Course specification and structure
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UDFITEPR - BA Film and Television Production

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Arts Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Subject Area Creative Technologies and Digital Media
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS 6 YEARS
Part-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The BA Film and Television Production is a practice-focused course emphasising the knowledge and skills required for students to become competent practitioners in the film and television industries while providing a theoretical and critical context in which students can understand and develop these competencies.

The course replaces BA Film and Broadcast Production, and has been developed following the resituating of the course from the CASS School of Art Architecture and Design to the School of Computing and Digital Media. This restructuring is designed to facilitate closer co-operation with other media-focused courses in general and with BA Film and Television Studies specifically.

The basis of the learning and teaching strategy for the course is to emphasise learning through practice and acquired experience. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, demonstrations, work-shops, group tutorials and critiques. Students will learn in a number of different types of space such as lecture and seminar rooms, computer labs, editing suites, and sound studios.

The course has been designed to include a range of different learning styles. Students will learn in a number of different ways: in lecturer-led sessions and seminars, learning from others in the class and in group projects, and learning through practice and experience and independent studies, as well as learning through reflection and evaluation.

In the first year of the course (level 4), learning is predominantly introductory in terms of practice and theoretical contexts. In the second year (level 5), the menu of projects is broader in scope and will include external ‘live’ projects. During this second year, students will learn more about working with others and about external stakeholders and briefs. In the third (level 6) year the emphasis is on self-directed studies, culminating in a sustained project in the student’s level 6 route that is informed by future career trajectory, including engagement with employers. This learning is targeted in a ‘flexibly specialised’ manner, focussed in demonstrating the skills of a vocationally-motivated, critical practitioner. Alongside this practice-based, vocationally-oriented approach, students develop a critical perspective on film and television production via modules addressing theoretical and historical perspectives, and culminating in a written dissertation or research project.

The structure of the modules that make-up the course is designed to create opportunities for regular formative feedback, with summative feedback at the end of each module or assignment.

Formative feedback will be provided at regular intervals during the modules. Feedback comes in a number of forms, including verbal feedback during critiques and in one-to-one tutorials, feedback from other students, and written feedback via VLE (Weblearn).

Summative feedback will be provided in assessment critiques at the relevant submission points of modules and in writing after the final assessment of the submitted coursework.

Each year culminates in an exhibition which acts as an incentive for students to plan and produce work to the highest possible standard, allowing opportunity for the students to also get feedback from a wider audience.

Each student-group will have access to online resources, including (for instance) lecture slides, workshop materials, assignment briefs and other documents and learning materials distributed via WebLearn VLE and Google Apps. These are seen as forums for sharing information, discussion and learning.

In addition, students will be directed to reading material that supports and broadens learning the language, vocabulary and canon of film and television theory and practice. These will be distributed via the Reading Lists system where students can see core and additional reading resources and download set texts.

Students will be supported more broadly via an academic tutor, and by the academic mentor scheme whereby mentors support students in understanding assessments, finding resources and developing confidence and skills. The Peer Assisted Student Success (PASS) scheme also provides academic guidance for students; L5 and L6 students will be encouraged to participate in the scheme as success coaches.

Course aims

Film and Television Production involves practised study in the processes of media production in the context of reflection upon the social, economic and intellectual significance of modern media culture. At the heart of the multi-disciplinary project of Film and Television Production are the critical activities of making media and understanding media, primarily via the institutions of cinema and television, but also via broadcasting and print, contemporary media arts and online ‘interactive’ media. This is the field of opportunity for a graduate in Film and Television Production.

The course is both practical and theoretical. Students develop production skills in audio-visual media and examine the fields of communications and media. As well as becoming media literate, students also learn how to carry out specific creative and managerial tasks within media production. The course also provides students with highly transferable skills such as resourcefulness, team-working and the ability to acquire and analyse data.

We inhabit a media age. Arts, broadcasting and visual culture in general, now rely upon digitalized delivery (even analogue forms are circumscribed by digital processes, formats and systems of circulation). Most contemporary and forward-looking art embraces the non-linear capacities and character of digital production and distribution. Novelty in the digital age depends, critically, upon technical, aesthetic and philosophical awareness of the permeable conditions of digital production and reproduction.

It is in this context, that this course aims to provide graduates with the conceptual, creative and technical skills to prosper in film and television production.

