UDFITEFY - BA (Hons) Film and Television Production (including foundation year)

Course Description

The BA Film and Television Production (including Foundation Year) is a practice-oriented course focused on 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 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 film, television 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.

The structure of the course offers a pathway in practice-oriented modules from single-semester 15 credit modules focused on specific skills and techniques within film and television-making practice (e.g. pre-production skills such as location scouting, storyboarding; post-production techniques such as editing and colour grading) in Level 4 through a more comprehensive set of 30 credit year-long modules in Level 5 which allow students the opportunity to explore their new skills and knowledge in a creative and flexible environment. In L6, a single 60 credit module (Major Film and TV Project) then provides a further opportunity to produce final graduation films both as project leaders and as collaborative team-workers. This pathway from introductory skills-specific modules to broader more flexible creative working is intended to provide students firstly with a technical platform from which expressive, inventive work can then be produced.

Alongside this strand, students are also introduced to analytical perspectives on film and television as the critical contexts within which their particular practice is situated. A further strand focuses on the career and industry contexts within which creative filmmaking takes place.

Students begin their studies at level 3 with both core learning in the theory and history of film, television and media, audio-visual practice, and a wider introduction to a range of media and creative subjects. Students are also encouraged to develop essential writing and study skills in preparation for university level study.

In the second year of the course (level 4), learning is predominantly introductory in terms of practice and theoretical contexts. In the third year (level 5), the menu of projects is broader in scope and may include external ‘live’ projects. During this third year, students will learn more about working with others and about external stakeholders and briefs. In the fourth (level 6) year the emphasis is on self-directed studies, culminating in a sustained major film and TV 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.

There are opportunities for students to present and exhibit their work at points throughout the course, and the final year culminates in an exhibition at a major film screening cinema venue 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, the Panopto lecture recording system and Microsoft Office 365 (including MS Teams). 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 embedded in the Weblearn VLE where students can see core and additional reading resources and download set texts.

Students will be supported more broadly via a personal academic tutor (usually their course leader), 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.

The course attracts a relatively large student cohort each year, and encourages students to regularly reflect on their own learning in line with the University’s Education for Social Justice Framework, whereby students are invited to consider their work in relation to notions of social justice, compassion and inclusion. For instance, at L5 students are introduced to the Albert toolkit and training scheme for sustainability in TV production. More broadly, ethical issues are raised in a range of modules (e.g. representation and diversity within the industries) and students are asked to consider these in relation to their own creative practice.

Course Aims

The BA Film and TV Production aims to:

• Provide a thorough grounding in the various skills, techniques, and knowledge bases relevant to working in the film and television industries, and equip students with these through a range of learning approaches and strategies including workshops, studio demonstrations, lectures and seminars;

• Expand students critical and analytical perspectives on film and television (and related media) in their social, historical and cultural contexts;

• Encourage skills of writing, research, development of an argument and critical analysis.

• Provide a clear and practical overview of the career pathways and industry contexts which students are likely to encounter in the film and television industries;

• Support students through their learning journey to develop broader practical and transferable skills such as those in critical thinking, use of digital technologies, time management and managing self-directed activities and projects.

• Promote students’ independence and self-directed learning.

• Prepare students for work in the fields of film and television and related media industries, and for further study.

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

UL0. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline.

LO1
Demonstrate film and television production skills (including pre-production) such as constructing audio-visual narratives, storyboarding, writing for screen, set design, camera operation, framing and composition, audio recording and lighting.

LO2
Demonstrate post-production skills and the use of editing and other software, such as different types of edit, visual rhythm, colour correction and special effects.

LO3
Demonstrate sound design skills including the use of music, ADR and Foley.

LO4
Demonstrate an understanding of the history and theory of film and television, as fields of creative expression, in social and cultural contexts.

LO5
Understand and analyse texts of various kinds including academic materials, and critically apply theoretical concepts and perspectives.

LO6
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.

LO7
Demonstrate skills of collaboration and teamwork, presentational skills using digital technology and personal interaction, and organisational skills in preproduction, production and postproduction.

LO8
Work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, awareness of relevant ethical considerations, self-direction and reflexivity

LO9
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

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements/subject-benchmark-statement-communication-media-film-and-cultural-studies

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, video 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, personal academic tutor (customarily the course leader), 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.

The Work Related Learning module 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.

They would normally proceed through the program, taking only half the number of modules per year.

Certificate of Higher Education: 120 credits

Dip in Higher Education: 240 credits

Throughout the course students are encouraged to reflect on their work – both academic-critical and practical – through a range of different teaching and learning strategies. This then supports them in considering their place in the future working environment and career, and their wider position in the world. In the more theoretical/academic modules, students are asked to engage with ideas, theories and arguments, and consider how these can be applied to examples of their own, as well as in regard to their own work as creative practitioners. The practical modules similarly consider critical ideas directly in relation to student practice. In all modules students are asked to reflect on their studies and creative work both in terms of their own development and also in relation to the wider world.

SCDM is a member of Albert Sustainability in Education, a multi-university scheme run by BAFTA. Each year Albert sustainability in production training is offered to film students on BA Film and TV Production. The 'Albert Sustainable Production' logo in the credits of films and TV shows, is an industry standard certification which has become mandatory for UK based productions. When our students complete Albert training with us they become Albert Graduates which means they are familiar with how to implement sustainability in production. They are also trained to use the Albert carbon calculator. This keeps them at the cutting edge of industry innovation and will improve their employment opportunities in the future.

Personal development is also embedded in specific modules. This personal development strand is built on in L6 with both Media Industry Careers, in which students consider the relevant labour market and explore their future position within it, and in the Work Based Learning module in which students undertake a short work placement (or equivalent activity) to further prepare students for the move from study to work.

The BA Film and Television Production course is taught in London with easy access to creative hubs 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 student groups have won Royal Television Society awards for documentary filmmaking and editing. Many work freelance or set up their own companies. Some also go on to postgraduate study at masters or PhD level.

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.

Our creative technologies and digital media graduates have gone on to exciting careers as content programmers, fashion copywriters, motion graphic designers, multimedia journalists and visual effects production assistants, radio presenters, studio runners and producers in companies such as D2 Interactive, TK MAXX, Motion Picture Company, Virtual Arts, Volant Media and We Are Capture.

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

• at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
• English Language GCSE at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent eg Functional Skills at Level 2)

We encourage applications from international/EU students with equivalent qualifications. We also accept mature students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

If you live in the UK, you will be invited to a portfolio interview. If you live outside the UK you will be required to submit a small portfolio of work via email.