Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
The Master of Moving Image (MMI) offers you a hands-on education in contemporary moving image production by teaching you how to develop a film project from concept to screen. It is ideal for professionals pursuing a career in the film and digital media sector, and for anyone wishing to engage with contemporary filmmaking and interactive media.
This degree, delivered by Sydney College of the Arts, combines traditional aspects of film production with new directions in the cinematic arts, incorporating new technologies in interactivity, three-dimensional imaging and virtual delivery.
Learn industry standards, protocols and techniques in pre-production, production and post-production. These include story and script development, production management, art direction, cinematography, directing techniques, and the use of new platforms for film output including interactive apps for hand-held devices.
You will be introduced to the history and theory of film and new media, and can choose from a range of electives from across the university including animation, screenwriting, sound design, digital effects, and rich internet applications.
You will have the flexibility to tailor the degree to your preferred pathway, be it research or professional, including the option of undertaking a placement that interfaces directly with the creative industries.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Applications are made directly to the University of Sydney and assessed by Sydney College of the Arts.
You must submit a portfolio of recent artwork (up to ten (10) examples) with your application. You can include: digital photographs of installations, performance, and exhibitions (preferably as one JPG, TIFF or PDF file) showreel or excerpts of film, animation or digital video work (.MOV) website or Vimeo channel (please provide the site address in a Word or PDF document) original storyboards, treatments or scripts for short films (Word or PDF). (Maximum length of treatment - 5 pages. Maximum length of screenplay - 25 pages. DO NOT submit screenplays or scripts for feature films) The maximum file size for each document or compressed file upload is 10MB.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP, an earlier closing date may apply – check the closing dates section below. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
International applicants may apply directly to the University, or through a University overseas representative (education agent). You must submit a portfolio of recent artwork (up to ten (10) examples) with your application. You can include: digital photographs of installations, performance, and exhibitions (preferably as one JPG, TIFF or PDF file) showreel or excerpts of film, animation or digital video work (.MOV) website or Vimeo channel (please provide the site address in a Word or PDF document) original storyboards, treatments or scripts for short films (Word or PDF). (Maximum length of treatment - 5 pages. Maximum length of screenplay - 25 pages. DO NOT submit screenplays or scripts for feature films) The maximum file size for each document or compressed file upload is 10MB.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
To qualify for the Master of Moving Image you must complete 72 credit points, including:
All units of study are delivered in a face-to-face mode on a weekly basis. The Core Project units will be taught in studio-based lecture and seminar modes, supplemented with tutorial, screenings and class exercises.
The Core Practice units will be taught through studio-based technical demonstrations, workshop tutorials, and practical exercises through a modular structure. The Core History & Theory unit will be taught in lecture and seminar modes, supplemented with screenings and eLearning resources and activities.
Electives will either be taught in lecture and seminar modes, supplemented with screenings, or through studio-based technical demonstrations, workshop tutorials, and practical exercises depending on their emphasis.
Detailed unit of study and program guide (PDF viewer).
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Moving Image will:
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Handbooks Online and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents.
This course will prepare you for a career in the film and digital media industry. You could work as a director, production manager, scriptwriter, digital producer, art director, cinematographer, animator, sound designer and digital effects creator, among other options.
