Raindance Postgraduate Training Programme

Raindance is pleased to announce the launch of a Masters Degree that includes a broad range of opportunities including training courses, networking with the industry and self-directed study. The learning activities, pathways and even the final degree title on the certificate are negotiated individually with the student, depending on evolving career and project aims. A unique collaboration between Raindance as the UK's most popular film training organisation and innovative academics at Staffordshire University, this part-time postgraduate degree programme takes advantage of recent developments in academic and professional education.

Since 1992 Raindance has developed and delivered industry-relevant filmmaking courses comprised of practical and theoretical training. The new Masters degree will build on elements of existing Raindance Continuous Professional Development training combined with exclusive meetings with veteran industry practitioners as well as additional tuition about practical and conceptual research techniques with a strong emphasis on self-directed and reflective learning.

This means the schedule and the individual module content are not determined by the school as in conventional degrees, but freely negotiated with tutors in the beginning. Depending on the student's needs and interests, the research could lead to an M.A. in Directing Independent Films, M.Sc. in Digital Cinematography, or very specialised concerns like Producing Films with Crowd Funding or Writing Fantasy Screenplays, that traditional institutions would not be able to offer.



The independent study as well as assessment of theoretical and practical course work leads to the postgraduate degree certificate that is academically validated and awarded by the University, depending on the student approach either as M.A. or M.Sc..

Speaking today in London, Raindance founder Elliot Grove said: "I am delighted to be working with one of Britain's premier universities to deliver a programme that will respond to the changing filmmaking climate, and a programme that will respond to the constantly changing influences of digital filmmaking and distribution techniques."

The Raindance educational strategy has been prepared by veteran producer Carl Schoenfeld. Carl adds: "This is the first response to the Government's white paper on higher education where industry meets academia to deliver highly relevant courses. The winners are the students, who are empowered through skills that enable them to take responsibility for their own learning throughout the course and beyond."

James Fair of Staffordshire University says, "We have always pursued a combination of relevance and excellence at Staffordshire. We feel that the partnership with Raindance demonstrates our ability to provide flexible learning opportunities that correspond to the demands of the workplace. This will be where theory and practice meet, mirroring the complex realities of filmmaking".

Applications for the limited places will open on 15th July, with successful applicants starting the program on 28th September.

For details of the course, allocation process and fees, please contact Frederica Byron acirederf[at]ku.oc.ecnadniar or call Raindance at 0207 287 3833.