Modules

Year 1 prepares you for success by introducing essential skills concerning digital filmmaking and screenwriting. Technical skills are developed in modules covering digital video production, sound recording and editing. Creative writing skills are developed across a range of production contexts. Students also undertake critical studies that complement practical filmmaking by encouraging the close, detailed analysis of how films are constructed and how a wide variety of films tell stories through techniques of narrative organisation, cinematography, editing and sound. In Year 2, you further develop your creative skills in the contrasting contexts of drama and documentary production; you'll also benefit from specialised teaching in scriptwriting. Skills of critical analysis, research and writing are developed in film studies modules, with a specific emphasis on innovation and creative achievement and the relationship between craft and cultural artefact. Year 3 allows you to bring together skills that have been developed in previous years and engage in more ambitious filmmaking and scriptwriting projects. You are encouraged to develop skills and understanding concerning film-related ethics, business planning, distribution and finance. Modules will address story development, pitching, product marketing and promotion. A key aim of this level is to develop students’ awareness and understanding of the professional contexts in which filmmaking creativity is exercised, and student creative work simulates industry practice. The major component in your final year of study is the completion of the integrated creative research project for which students develop a folio of creative and critical work that provides evidence of a high standard of achievement in areas such as scriptwriting, cinematography, sound, editing, producing, and directing, and theorisation and analysis. The emphasis here is on creative and critical specialisation, enabling a close and deep engagement with areas of personal, intellectual and professional interest. A range of optional modules also provides further opportunities for you to dwell in specialist areas of interest, completing a rich undergraduate experience whilst opening the door to professional employment or further study.

Assessment method

BA (Hons) Filmmaking & Screen Writing engages students in enquiry-based learning in which personal and creative interests are explored and developed in relation to the discipline and rigour of professional and academic contexts and processes. At level 7 practical digital filmmaking is used as a vehicle for students to formulate research questions and to collect and consider information prior to its formulation in writing – treatments, scripts, production diaries – and images – films, storyboards – all of which is done within goal-oriented groups. This process reoccurs throughout the four years of the degree on practical and theoretical modules in which students explore a wide range of materials and sources, drawn from a range of academic and non-academic sources. There is an integrated approach with a balance between theoretical contextualisation and practice activity alongside the development of both analytical and practical skills in media production. Learning and teaching methods include: lectures, screenings, demonstrations, tutorials, group and individual project work, multi-media and ‘e’ learning, and screen practice. A very strong emphasis is placed on students using digital technology across all modules and developing digital expertise and literacy to a professional standard in specific skills areas where appropriate. Students are encouraged to engage in the pedagogical and professional use of social media including, for example, participation in autonomous collaboration platforms such as forums embedded in the Aula VLE, Googledocs, Vimeo, Crowdfunders and Facebook groups. There is a mixture of large and small group and individual learning and teaching situations including tutor-led, student led and independent learning sessions.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• ScreenSkills

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS