This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2025.
Futureworks has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Independent Filmmaking is the future of the film industry in the UK. Every year more and more films are financed and made independently outside of the large studio systems, many of which go on to sweep the boards at awards ceremonies. Independent filmmakers are known for their creativity, technical ability, problem solving and communication skills, alongside their capacity to create thought provoking and exciting stories. This course, developed in consultation with industry, is designed to equip hard-working and enthusiastic individuals with the skills to succeed as independent filmmakers with the ability to create their own films or work in the rapidly growing media industry. The first year is the foundation of the course, introducing you to the building blocks of independent filmmaking. Building on your first year, year two is essential in establishing a career focus and shaping your final year. In the final year of study, you will be completing a professional portfolio of work and will be focussing on an area of specialism in the field of independent filmmaking.
Modules
YEAR 1 Film Production 1 (40 credits Editing for Independent Film (40 credits) Film Theory (20 credits) Scriptwriting for Short Films (20 credits) YEAR 2 Film Production 2 (40 credits) Professional Industry Practice (20 credits) Scriptwriting For Pilots (20 credits) Audio for Film & TV (40 credits) YEAR 3 Major Project (40 credits) Film Production 3 (40 credits) Scriptwriting For Features (40 credits) WHAT ARE CREDITS? As a guide, 20 credits typically represents around 52 hours of tutor contact time (e.g. lectures/workshops/feedback) and 148 hours of self-study time (usually over the course of a semester). These numbers may increase or decrease depending on the nature, length and level of the module, especially towards the end of the course.
Assessment method
We don’t believe in exams. All assessment takes the form of coursework, portfolios, presentations, and a limited number of essays. If you are being taught filmmaking, you will submit a short film. If you are being taught how to present your work or research, you will do a presentation relevant to your project. If you are studying Film Theory you will synthesise that research into an essay based around the subject. In other words, all assessment is directly related to the skills being taught and directly applicable to life within industry. You will be offered feedback along the way, via formative submission points, with official summative submissions falling at the end of first and second semesters.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F3M6
- Institution code:
- F98
- Campus name:
- Futureworks (Manchester)
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
International applicants
We are able to accept applications from students requiring a Student visa.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Interviewer: Richard Hellawell (Programme Leader) If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview where you will have the opportunity to talk about your work, influences and interests. Ideal applicants will have a keen interest in film, television, and production. You are welcome to bring any relevant examples of work with you, if you have them.
English language requirements
GCSE level 4 & above or equivalent
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17000 | Year 1 |
| International | £17000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Futureworks
Riverside
New Bailey Street
Manchester
M3 5FS
Clearing contact details
Enquiry formAdmissions
0161 214 4602
Additional information
If our Admissions team are not available please email [email protected].