Quality Assurance and Academic Policies
International Film Score (ETS) – Cultural Association
Institutional Overview
International Film Score (ETS) is an Italian cultural and educational organisation founded in 2018, specialising in advanced professional training in film scoring, music production, audiovisual composition and creative disciplines.
The organisation develops and delivers structured training programmes in collaboration with academic and professional partners, with a strong focus on industry-oriented skills, artistic development and international standards.
Programme Design and Academic Structure
The Master in Film Scoring is designed as a structured postgraduate-level professional training programme equivalent to:
60 ECTS (CFU)
1500 total hours, including:
300 hours of live teaching
150 hours of internship / project work
100 hours final thesis
950 hours of independent study
The programme integrates:
Artistic training (composition, orchestration)
Technical training (DAWs, sound design, recording)
Industry preparation (music business, portfolio, workflows)
The curriculum is modular and aligned with recognised academic subject areas in music and audiovisual disciplines.
The programme is designed with reference to European higher education standards (ECTS framework) and international best practices in music and audiovisual education.
A detailed programme structure and module breakdown is available on the landing page of the official course website www.masterinfilmscoring.com
Admissions Criteria
The programme is intended for:
Graduates from Conservatories or Music Institutions
Musicians and composers with adequate knowledge of music theory
Admission may include:
Evaluation of academic or professional background
Portfolio review (if applicable)
Interview with the Programme Director
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching is delivered through a combination of:
Live lectures (in-person or online via Zoom, in English)
Practical workshops
Project-based learning
International masterclasses
Studio-based training and recording sessions
The programme emphasises hands-on learning and real-world production workflows.
Assessment and Evaluation
Student performance is assessed through:
Practical composition projects
Audio production assignments
Project work (film scoring, game music, etc.)
Continuous assessment during modules
Final thesis project (original music for visual media)
Assessment focuses on:
Technical proficiency
Creative development
Professional readiness
Internship and Project Work
The programme includes structured project work and/or internship activities (150 hours), which may involve:
Film scoring projects
Recording sessions with live performers
Game audio implementation
Collaboration with industry partners
Students produce professional-level work as part of their portfolio.
Final Thesis
The final thesis consists of:
Composition and production of an original soundtrack
Application of music to film, media or interactive content
Presentation and evaluation of the final project
Faculty and Academic Staff
Faculty members are selected based on:
Professional experience in film, TV, music production or audio industries
Academic qualifications and/or teaching experience
International background where applicable
The programme includes lecturers with experience from:
Berklee College of Music
Professional film and music industries
Italian Conservatories
Quality Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Programme quality is ensured through:
Continuous monitoring of student outcomes
Feedback from students and faculty
Periodic review of course content
Alignment with industry developments and technologies
The programme has been delivered across multiple editions, allowing ongoing refinement and improvement.
Student Feedback and Support
Students are encouraged to provide feedback through:
Informal and formal feedback mechanisms
Direct communication with faculty
End-of-course evaluations
Feedback is used to improve programme quality and delivery.
Complaints Procedure
Students may raise concerns or complaints through:
Direct contact with programme management
Formal written communication via email
All complaints are reviewed and addressed in a timely and professional manner.
Data Protection and Privacy
International Film Score (ETS) complies with applicable EU data protection regulations (GDPR).
Student data is:
Collected only for academic and administrative purposes
Stored securely
Not shared with third parties without consent
Delivery Language
The programme is delivered in:
English (online international editions)
Italian (in-person editions)
Industry Engagement and Partnerships
The programme includes collaborations with industry professionals and organisations, including:
Recording studios
Film production companies
International composers and instructors
Examples include partnerships with:
Mad Wave Audio (Los Angeles)
Gratitude Sound (Boston)
Salento Productions (Italy)
Track Record
Since 2018, International Film Score (ETS) has delivered:
9 in-person editions of the Master in Film Scoring
4 online English-language editions
Cohorts of approximately 10–20 students per edition
Programmes have been delivered in collaboration with recognised educational institutions and supported by regional funding initiatives.
Academic Governance and Responsibility
The academic quality and structure of the programme are overseen by the Programme Director, Prof. Francesco de Donatis, who is responsible for curriculum design, academic standards, faculty coordination and final academic decisions.
Programme delivery is supported by qualified faculty members and external professionals, ensuring alignment between academic standards and industry practice.
Contact
International Film Score (ETS) – Cultural Association
Via Campana 30, 73042 Casarano (LE), Italy
Email: info@internationalfilmscore.com
Website: www.internationalfilmscore.com