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Filmmaking BA(Hons)

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    Overview

    As a student on our Filmmaking BA(Hons) degree, you’ll join a practical course with perhaps the highest proportion of active film production in the UK, working in our state-of-the-art Stewart Film Studios.

    Our philosophy of open-door accessibility extends not just to the films you make for assessment, but to any other projects that you might plan in consultation with our staff. We want you to be creative and inventive from the off, making work early – to an ever-higher standard.

    Why study Filmmaking BA(Hons)

    • Flexible and continual hands-on access to our industry-standard studios and postproduction hubs.
    • You'll have ample opportunity to try a full range of moving image specialisms before you discover your greatest strengths.
    • Work experience is a way of life on this course. Beyond our optional placement year, we continually collaborate with students to help manage their undergraduate workflow around the often-unpredictable nature of external opportunities.
    • We are an open-minded film school, embracing all forms and genres. Our aim is to help you make the best possible film – one which you feel inspired to create.

    After graduation, following three years of filmmaking on and off campus, you’ll be ready to enter the wide-open and fast-evolving world of the moving image: film, television, commercials, digital content, and more.

    Entry requirements

    BBC-BCC at A Level .

    112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

    Merit in T Level .

    DMM-MMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
    • 112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

    Pass in Diploma Foundation Studies in Art and Design combined with A Level or BTEC qualifications, to total an equivalent of 112-104 UCAS tariff points.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Course Detail

    Core Modules:

    Collaborative Cinema

    This module introduces you to a range of moving image specialisms and filmmaking/entertainment workflow across genres and sectors: how those departmental specialisms operate and integrate in the professional world of the moving image, and best practices for adapting those norms to student filmmaking. Discussion of above-the-line roles will anchor a wider exploration of departmental specialisms as students assemble into filmmaking project groups. This film project serves as a bridge to the more formalised modes of working that will increasingly come to characterise your filmmaking on and off campus.

    Postproduction Craft

    This module is the springboard for your longer-term exploration of postproduction skills and techniques including picture cutting, sound design, colour grading, and the application of artificial intelligence in the creation of film and video. The aim is to achieve foundational competence in postproduction practices as you discover your greatest strengths and passions therein.

    Introduction to Critical Languages

    This module introduces you to vital debates on the production and reception of contemporary visual culture. Interdisciplinary in nature and approach, you will explore the subject with reference to a wide variety of images and artefacts, applying your learning to your subject specialism. The module introduces you to the importance of independent research, critical thinking and informed opinion. You will learn to recognise and appraise key conventions and contexts and apply that knowledge to your creative practice through discussion and in written formats that recognise the breadth of styles deployed by today’s creative practitioners.

    Filmmaking 1

    The module introduces you to foundational and experimental creative practices in image-making and filmmaking: mentored time and space in which to make multiple pieces of work that expand your frame of reference as a budding moving image professional. Evaluation of your work is a regular formative part of the module, and of your final summative submission. The individual and collective aims are to build upon your existing aptitudes, discover new strengths, challenge prior assumptions, and solidify your foundation as an audio-visual storyteller.

    Filmmaking 2

    This module aims to broaden and strengthen your grasp of moving image specialisms and professional practices through the creation of a short fiction film. Working in a production group, you will conceive, propose, and refine a project for production. Intensive film genre and specialist role research will support the preproduction, production, and postproduction of the collaboratively completed short fiction film: a proving ground and catalyst for your creative, technical, and professional development to come.

    Core modules:

    Developing Formats and Programmes for Television: From Idea to Pitch

    This module introduces you to ways of developing ideas and formats across unscripted television genres. Learning focuses on both gaining knowledge and applying it through group projects using industry-style facilities and techniques. You will critically examine processes of creativity and development as you study television pre-production. You will take on different roles in non-scripted programme development as the module facilitates group project work. This will allow to move your format ideas through the development process from idea to pitch, treatment and taster tape.

    Nonfiction Film Project

    This module aims to expand and enrich your capacities across multiple departments in documentary and commercial short form as you progress through your moving image specialisation journey. Through the collaborative development and production of a short nonfiction film project – documentary or commercial short, the choice is yours – you will explore new contexts and skillsets, e.g. crafting documentary and commercial treatments and pitch decks, writing incisive and narratively cohesive interview questions, prepping a commercial shoot, lighting and framing an interview setup, and much more. 

    Fiction Film Project

    As you progress toward your final year, this module aims to help you refine your professional practice and evolving suite of individual moving image specialisms through the creation of your first project intended for external (e.g. film festival) audiences. Following a pitching and greenlighting process, you will collaborate with a production group on said film across research and development, preproduction, production, postproduction, and distribution strategy.

    Experimental Lab

    This module is your sandbox for creative exploration and constructive risk-taking. You will investigate current and historical experimental techniques, aiming to develop a well-informed lens through which to anticipate and apply emergent moving image practice. The goal is to consciously pursue challenges beyond your current comfort zone to serve your wider development as a moving image professional ahead of your final undergraduate year. 

    Moving Image Specialisms

    Building upon your first undergraduate year exploring the moving image, this module aims to help you chart your bespoke course for creative and professional development on and off campus. With support from staff and student colleagues, you will decide upon a set of potential long-term specialist career routes. Craft and industry research will complement active industry engagement and pursuit of entry-level work experience opportunities. You will complete the module with a flexible, industry-informed plan to grow and refine your specialist profile(s) and professional network to best serve your long-term goals.