The main educational aims of the course are to:

• Provide students with the skills, knowledge and attributes required to operate effectively as artisanal professionals within the contemporary media and creative industries.

• Provide students with the appropriate conceptual know-how and knowledge of the creative and design processes, principles and techniques of making film and television media.

• Promote development of intellectual and imaginative powers, including the attributes of critically informed independent thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, self-awareness and insight.

• Encourage understanding of the contextual, critical and historical environments forming and informing film and television and to recognize causal relationships within media.

• Foster creativity, motivation, independence and the ability to collaborate with others so that graduates can function effectively as critical practitioners within the contemporary media and creative industries.

• Provide students with a high level of visual literacy so they can understand, use and critically respond to the codes, conventions and visual language within film and television production.

• Provide students with an education that will enable them to become successful practitioners and gain employment in the vastly diversified media and creative industries (including consultancy and self-employment), encouraging enterprise, initiative and imagination.

• Provide students with the necessary critical, creative and technical skills to function effectively as critical practitioners or proceed to further study at post-graduate level.

• Provide graduates with an understanding and appropriate knowledge of specialist fields in film and television production so that students can both flourish in their vocation and in the emergent over-laps between media.

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

LO1
Demonstrate film and television production skills (including pre- and post-production) such as constructing audio-visual narratives, writing for screen, camera operation, framing and composition, use of editing and other software, audio recording and editing, and lighting.

LO2
Demonstrate an understanding of the history and theory of film and television, as fields of creative expression, in social and cultural contexts.

LO3
Understand and analyse texts of various kinds including academic materials, and critically apply theoretical concepts and perspectives.

LO4
Understand and explain the organisational, economic and industrial contexts of film and television production, which frame the cultural and creative industries, including roles and processes within those industries.

LO5
Demonstrate skills of collaboration and teamwork, presentational skills using digital technology and personal interaction, and organisational skills in preproduction, production and postproduction.

LO6
Work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, awareness of relevant ethical considerations, self-direction and reflexivity

LO7
Organise and manage supervised, self-directed projects; apply entrepreneurial skills if and where appropriate in dealing with audiences, clients, consumers, markets, sources and/or users

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies

Assessment strategy

The course provides a variety of assessment strategies designed to promote and evidence students’ engagement with learning. Assessments are both formative and summative to promote developmental learning and allow for different learning styles, and include formal essays, presentations, portfolios, case studies, and practice-based assessments such as screenwriting, short film-making and experimental film and video-making. Students will have the opportunity to submit draft material to tutors and receive individual tutorials and feedback during student development weeks. Students will be provided with both formative and summative feedback in a variety of forms including in-class, tutorials, on-line, peer critique and formal written feedback. Formative feedback provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with learning and develop their work towards their final summative assessments. Further support is available via a team of academic mentors, tutors, Library Services, University Student Services, and the Centre for Learning and Teaching. The processes for marking and moderation of assessments are structured in line with the University’s Quality procedures, and are presented to students and made available via Weblearn.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The Work Related Learning for Media 2 module (FC6W52) enables students to undertake a short period of professional activity and to gain credit for their achievements. The activity can be employment, a work placement, professional training, volunteering in the not-for-profit sector, or where available, within a Virtual Business Environment within the University.

The work based learning activity should enable the student to build on previous experiences and learning gained within their academic course and elsewhere. It should provide learning opportunities for personal development. The student is encouraged and supported in developing the ability to identify applied knowledge and skills that enhance their work performance, ensure their continued improvement and apply theory to practice as appropriate. The learner should develop improved understanding of themselves, and the workplace through reflective and reflexive learning.

Course specific regulations

Module Title Module Code
Approaches to Film and Television (Core, 30 credits) SJ4030 (L4)
Film and TV Practice 1 (Core, 30 credits) MD4009 (L4)
Film and TV Production 1 (Core, 30 credits) MD4010 (L4)
Film and Television Histories (Core, 30 credits) SJ4031 (L4)

Hollywood Industry and Politics (Core, 15 credits) SJ5087 (L5)
Hollywood Stardom, Genre and Authorship (Core, 15 credits) SJ5088 (L5)
Film and TV Practice 2 (Core, 30 credits) MD5011 (L5)
Film and TV Production 2 (Core, 30 credits) MD5012 (L5)
Film and TV Industry Roles (Core, Spring, 15 credits) MD5050 (L5)
Scripting Performance for Screen (Core, Autumn, 15 credits) SJ5053 (L5)

