Filmmaking, BA (Hons), with industry placement

This practical filmmaking course equips students to write, plan, and produce their own short films, combining hands-on production techniques with in-depth exploration of film history and theory. Participants collaborate in small teams to develop skills in directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, editing, production design, storytelling, and scriptwriting. Learning occurs through studio work, location shoots, seminars, screenings, discussions, and industry trips, fostering creative freedom across genres like fiction, documentary, and advertising. Students also gain expertise in self-promotion, finance, and distribution to prepare for careers in film, TV, and broadcasting.The course spans three years, starting with foundational filmmaking processes and team-based projects in year one, supported by critiques of classic films. Year two emphasizes specialization and diverse productions, while year three focuses on industry practices, larger-scale collaborations, and portfolio development. A four-year option includes a placement year for enhanced employability.

Year one – Begin by exploring the role of filmmaker and the process of filmmaking. You will work across roles and gain experience to frame your understanding of the production process. Films are produced in small teams, and as a class, we watch our work in regular screenings with discussions. The craft and range of skills involved in the filmmaking process are underpinned by film history. You will watch, critique, and discuss some of the great filmmakers, movements, and practices of the last century. Year two – You will start to specialise and focus on specific production areas, forming more specialist production teams to support complete production cycles each semester. You will produce a wide and varied body of work across different disciplines, including fiction, documentary, and advertising. Year three* – You will consolidate the practices of the previous two years, with a focus on industry practice and the specialisation of skills. You will work on larger scale productions during this year and collaborate across a production team, but also across multi-disciplinary teams. In addition, you will prepare an impressive portfolio of your work, methods of distribution, screenings, and workshops to support your successful transition into this exciting industry. *If you choose to study this course over four years, this will include a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three.