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Filmmaking (with a Placement Year) BA (Hons)

Start date

September

UCAS code

P407

Duration

4 years

UCAS points

96 - 112

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 10 for Student ExperienceThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 5 for Teaching Quality

Explore the stories that matter to you with our hands-on film course.

Integrate filmmaking, acting, and live production with our practical film course. You will learn in an environment that fosters creativity, technical excellence, and personal wellbeing.

You’ll cover topics like:

  • cinema history
  • digital production
  • motion graphics
  • screenwriting
  • sound, lighting, and costume
  • documentary production
  • horror, sci-fi, and fantasy
  • funding in the arts.

Expert teaching and support

Our lecturers are experienced industry professionals and current practitioners. And because class sizes are small, you’ll get their one-to-one support. We’re rated:

  • 1st in London for ‘Academic Support’ (National Student Survey (NSS), 2023).
  • 2nd in London for ‘Teaching on My Course’ (NSS, 2023).

Make London your classroom

Our campus is located in the green and picturesque London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the capital's diverse film industry. We’re also only a stone’s throw away from world-leading studios, such as:

Together, we’ll explore the London film scene through:

  • British Film Institute (BFI)
  • London Film Festival
  • film walking tours.

State-of-the-art facilities

During your filmmaking course, you’ll access specialist facilities like the:

Work experience

You can complete work experience to build your skills and network. You could work at:

  • post-production houses
  • independent film productions
  • film and TV studios.

Great graduate outcomes

Over decades of film modules, we have produced:

  • internationally recognised short films
  • graduates who have established successful careers within film and media.

Through our film degree, you will:

  • become multi-skilled and highly employable
  • join the 97% of Simmies who are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2023).

About the Placement Year

A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.

It will enable you to:

  • apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
  • build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
  • develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
  • get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.

Support from St Mary’s every step of the way

Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.

Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.

David Petch

Course Lead - BA Filmmaking

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Course content

Modules

These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2023/24 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2024/25. 

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Entry requirements

96 - 112

We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:

  • subjects studied at Level 3
  • your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
  • non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
  • your references and motivation.

A passion for film and filmmaking

You will need a passion for film and filmmaking.

UCAS Personal statement support

Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees

Home

£9,250

International

£17,100

1200 during placement year)

*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Government's review of Higher Education Funding.

Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage

Scholarships

Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .

Living costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

How the degree is taught

Contact time - 70%

Independent study - 30%

*Contact time includes 40% of guided learning

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

You will engage in:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • practice-based workshops.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed through:

  • essays
  • practice portfolios.

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.

Career opportunities

During your film course, you will develop essential transferrable skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

You’ll be trained for all practical film-related jobs.

Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on work and postgraduate opportunities.

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:

directorassistant directorproducerscript writer, developer, or supervisorcontinuity supervisorproduction managerrunnercamera operatorlocation managereditorsound operatormarketing manager

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Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.