WOULD-BE movie-makers will be able to get a postgraduate degree for the first time from an Oxford charity.

Film Oxford in Catherine Street is offering up to eight students the chance to study for a masters degree in film.

It is being run by Raindance, a London-based organisation which has taught filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, Justin Fellowes and Guy Ritchie.

Film Oxford course manager Richard Duriez said: “We plan to launch the course in January. It is very exciting.

“It is on the back of a change in legislation which means organisations outside of universities can run degree programmes.”

The course itself will be accredited by Staffordshire University, but students will be based in Oxford. Mr Duriez said they would have the vast majority of control over their own schedule and curriculum, deciding which aspect of filmmaking to trial and working towards an overall project.

This could be making a film, or writing a screenplay, he said.

Film Oxford is an independent centre that aims to offer opportunities in film for everyone, offering courses for beginners through to professionals.

Mr Duriez said: “Our philosophy has always been that the best way to teach filmmaking is to actually do it.

“This formalises that and means people can actually gain a degree at the same time as getting first-hand experience.”

A postgraduate course was run by Raindance in London last year and is currently on its second intake of students.

The organisation also runs the annual Raindance film festival and has courses and workshops throughout the year – all available to students studying for a masters degree.

Head of postgraduate education Carl Schoenfeld said: “The great thing about this is the variety of different projects the students can take on, it is up to them.

“The experience helps them gain a greater understanding of the film industry and the opportunities available to them in that environment.”

The course will cost £7,950, which is cheaper than other university-based courses, and can be studied full-time in one year or part-time over two.

  • Email Mr Duriez on office@filmoxford.org to book a visit, or email Mr Schoenfeld for a taster tutorial at carl@raindance.co.uk