Master of Film and Theatre Production
<p>The Master of Film and Theatre Production is a postgraduate programme that prepares creative professionals for advanced practice in film and theatre production. The programme combines theoretical analysis with creative exploration and practical production skills.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 220,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 441,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, blended, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Core areas include scriptwriting, directing, performance, dramaturgy, production design, film production, theatre production, digital media production, research methods, and creative project or thesis. Students engage with both creative theory and hands-on production practice.
The programme is offered by Kenyatta University through its School of Visual and Performing Arts. Moi University also offers related programmes in film and theatre. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through blended learning, studio sessions, and workshops.
Students develop competencies in scriptwriting, directing, performance, production design, film production, theatre production, digital media, research methods, and academic writing. The programme includes coursework, examinations, creative projects, and thesis or creative portfolio.
Kenyatta University charges approximately KES 147,500/year for MA in Film and Theatre Arts. Moi University charges approximately KES 153,000/year for related programmes. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in Film, Theatre, Literature, Journalism, Mass Communication, or related fields with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with relevant experience.
Graduates pursue careers as film directors, theatre directors, producers, scriptwriters, production designers, film and theatre lecturers, and creative industry consultants.
Skills Required
- Scriptwriting and Screenwriting
- Directing for Film and Theatre
- Performance and Acting
- Production Design and Management
- Film Production Techniques
- Theatre Production and Stagecraft
- Digital Media Production
- Dramaturgy and Critical Analysis
- Research Methods in Creative Arts
- Academic Writing and Thesis Research
Key Subjects
- Scriptwriting and Screenwriting
- Directing for Film and Theatre
- Performance and Acting
- Production Design and Management
- Film Production Techniques
- Theatre Production and Stagecraft
- Digital Media Production
- Dramaturgy and Critical Analysis
- Research Methods in Creative Arts
- Creative Project or Thesis
Certifications
- KFC Film Professional Certification
- CILECT Professional Membership
Specializations
Film Production
Focuses on film production, covering directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, and producing films from concept to completion.
Theatre Production
Examines theatre production, covering stagecraft, directing for theatre, performance, set design, and producing theatrical works.
Scriptwriting and Dramaturgy
Covers scriptwriting for film and theatre, covering dramatic writing, screenwriting, dramaturgy, and story development.
Digital Media Production
Focuses on digital media production, covering digital filmmaking, animation, visual effects, and new media production.
Performance Studies
Examines performance theory and practice, covering acting, performance art, physical theatre, and performance research.
Production Design
Covers production design for film and theatre, covering set design, costume design, lighting design, and visual aesthetics.
What you study
10 subjects- Scriptwriting and Screenwriting
- Directing for Film and Theatre
- Performance and Acting
- Production Design and Management
- Film Production Techniques
- Theatre Production and Stagecraft
- Digital Media Production
- Dramaturgy and Critical Analysis
- Research Methods in Creative Arts
- Creative Project or Thesis
Modules
12 in the programmeScriptwriting and Dramaturgy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines dramatic writing, screenwriting, story structure, dramaturgy, and developing scripts for film and theatre.
Directing for Film and Theatre
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers directing techniques, working with actors, staging, visual storytelling, and directing for stage and screen.
Performance Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines performance theory and practice, covering acting techniques, physical theatre, voice, movement, and performance research.
Research Methods in Creative Arts
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, creative research methods, data collection, analysis, and conducting arts research, preparing students for their thesis or creative project.
Film Production Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cinematography, editing, sound design, post-production, and producing films from concept to completion.
Theatre Production and Stagecraft
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines stagecraft, technical theatre, set construction, lighting, sound, and producing theatrical works.
Production Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers set design, costume design, lighting design, makeup, and visual aesthetics for film and theatre productions.
Digital Media Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines digital filmmaking, animation, visual effects, new media production, and emerging digital technologies in creative arts.
Film and Theatre Theory
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers film theory, theatre theory, critical analysis, aesthetics, and engaging with global cinematic and theatrical traditions.
Creative Industries and Business
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines creative industries, arts management, cultural policy, producing, and the business of film and theatre.
Creative Project Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of creative project or research proposal, including concept development, methodology, planning, and presentation.
Creative Project or Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original creative project (film, theatre production, or portfolio) or research thesis on a film and theatre topic, demonstrating mastery of creative practice and research, assessed through submission, presentation, and oral defence.
Specialisations
Film Production
Focuses on film production, covering directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, and producing films from concept to completion.
Theatre Production
Examines theatre production, covering stagecraft, directing for theatre, performance, set design, and producing theatrical works.
Scriptwriting and Dramaturgy
Covers scriptwriting for film and theatre, covering dramatic writing, screenwriting, dramaturgy, and story development.
Digital Media Production
Focuses on digital media production, covering digital filmmaking, animation, visual effects, and new media production.
Performance Studies
Examines performance theory and practice, covering acting, performance art, physical theatre, and performance research.
Production Design
Covers production design for film and theatre, covering set design, costume design, lighting design, and visual aesthetics.