Film and TV Industry Careers (Core, Spring,15 credits) MD6050 (L6)
WRL for Media 2 (Core, Autumn, 15 credits) FC6W52 (L6)
Major Film and TV Projects (Core, 60 credits) MD6011 (L6)
Film and TV Production Dissertation (Core, 30 credits) MD6012 (L6)

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Reflective learning is promoted throughout the course through the use of a workbook/portfolio as an assessment item and the regular use of self-evaluation in practical assignment briefs. Each practical integrative assignment has two parts, the product and the workbook/portfolio. The workbook/portfolio is the tool for promoting reflective learning and focuses on the process of achieving a creative goal. Reflective learning is also explicitly developed via an initial exercise in L4 (Module: Film and Television Studies).

Personal development is supported through the use of the career planning activities in L5 (FTV Professional Practice) and L6 (WRL for Media 2).
These activities include a career analysis, and career plan, the design of a show reel (portfolio of work) and online promotional material, and the presentation of an exhibition at L6. These core activities continue progressively throughout the course and culminate in a specialist module at level 6 which includes the opportunity for a work placement (WRL for Media 2).

The career planning activities will also be reviewed at regular tutorials, when feedback and formative guidance will be given.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

The BA Film and Television Production course is taught in the heart of London’s creative district with potential employers right at your doorstep.
Graduates move into television and film careers and into media-related professions, in technical or creative roles. Graduates in the past have found work at companies such as Channel 4, BBC, CNBC and Sky, some have worked in television and others have directed their first feature films. Recently students have exhibited films at festivals and one group of students has won a Royal Television Society award for documentary. Many work freelance or set up their own companies. Some also go on to postgraduate study at masters or PhD level.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can pursue postgraduate study, or work in a variety of fields, including the creative and cultural industries, film criticism and academia.

As the hub of the film and television industries in the UK, London provides many options for students, both in organisations such as the British Film Institute, the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and in the numerous independent production companies located across the city.

Our location (Aldgate) in London’s creative East End provides many opportunities for graduating students, both in organizations such as the British Film Institute, the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and in the numerous independent production companies located nearby and across the city. Recent alumni include one of only three black female filmmakers to have directed a feature film that has received a nationwide release in the UK and a cinematographer who works on TV shows including League of Gentlemen and Cold Feet.

Recent graduates have moved on to master's degrees at Goldsmiths and at Film School in the USA, and gained positions at a range of media companies including YouTube.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University’s standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • a minimum of grades BBC in three A Levels (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg Advanced Diploma)

If you don't have traditional qualifications or can't meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Film and Television Production (including foundation year) BA (Hons) degree.

Application may include a compulsory interview and/or portfolio submission. Please see our portfolio guidelines for further details.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 24 Jun 2019 Last validation date 24 Jun 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes 100923 (television production): 50% , 100441 (film production): 50%
Route code FITEPR

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
MD4009 Film and TV Practice 1 Core 30 CITY AUT+SPR WED AM
          CITY AUT+SPR FRI AM
MD4010 Film and TV Production 1 Core 30 CITY AUT+SPR WED PM
          CITY AUT+SPR FRI PM
SJ4030 Approaches to Film and Television Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
SJ4031 Film and Television Histories Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM

Stage 1 Level 04 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
MD4009 Film and TV Practice 1 Core 30        
MD4010 Film and TV Production 1 Core 30        
SJ4030 Approaches to Film and Television Core 30        
SJ4031 Film and Television Histories Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
MD5011 Film and TV Practice 2 Core 30 CITY AUT+SPR MON AM
MD5012 Film and TV Production 2 Core 30 CITY AUT+SPR MON PM
MD5050 Film and TV Industry Roles Core 15 CITY SPR TUE AM
SJ5053 Scripting Performance for Screen Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
SJ5087 Hollywood Industry and Politics Core 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
SJ5088 Hollywood Stardom, Genre and Authorship Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
MD6011 Major Film and TV Projects Core 60 CITY AUT+SPR THU PM
          CITY AUT+SPR THU AM
MD6012 Film and TV Production Dissertation Core 30 CITY AUT+SPR TUE PM
MD6050 Film and TV Industry Careers Core 15 CITY SPR TUE AM
MD6W50 Work Based Learning for Film and Television Core 15 CITY AUT TUE AM