Program Overview

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MBA Film Industry

Introduction

The MBA Film Industry is designed for aspiring professionals looking to build expertise in the business and management aspects of the film and entertainment industries. Prior production experience or a filmmaking background is not required; however, students should have a strong interest in film and a commitment to achieving their professional goals.

This programme addresses the dynamic and evolving nature of the film industry, driven by advancements in digital technology and changing political, social, and cultural trends. It also responds to the increasing demand for skilled industry managers capable of navigating both traditional and modern production environments, ensuring successful project outcomes.

Students will gain a solid foundation in core business practices through customisable modules that cater to their academic background, work experience, and career ambitions. They will then advance into specialised Film Industry training, covering vital areas such as project planning, financing, marketing, and distribution. Real-world learning opportunities, such as a live industry project in the film marketing and distribution module, will prepare students for leadership roles in the field or the entrepreneurial challenges of launching their own ventures.

Graduates will leave the programme equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in competitive film and production environments, from mastering business fundamentals to understanding the dynamics of the creative processes essential for success in the industry.

The MBA Film Industry can be completed full-time in one year or part-time over two to four years, offering flexibility for working professionals. The programme culminates in an extensive film industry project or dissertation, allowing students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios and prepare to realise their own venture before they graduate.

Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to take on leadership roles within production companies, start their own businesses, or contribute to the success of media and film organisations across the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE MBA PROGRAMME

• Full-time / part-time, compulsory attendance;
• Three intakes per academic year – Fall, Winter and Spring – providing extra enrolment options;
• The possibility of transferring between campuses in London, Madrid, Milan, Florence and Rome on a per-term basis;
• Internship;
• Compact class sizes which help faculty cultivate a mentor relationship with students and provide the individual attention needed to discover their special skills and succeed in their chosen pathway;
• The ESE International experience with students from around the world offers an invaluable opportunity to learn, network and make friends for life.

Course Programme

Successful students complete 6 courses (20 credits each), 2 non-credit workshops, one internship or Live Project (15 credits) and a Final Project (45 credits) or one extended Final Project (60 credits) amounting to 180 UK credits. Phase 1 and 2 courses carry 20 UK credits each.
On this basis, students are required to earn 180 UK credits including successful completion of the internship (optional at MBA level) and professional final project, to complete their degree.
Students will also have the added advantage of being able to pursue the MBA Programme in any of the ESE campuses, whether in London, Madrid, Milan, Florence or Rome. They will have the unique opportunity to transfer between campuses on a per-term basis, experiencing the same programme in multiple international contexts and cultures.

PHASE 1 – Film Business Management Core:

• International Project Management for Film Industry: A Contemporary Survey of Creative Practice and Realisation (20 credits)
• Film Financing for the 21st Century: Banking on the Future (20 credits)
• Film Marketing, Planning & Deployment: Getting the Show on the Road (20 credits)
• Real to Reel: Capturing the Creative Spark Workshop ( P/F)

PHASE 2 – Business Consolidation and the Formalisation of Ideas for Films:

• Research and Revival: Mastering Information for Successful Film Ventures. (20 credits)
• Managing People for Film Industry(20 credits)
• One elective of the following: (20 credits)
  • Business Ethics for Film Industry
  • Entrepreneurial Innovation for Film
  • Strategic Leadership for Film
  • Governance & Corporate Sustainability for Film Industry Organisations
• Century Scriptwriting Workshop ( P/F )

Phase 3 & 4:

• Live Project / Internship (15 credits)
• Final Project (45 credits)

OR

• Extended Final Project (no internship) (60 credits)

ESE's Internship Programme

At the European School of Economics, the internships at MBA level are structured, evaluated and recognised as an important part of the ESE philosophy and provides each student the opportunity to spend a period of time in a work environment inherent to the specialisation of his chosen course of study.

Duringphase 3 students have the opportunity to complete anoptional internship offered to students to fine-tune their career objectives, and build on their current experience. Placement periods are assessed by the ESE Placement Department and the supervisor assigned to each student within the host company, through an evaluation report on the student’s performance.

Working in collaboration with more than fifteen hundred leading international companies, including some of FORTUNE’S 100 Best Companies to Work For, the European School of Economics offers one of the most competitive university internship programmes available today.

Entry Requirements

Entrance into the MBA programme at ESE requires:

• Completed Online Application form.
• Personal interview
• An undergraduate honours degree at 2:2 or higher (diploma and transcripts)*, or an equivalent level professional qualification in a relevant field, followed by at least two year’s relevant management experience,
  OR
  Substantial experience in a management or leadership role, typically in a middle or senior management post, where the applicant can demonstrate clear potential to operate at postgraduate level.
• Resume / CV + Personal Statement
• Two Recommendation Letters*
• ENGLISH Language requirements**: 6.5 IELTS, 90 iBT TOEFL or 232 CBT TOEFL (TOEFL cannot be used for VISA PURPOSE in UK), CAE 176-184 with no less than 162 in each score or Pearson Qualification 58-64 with no less than 42-49 in each component . Students have up to 90 days to submit their English Language Proficiency scores
• Photocopy of Passport/ ID document
• Photograph (passport-sized)

Candidates who do not hold the required qualification but who are able to demonstrate relevant work experience in a managerial position or above for a minimum of 3 years will also be considered.

All non-English documents must be officially translated

Candidates who have completed their studies in the English language (at least 2 years) are not required to present a language qualification.

Programme Fees 2025 - 2026

London Campus
Master of Business Administration
Registration: £ 3,500.00
Tuition: £ 35,000.00

Milan, Rome, Florence, and Madrid Campuses
Master of Business Administration
Registration: £ 3,500.00
Tuition: € 35.000,00

Scholarships

The scholarship is awarded by the ESE as a partial deduction from the annual tuition fee. Each student profile is considered individually. This scholarship is based on both the academic merit and need of the student applicant. It is therefore important that scholarship applications provide a complete profile of the student’s personal, professional and/or academic merits.

To apply for the ESE Scholarship students must complete the scholarship application form and send it together with the master’s application form and documents, including a financial statement, to the ESE admissions office where they wish to study.

To maintain their scholarship award students must demonstrate continued academic excellence throughout their studies at ESE. For more information about the scholarship, please contact the ESE centre of interest.