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Study directing abroad

: We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universities

The smart alternative to applying direct for directing degrees abroad and the easy way to find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations

Find your perfect directing programs abroad

Find directing programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Find other programs in directing

Directing degrees abroad

Directing programs equip students with the theoretical understanding, technical competencies, and professional skills needed to pursue an exciting career in filmmaking, theater production, or media.

You’ll undergo extensive practical training in directing duties and logistics, actor management, production leadership, and equipment handling. You’ll get to grips with several genres and styles of directing, trace the history of theater and movie production, and have the opportunity to stage and direct your own masterpiece.

Studying overseas allows you to appreciate the truly global-scale of the media, movie, and theater industries. Learning about the demands, quirks, and expectations of different audiences will help you to become a culturally-sensitive and internationally-respected director. Not only will the magical experiences inform your work, but they’ll also help you to grow in confidence and character.

Directing program structure

Across much of the world, undergraduate degrees in directing are offered as three-year BA programs. However, students traveling to the US or Canada for their degree will probably pursue a bachelor of fine arts (BFA). BFAs last at least four years and include fewer liberal arts classes in favor of more professional and specialist modules.

If you’re keen to spend some more time mastering your craft, you might enroll in an MA or master of fine arts (MFA) degree. MA programs typically require one year of full-time study, whereas MFAs normally last between 21 and 24 months. To succeed on either type of program you’ll need to narrow your focus on a specialist strand or genre of directing.

It’s possible to study a PhD in directing, but it’s important to remember that doctoral programs are research-based and include very few, if any, practical classes. It usually takes between three and six years to complete a PhD.

As a directing student, your schedule will include a mixture of theoretical and practical classes. You’ll spend time in lectures, seminars, workshops, performances, and tutorials. Although the delivery and content of every university program will vary, most will cover these fundamentals:

  • Directing actors
  • Directing across genres
  • Directing and developing story
  • Fundamentals of acting
  • Stage movement
  • Theater history
  • Scene and costume design
  • Production processes

How we maximize your chance of studying directing abroad

  1. Programs matched to you

    Filter 10,000s of programs down to a shortlist perfect for you, where you have a strong chance of getting admitted

  2. Apply online via Studee

    Complete our application form and only answer the same question once no matter how many programs you apply for

  3. Review, improve & submit

    We rigorously assess your application to ensure you have the best chance of getting admitted before we submit it

  4. Reminders & guidance

    Relax - never miss a deadline or request that could cost you an offer with clear, day-by-day updates on what needs to be done

Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

Directing study abroad programs

Directing undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in directing

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    Fashion Styling and Art Direction - BA (Hons) Falmouth University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    21,658 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,460 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Fashion Styling and Art Direction
  • false

    Theatre Management: Directing - BFA DePaul University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    40,551 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 40,551 USD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Theatre Management - Directing
  • false

    Performance Arts: Directing - BFA Pace University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    46,978 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 46,978 USD

    Start date
    January, May
    Show program overview about Performance Arts: Directing
  • false

    Theatre Arts: Directing & Playwriting - BFA Long Island University Post, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    35,736 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 35,736 USD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Theatre Arts (Directing & Playwriting)

Certificate in directing

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    Video Arts Level II: Directing & Producing - Cert Berkeley City College, USA

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    10,740 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,740 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Video Arts Level II: Directing & Producing

Directing graduate programs

Master's in directing

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    Actors Studio Drama School: Acting, Directing and Playwriting - MFA Pace University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    44,714 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 44,714 USD

    Start date
    January, May
    Show program overview about Actors Studio Drama School: Acting, Directing and Playwriting
  • false

    Contemporary Directing Practice - MFA Rose Bruford College, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    24,809 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 20,000 GBP

    Start date
    October
    Show program overview about Contemporary Directing Practice
  • false

    Directing - MFA DePaul University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    27,680 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 27,680 USD

    Start date
    September, January, March
    Show program overview about Directing
  • false

    Directing Circus - MA Bath Spa University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    17,739 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP

    Start date
    January, February
    Show program overview about Directing Circus
  • false

    Directing Film and Television - MA Bournemouth University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,227 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,500 GBP

    Start date
    January
    Show program overview about Directing Film and Television

Future directing careers

As a directing graduate, you’ll have built an impressive portfolio of original work and professional experience. Your directing expertise, leadership qualities, and eye for detail will make you a stand-out candidate for many jobs in the creative industries.

Here’s a taste of some of the career opportunities available to you:

  • Director
  • Actor
  • Producer
  • Stage manager
  • Production designer
  • Casting agent
  • Film/video editor
  • Camera operator

It’s notoriously difficult to get a break in the film or theater industries, but participating in some relevant work experience will certainly shine the spotlight on your applications. Your university’s careers service can help you ask media outlets, filmmakers, and theater companies about placement opportunities.