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Film Production BA

Key Information

Course code

W200

W201 with placement

Start date

September

Placement available

Mode of study

3 years full-time

4 years full-time with placement

6 years part-time

Fees

2024/25

UK £9,250

International £19,430

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Entry requirements

2024/25

AAB - BBC (A-level)

DMM (BTEC)

29 (IB)

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Overview

Films can evoke a multitude of emotions as we watch them on the big screens, but do you often wonder what goes into creating the masterpieces that can stick with you for a long time? Turn your creative curiosity into a career you’re passionate about by studying Brunel’s Film Production BA.

Your degree will give you a thorough understanding of film by combining the production with the theory of visual digital media. Delve into practical film and video-making, scriptwriting, filming and editing, whilst honing your critical analysis and research skills to develop a comprehensive understanding of how the film and TV industries work.

The course will allow you to bring your ideas, thoughts and inspirations to the screen. By using the fantastic editing suites with up-to-date production software including: Adobe Creative Cloud; Avid Media Composer; Avid ProTools, and; Final Cut Pro you will be able to bring your creations to life. We also have a range of high quality camera, sound, lighting, and grip equipment ready for you to use.

As well as enhancing your learning by attending screenings at the British Film Institute, the Institute of Contemporary Arts and other cinemas across the capital, you will also be eligible to enter our annual Brunel University Film Festival (BUFF) with categories including Best Fiction, Best Non-Fiction and Best Overall Film. This will allow you to put what you have learnt into practice and will give you the opportunity to showcase your talent.

Learn with confidence knowing that you are taught by some of the best film academics in the UK. Not only are they experts in the industry, but they have published work in the field so some of the books on your reading list may be written by those teaching you.

Gain an insight into life after your studies by putting your learning into practice by opting for a one-year work placement. You will graduate with valuable work experience to enhance your employment prospects and will be able to develop an understanding the working world within the film industry. We have excellent links with a wide range of notable external organisations, so you will have the opportunity to apply for high quality placements across London.

Previous students have undertaken placement at many prestigious venues including The Pinewood Group, Fremantle Media, Objective Productions, WaterAid and BalletBoyz.

The Film Production BA is a part of the BAFTA albert education partnership. This accreditation provides students with exclusive access to the industry’s BAFTA albert carbon calculator, a tool used by Netflix, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, UKTV and Sky when producing their content. Participating students will work towards creating environmentally-friendly, sustainable content. Upon completion you will be presented with industry-recognised certification and become an official “BAFTA albert graduate”. This opportunity is provided at no extra cost.

You will graduate with the confidence to be a creative and imaginative cultural producer with solid knowledge of film culture and practical experience which will put you in good stead for your future career.

bafta albert logo

Course content

This innovative course will enable you to explore a range of film and television forms and the social and industrial contexts in which they are produced and consumed.

For your practical modules, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment including HD digital cameras. You’ll learn to edit on Avid and Final Cut Pro in our first-class editing suites, with plenty of technical support on-hand.

Please note you must choose one of the year 3 compulsory modules listed below.

Compulsory

  • The Craft of Filmmaking

    With the central aim of developing your creative and technical skills, this module will introduce you to the vocabulary, concepts and equipment needed in film production. You will work collaboratively with your peers to train with our technical and academic staff as well as engage in all aspects of storytelling. This is where you begin your journey learning the conventions and practices of filmmaking with our industry standard equipment.

  • The Professional Self

    This module engages students in their own professional development. Throughout the module, you will take part in scheduled professional development sessions, for instance camera training, edit training, and CV workshops. Throughout the module there will be an emphasis on developing professional behaviours such as timekeeping, attendance, participation, organisation and communication. You will also have the opportunity to engage with students in other levels of study and learn to effectively work in a team.

  • Technology, Industry and Form

    Sometimes we might become preoccupied with film and television as an artform, which is important. But we also need to consider developments in the industry in terms of economic models, and changes in technology and context. This module examines how film developed in terms of sound, colour, the development of the classical Hollywood system, and where we are today in terms of industry models. We will also look at television from the broadcast era through to contemporary streaming services today.