A day as a student
A typical day during the Master of Film and Theatre Production programme combines lectures, studio sessions, practical workshops, rehearsals, screenings, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover scriptwriting, directing, performance, production design, and digital media. Scriptwriting sessions examine dramatic writing, screenwriting, story structure, and developing scripts for film and theatre. Directing sessions cover directing techniques, working with actors, staging, and visual storytelling. Performance sessions cover acting techniques, physical theatre, voice, and movement. Production design sessions cover set design, costume design, lighting design, and visual aesthetics for film and theatre. Film production sessions cover cinematography, editing, sound design, and post-production. Theatre production sessions cover stagecraft, technical theatre, and producing theatrical works. Digital media sessions cover digital filmmaking, animation, visual effects, and new media production. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis or creative project, covering research design, creative research, and analysis. Studio sessions provide hands-on experience with production equipment, editing suites, and theatre facilities. Practical workshops provide opportunities to develop creative projects, rehearse scenes, and produce short films or theatrical works. Screenings and performances provide opportunities to showcase work and receive feedback. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in film and theatre. Guest lectures from experienced filmmakers, theatre directors, and creative industry professionals provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis or creative portfolio.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's creative industry is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for qualified film and theatre professionals. | Only two public universities confirmed offering this programme, limiting institutional choice. |
| Programme combines theoretical analysis with practical production skills, providing both knowledge and hands-on experience. | No private university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options for private institution preference. |
| Programme offers access to studios, editing suites, and theatre facilities for practical training. | Career prospects may be limited outside the creative industries sector. |
| Fees are relatively affordable at ~KES 147,500-153,000/year at public universities. | Creative industry incomes can be variable and uncertain, especially for freelancers and independent practitioners. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 106 media & communication coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
UoN MA 220.5K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). Moi fee unverified. Private unverified.
HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KFC may provide training support for film professionals. Kenya Cultural Centre may provide support for theatre and performing arts. Some creative organisations may sponsor practitioners for film and theatre postgraduate study.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
KFC Film Training Support
Kenya Cultural Centre Support
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KFC Film Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Kenya Film Commission supports training and professional development for film professionals in Kenya.
CILECT Professional Development
GrantKsh 200,000
International Association of Film and Television Schools provides professional development support for film and television educators globally.
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KU requires a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields with Upper Second Class Honours. Lower Second Division holders with at least three years of work experience or credit grades in relevant units are considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Kabarak University, Kenyatta University, Moi University.
Including Kabarak University, Kenyatta University, Moi University.
Including Kabarak University, Kenyatta University, Moi University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework25% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, creative exercises, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination25% of the mark
Written examinations covering film and theatre theory, dramaturgy, production techniques, and critical analysis.
Practical Production Assessment
Practical50% of the mark
Practical assessment through film projects, theatre productions, creative portfolios, scriptwriting, and demonstrating production skills.
Creative Project or Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original creative project (film, theatre production, or portfolio) or research thesis on a film and theatre topic, demonstrating mastery of creative practice and research, assessed through submission, presentation, and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University and Moi University (both public) offer Master's programmes in Film and Theatre Production or related fields. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate creative arts training. Graduates are eligible for KFC professional certification and CILECT professional membership.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University and Moi University (both public) offer Master's programmes in Film and Theatre Production or related fields. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate creative arts training. Graduates are eligible for KFC professional certification and CILECT professional membership.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesFilm Director
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 800,000
Directs films and video productions, overseeing creative vision, directing actors, managing production, and delivering film projects.
Theatre Director
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 500,000
Directs theatrical productions, overseeing creative vision, directing performers, managing rehearsals, and delivering theatre productions.
Producer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 700,000
Produces film and theatre productions, overseeing production management, financing, scheduling, and delivering creative projects.
Scriptwriter
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 500,000
Writes scripts for film, television, and theatre, overseeing story development, scriptwriting, and script revision.
Production Designer
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 450,000
Designs visual elements for film and theatre productions, overseeing set design, costume design, and visual aesthetics.
Film and Theatre Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Teaches film and theatre at university or college level, overseeing instruction, creative practice, research, and academic supervision.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as film directors, theatre directors, producers, scriptwriters, production designers, film and theatre lecturers, and creative industry consultants.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Adobe Premiere Pro
SoftwarePrimary
Video editing software for film production, covering editing, colour grading, audio mixing, and post-production for film and video projects.
Final Draft
Software
Screenwriting software for scriptwriting, covering script formatting, story development, and industry-standard screenplay writing.
Adobe After Effects
Software
Visual effects and motion graphics software for film production, covering compositing, animation, and visual effects.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for creative arts research, data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Film and theatre production is not a serious academic discipline.
Film and theatre production involves rigorous theoretical analysis, creative research, and practical skills, making it a legitimate and valuable academic discipline.
This programme is only for aspiring actors.
The programme covers all aspects of film and theatre production including directing, scriptwriting, production design, and management, not just acting.
Creative arts have limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's creative industry is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for qualified film and theatre professionals in production, education, and cultural sectors.
You need to be talented to join this programme.
While talent helps, the programme develops skills through training, practice, and mentorship, making it accessible to dedicated students with relevant background.
Film and theatre are dying art forms.
Digital platforms, streaming services, and live theatre experiences are creating new opportunities and audiences for film and theatre content.
This programme is only for young people.
The programme welcomes students of all ages, with many experienced practitioners pursuing postgraduate study to advance their careers.