    Global Popular Cinema

    In this module you will examine contemporary cinema as a global media industry, with a particular emphasis on the processes of globalisation and circulation that allow film texts to become meaningful far outside the contexts in which they were made. While the global dominance of Hollywood is central to this, cultural influences, values and meanings flow in multiple directions. You will develop knowledge of key theories in film and global media studies, including theories of globalisation, cultural hybridity and exchange, national identities, and imagined communities. By focusing not only on the films themselves, but on their production, distribution, promotion and reception, the module provides you with a detailed understanding of how and why cinema spreads around the globe, and the tensions this cultural flow creates at a political, social, economic and cultural level.

    Arts and Humanities Placement

    The placement year is your chance to gain hands-on experience and build on the skills you’ve developed in your first two years of study. You’ll spend up to 48 weeks (minimum 36 weeks) in a graduate-level role, sharpening your professional skills, exploring career options, and boosting your future job prospects. During your placement, you'll reflect on your performance, develop real-world skills, and learn to approach your role with a critical eye. Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, setting you up for success in your final year and beyond.

    Core modules:

    Professional Practices

    This module is the culmination of your growing industry engagement and related moving image specialisation across your undergraduate years: a mentored environment in which to build a bridge your professional future. You will propose an individual programme of moving image work experience, placement(s), and/or external client projects to be executed across the academic year. Lectures, seminars, and specialist/sector working groups will help you navigate this external engagement with an eye on current and emergent developments in moving image sectors and the creative/craft specialisms therein.

    Final Major Filmmaking

    This module is the creative engine room of your final undergraduate year. With your specialisms honed, and your collaborative relationships with your colleagues firmly in place, you will develop and deliver excellent short form cinema of any genre that can engage external audiences (e.g. film festivals) and serve as a calling card for all students involved. Following the selection of projects for production, you will negotiate your role(s) in discussion with academic staff and the rest of your new production team(s). Lectures, seminars, and production team meetings will guide you and your group(s) through a professional and accountable process as you craft the work that will serve as the capstone of your undergraduate filmmaking.

    Sound for Filmmaking

    This module will introduce advanced concepts, theory and practical skills in the use of a broad range of equipment used for recording and mixing sound for Film and Television. The focus will be on Sound Design, Foley, Sound Effects, Dialogues recording and editing, track lay, and mixing in stereo and surround. Practical experience of location sound recording will be gained and will form an integral part of the module and its assessment. You will develop your ability to track lay, synchronise and edit audio along with video in a DAW and develop advanced post-production editing and mixing techniques. Discussions of the theoretical, philosophical and creativity aspects of the area will underpin the module content in lectures.

    Our degrees seek to develop your creative, technical and analytical skills, and every aspect of your learning is designed to help you succeed in the media, creative and cultural sectors. We thus work with a wide variety of teaching formats which alongside lectures, seminars and workshops, include newsdays, work-based learning and placements, project work, dissertations, one-on-one and group supervision, and digital learning. We continuously review and innovate teaching formats to reflect changing technologies and industry contexts. An average 28.7%* of the time on your course will be spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) on timetabled activities.

    *based on 22/23 programme specifications.

    We use a variety of assessments, including video shorts, podcasts, newsroom days, audience research portfolios, essays, production pitches, data analytics, presentations, and dissertation. This allows you the ability to tailor your degree to fit your passions, interests and strengths. You will be taught by world-leading scholars whose research is helping to shape our understanding of how media, journalism and culture operate alongside industry-leading practitioners and producers, supplemented by a variety of guest talks.

    Full-time or part-time study

    This course is not available to study on a part-time basis on an evening, at the weekend, or via distance learning.

    Further Information

    The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.

    Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

    If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    Our Filmmaking degree includes two exciting placement opportunities. Students are encouraged to undertake a full professional training year in Year 3. We support our students in finding suitable placement opportunities in the film making industries and beyond. During the placement years you are supported by an academic tutor and will build professional experience invaluable for your final year of study and graduate career alike. All students not undertaking a full placement year study our final year compulsory placement module that gives you the chance to put your skills into practice in a short placement. This could be a block of a few weeks or one day a week over several months.

    Previous placement providers have included the BBC and independent TV companies, a variety of radio stations and newspapers and magazines, along with leading public relations companies and social media agencies.

    A placement is a great opportunity to explore your chosen industry, to understand the sector, network and make valuable contacts, whilst developing your skills, knowledge and experience. A placement is a chance to get involved, to put theory into practice and to work alongside professionals.

    Photo of Steph Bower, Placements officer for SAH

    Stephanie Bower, Placements Officer

    Our Facilities

    Check out the Stewart Film Studios in action

    The 300 square metre multipurpose facility, designed by Digital Garage and ARRI Solutions, creates a flexible, inspiring, and safe space for future filmmakers.

    Stewart Film Studios: the home of BA Film Making
    Shooting a car scene with back projection
    TV Studio
    Our UK-leading, ARRI-based lighting system
    Students prep a shot in Stewart Film Studios

    Discover more about the course

    Your Career

    Discover the job roles our graduates are working in now.

    Careers advice

    Check out the personalised guidance we offer you.

    Student Support

    Discover all the support available so you can thrive.

    Further Study

    Learn about pursuing a Master’s or PhD at Huddersfield.

    Research Excellence

    See how our innovative research shapes what you'll learn.

    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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