  • Representation and Identity

    It’s important in the film and television industry to consider whose stories are being told, who is in creative roles behind the camera and how people are being represented. This module will explore identity politics and consider theory such as feminism, queer theory, postcolonialism and disability studies, among others. We will consider how certain identities are portrayed onscreen both historically and now.

  • Creative Project Development
  • Film and TV Analysis

    Uncover some of the core skills in analysing and reading film and television texts. This module focuses particularly on how we might understand film and television in terms of the context of its production and reception. We will carefully consider the importance of social, cultural and political contextual relationships with film and television products.

Compulsory

  • Advanced Filmmaking

    This module allows you to develop your film practice and production skills further. You will continue developing skills learnt in level 4 in relation to filmmaking. You will develop your critical appreciation of fictional filmmaking and the processes that are involved by engaging in practical work throughout the module.

  • Understanding the Film and TV Industries
  • Professional Practice

    This module aims to build on the content of the level 4 module The Professional Self, further engaging students in their own professional development. There will be an emphasis on the professional world, looking at freelancing, setting up a business, insurance, ethics, and tax.

    Throughout the module there will be an emphasis on further developing their own professional behaviours such as leadership, risk assessment, timekeeping, attendance, participation, organisation and communication, as well as mentoring students from level 4 through the development of their professional behaviours.

Optional

  • World Cinemas

    Interested in exploring the dynamic relationships that exist between different cinemas from different places? Then this option is for you. We will consider a range of world cinemas from the Global South, Asia and beyond. We will consider global art and alternative cinemas as well as more mainstream practices, considering films in terms of globalisation and the transnational, as well as the regional and the national.

  • Critical Perspectives

    Theoretical perspectives are at the core of this module, giving you the frameworks you will need to read and make meaning from film and television. We will consider feminism, structuralism and post-structuralism, Marxism among many other approaches we might take to understanding film and television.

  • Film and Television Genres
  • Animation

    Firstly, this module will allow you to explore the medium specificity of animation, the range of techniques available, as well as different industries and their development. We will then go on to teach you a range of animation production skills which will allow you to create your own short form animation in a style and medium of your choosing.

  • Filmmaking as Activism

    Students will explore the role that film plays in advocacy, activism and social justice. The purpose of this module is to provide opportunities for students to create a portfolio of moving image work that has been developed to address social injustice. Students will explore the role of corporate, NGO, commercial and independent filmmaking, as well as looking at campaigns and distribution strategies. Students will work in a team and contribute to decision making processes.

  • Film and TV Adaptation

    A production-based module, you will be able to explore the process of adaptation from a variety of sources to the screen. Developing your creative skills you will consider many forms of storytelling and character construction as well as developing your production filmmaking skills.

Compulsory

  • Analysis of Film and Television Work Experience

    As part of our employability strand this module will give you a large range of guest talks from people that work across many different parts of the creative industries. Many of the guest speakers are Film@Brunel alumni. You will also have the opportunity to undertake your own work placement as part of this module allowing you to develop both your employability and networking skills.

  • Dissertation – Practice
  • Dissertation Video Essay

Optional

  • Gender and Sexuality

    This module is largely led by feminist theory and queer theory where we examine a range of identities onscreen in relation to gender and sexuality. A number of case studies are examined across the module from historical examples to more contemporary work.

  • The Horror Film

    This module provides students with an in-depth examination of the horror genre across both film and television. Critical frameworks and theories relevant to the study of horror will be explored in depth across a range of case studies from historical and more contemporary contexts, as well as from a range of global contexts.

  • Alternative Film and Video Practice

    If you are interested in alternative or more experimental approaches to filmmaking, then this module is for you. Exploring a range of examples from distinct periods of filmmaking history, this module will also allow you to creative your own experimental film. You will also examine connections between the economic, formal-aesthetic and social-political aspects of these alternative practices.

