence of experience, and a project proposal if available.
Can I speak to someone first?
Yes. You can book a call with an SAE advisor to discuss your options and get help with your application.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply for our Masters in Creative Arts at SAE, please contact our Enquiries Team on 03330 112 315 or email ukadmissions@sae.edu.
