Directing

Academic Degree: Bachelor

Code: 6B02101

Mode of Study: Full-time

Duration: 4 years

Subjects for the Unified National Test (UNT):

• Compulsory subjects: History of Kazakhstan, Reading Literacy
• Creative Examinations (two stages):

The creative exams include:

1. Written exam – writing a short artistic script using three given words.
2. Oral exam – a creative colloquium aimed at identifying the applicant’s creative thinking and professional motivation.

Enrollment is based on state grants, university internal grants, and self-funded study.

Directing is a unique form of artistic creation focused on producing a complete audiovisual or stage work that combines dramaturgy, acting, visual and sound design.

A director is the main creator of a work’s form and meaning — whether it is a play, film, television program, music video, or media project.
The director unites the efforts of actors, cinematographers, designers, and other creative professionals, turning a written script into a vivid artistic statement.

A director is the author of ideas in action. They perceive the world through the eyes of an artist and know how to transform thought into a scene, an episode, or a complete work.

The main task of a director is to convey meaning, mood, and emotion to the audience through the expressive means of art.

The director determines:

• how each scene should sound and look emotionally and visually;
• how characters and their internal conflicts are revealed;
• what atmosphere, rhythm, light, color, and music help the audience feel the intended message;
• how all elements — acting, visuals, sound, and editing — are unified into a single whole.

A director is both an organizer and an artist, a bridge between the script and the audience.

The Directing program develops artistic thinking, analytical ability, and creative independence.

During training, students:

• learn to visualize scenes and frames mentally before bringing them to life;
• master methods of organizing and leading creative teams;
• develop a sense of rhythm, composition, and dramaturgy;
• acquire leadership, communication, and psychological interaction skills when working with actors;
• form their own artistic style and authorial vision.

A successful director must be attentive to details, empathetic, organized, responsible, and capable of making decisions in complex creative situations.

Graduates of the Directing program can work in various fields of art, media, and culture.

In film and television:

• director of feature or documentary films;
• director of TV programs, series, or talk shows;
• film editor or editing director;
• assistant director, second director, or line producer.

In theatre:

• stage director of plays;
• assistant stage director;
• director of performances, concert programs, and festivals.

In related fields:

• director of music videos, commercials, and social campaigns;
• director of online content and digital media projects;
• producer or art director of cultural and media events.

Thanks to strong international collaborations, students have the opportunity to:

• participate in creative and academic internships abroad;
• attend summer schools and workshops at partner universities;
• take masterclasses from renowned directors and instructors from global film schools.

Partner Institutions and Organizations:

• Korea National University of Media and Arts, Sejong, Republic of Korea
• Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
• International Academy of Film and Television, Hong Kong, China
• New York Film Academy, New York, USA
• Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), Moscow, Russia
• Higher School of Directors and Screenwriters, St. Petersburg, Russia
• Krasnoyarsk State Institute of Arts, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
• “Media Land” Music Communication Agency, Moscow, Russia
• Union of Filmmakers of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Academic Degree: Master

Code: 7M02101

Form of Study: Full-time

Duration: 2 years (scientific and pedagogical track)

• Comprehensive testing
• Creative examinations (two stages)

Admission is based on state grants, internal university grants, and tuition-paying places.

The “Directing” educational program is aimed at developing students’ personal qualities, as well as forming general cultural (universal) and professional competencies in the field of screen arts with a focus on directing.
The program provides in-depth theoretical and practical training in science and pedagogy, develops research organization and implementation skills, and equips students with the knowledge and competencies necessary to pursue doctoral studies in film and screen directing.

• A. Kasteev State Museum of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• World Film Schools Association, International Student Film and Film Schools Festival “Bastau”
• JSC “Kazakhfilm” named after Sh. Aimanov
• Central State Archive of Cinema, Photo Documents, and Sound Recordings of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• International Film Festival “Eurasia”
• LLP “DS-Entertainment”
• LLP “Salem Social Media”

Graduates can work in the following positions:

• Art historian
• Lecturer / Educator
• Director of feature or documentary films
• Director of popular science films
• Director-producer

Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded the academic degree of Master of Arts Studies.