  • Documentary: Image and Violence

    This module will give you the skills to analyse cinematic representations of violence and develop a critical awareness of different types of violence in relation to warfare and military technology. You will gain skills in developing insights into visual themes, narrative structures and techniques used in moving images’ engagements with violence. You will also have the opportunity to develop techniques for the use of found footage to research and communicate different types of violence.


This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.

This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.


Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Careers and your future

During your work experience you’ll gain training and skills in your area of interest and get insight into the working practices of film and media organisations. You’ll develop the problem-solving and management skills required to succeed in your future career.

We have extensive links with employers and industry and you’ll benefit from our networks to arrange your work placement. We can also support you in approaching a business of your choice.

Our graduates have secured jobs with companies including BBC, ITV, Granada, Amazon Prime, Framestore and Ridley Scott Associates as casting agents, researchers, production assistants, script writers, video content editors and film officers.

As well as gaining excellent academic knowledge throughout your studies, emphasis is placed on gaining transferable employment skills. You will develop communication, report writing and presentation skills to an excellent level, equipping you for a range of subsequent professional careers.

Brunel’s Professional Development Centre is a dedicated service that are committed to increasing our students' employability, helping you to develop the skills and experience you need to stand out in the job market. They will help you with placements, CV writing and interviews during your time with us, and will still be on-hand to help you for two years after you graduate.

UK entry requirements

2024/25 entry

  • GCE A-level AAB-BBC.
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DMM in any subject.
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM in any subject AND an A-Level at grade C.
  • BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma M in any subject, with A-Levels grade BB.
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma 29 points.
  • Obtain a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points in the  Access to HE Diploma  with 45 credits at Level 3.
  • T levels : Merit overall.

A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade C or grade 4 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5. 

Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

EU and International entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
  • BrunELT: 63% (min 55% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 90 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)  

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/25 entry

UK

£9,250 full-time

£6,935 part-time

£1,385 placement year

International

£19,430 full-time

£14,570 part-time

£1,385 placement year

Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.

More information on any additional course-related costs.

See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.

Teaching and learning

Module teaching across the programme (lectures/seminars/tutorials) will take place in person on campus, and will be supported by the provision of asynchronous materials (e.g. lecture recordings etc.).

Other activities, including dissertation drop-ins, personal tutor meetings, assessment workshops, guest speaker events, and one-to-one tutorials may take place in person or online, as appropriate. We'll endeavour to take into account student preferences when arranging these activities, as well as other practical considerations, with an eye firmly on providing an excellent student experience at all times.

Students are strongly advised to purchase core texts from module reading lists, although copies are also available via Brunel Library.

You will have access to the Adobe Creative Cloud software through the university facilities such as Mac labs and edit suites, if you wish to have a license on your personal computer you will have to pay for it, however this is not a requirement. It is recommended that you purchase a large external hard drive.

Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.

We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.

Students will no longer be given individual licenses for the Adobe Creative Cloud as this was a covid contingency in response to the limited access to specialist on-campus facilities.

You’ll benefit from lectures, group tutorials, workshops and seminars, as well as one-to-one supervision in your final year project. Group seminars and personal tutorials allow you to learn in smaller groups and in one-to-one discussions.

To enhance your learning, you will have access to fantastic state-of-the-art facilities and equipment including; 17 fully-equipped edit suites, Final Cut Pro X, Avid and/or Adobe Premiere, and cameras including Canon C100, Sony PMW200, Canon XF100, Canon 5D.

Should you need guidance on the module, coursework and any other matters that may wish to discuss, module tutors are available for one-to-one tutorials.

Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment will be through completing practical work including videos, scripting, storyboards, websites, coursework essays and projects, seminar presentations and video essays.

All final-year students are required to complete a dissertation or project under the supervision of a member of the teaching team. This may take the form of a practice-based project with an accompanying analysis or a written piece on a subject of your choice.