Film Production BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Media student working with a group on an outside shoot, and holding up a clapperboard.

Study for a BA in Film Production and develop your technical, creative and professional skills and help establish yourself in the world of feature film, documentary, television and streaming production, and much more.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

P320

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Register for updates

Course overview

Our key focus is developing your technical, creative and professional skills in a variety of roles. You will become familiar with industry practices while collaborating on creative film projects. Your practice is further developed through critical evaluation of your own work, contextualised by current research and debate in the creative sector and an understanding of industry trends.

  • Our Film Production course is aimed at future film makers. You will seek to gain practical hands-on experience in making films and learn to understand the contextual setting you are working in.
  • The course is practice based, with aspects of critical media theory integrated into practical modules. We aim to develop curious mind-sets, asking ‘why?’ at every point: as you both research and create narrative and documentary films and reflect critically upon them.
  • The course is focused on the development of passionate, creative, entrepreneurial graduates who are confident collaborators and communicators with industry-led skills to maximise the opportunities for employment in a variety of roles in the creative industries.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • You will have access to high standard professional media equipment via our Media Loan Shop, such as Sony, Blackmagic, RED cameras and sound, lighting and grip equipment (subject to availability).
  • You have access to dedicated and flexible creative learning environments, media spaces and industry-focused studios, featuring the newly built film studio and Tank TV studio4.
  • Develop your technical, creative and professional skills in a variety of roles: scriptwriting, camera work, post-production editing and post-production sound design, directing and producing. Visit our Film Production Instagram page to get further insight into our course.
  • Opportunities for professional experience and live projects, which have, in the past, included student-industry collaboration with Imaginarium Productions, Regional BBC, Creative City, Rolls-Royce and BBC3 (subject to availability, application and additional costs2).
  • You will have the opportunity to meet experts at our series of screenings and masterclasses (subject to availability).

Take a look at our video for more information about Film Production at Coventry University and discover everything you need to know before you join us.

More than just a degree

The course blends practical skills and theory really well, while remaining fun, challenging and interesting all at the same time!

Archie Burns, Film Production BA (Hons) student, 2022
A student filming outside in Coventry

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

  • Film Production BA (Hons)
  • Media Production BA (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

  • This is a hands-on module introducing you to both the contextual and practical knowledge required to create compelling films with a coherent narrative and a focus on craft skills. This module aims to teach you camera, lighting, sound and post production techniques that you will continue to develop throughout the whole course. These form the basis of you using a range of production methods and understanding the contemporary context(s) of short film production and distribution. Screening your films and ongoing peer to peer feedback will be part of this exciting first step in your creative journey.

    Compulsory

  • This module will introduce you to some of the most important concepts and theories in film and media production. You will consider how meaning within global media has been constructed and is understood by audiences through concepts such as representation, narrative, and genre and apply your understanding to your own and others creative work.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores how stories are constructed on the page and how they are taken forward and developed into finished productions. You will analyse different types of narrative used in film and media, understand the grammar of how stories are constructed and start to develop your own scripts, treatments and development documents for a range of media outputs.

    Compulsory

  • This module is the start of your professional career as you start to become aware of the variety of career paths and opportunities that exist in the media, film and wider creative industries and begin to chart your own journey through them. It focuses on recognising the relationship between networking, professional practice, critical reflection and personal development to enhance your career progression.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will explore the histories of the global media and film production industries and the art and craft of producing for those industries. Through the case studies provided and your own research, this course aims to provide you with a greater understanding of both how film, TV, subscription video on demand (SVOD), and podcasts have developed and also what the emerging new media forms are that might come to disrupt or dominate the contemporary media landscape.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to teach you factual storytelling methods as you create a documentary film or content for online media. You are asked to choose an issue from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that matters to you and then collaborate on creating a piece of work that can impact it. During the production process you should also develop skills in pitching projects, forming production crews and effective group working practices.

    Compulsory

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge.
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner.
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career.
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen.

You will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with: short form content, television studios, and branding, amongst others.

Modules

  • In this module you will explore how to make short films that engage modern audiences and examine the means by which short films are distributed and viewed. You will undertake professionally informed production roles, under the supervision of a member of staff, in order to produce a narrative short film. You will have ongoing formative feedback through the stages of pre and post production and present your work to peers.

    Compulsory

  • This module allows you to further develop your film making skills with special emphasis on learning and applying practical techniques of camera, lighting and sound on set. Working collaboratively, using industry standard equipment in a purpose-built studio you will produce a series of developmental pieces which will help you to develop your creative and technical skills and understand how to apply them in a professional way.

    Compulsory

  • You will be introduced to a diverse set of films so as to explore cinema history and movements from a global perspective covering mainstream and independent films from the UK, Europe and global national cinemas. The module will explore how technology has shaped the history of the medium and how film can illuminate diverse social, cultural and political landscapes from around the world.

    Compulsory

  • Here you will concentrate on the role of the director in film and tv drama. This module will explore different processes involved in working with performers throughout the length of a project from casting to table reads, camera set ups and delivery, choreography and blocking scenes, improvisation, storyboarding and shotlists. Working on projects with performers will enable you to develop the skills needed to inhabit the director’s role in film making.

    Compulsory

  • Through a series of lectures, workshops and masterclasses you will be encouraged to discover the area(s) of the industry in which you want to specialise. With the support of tutors and the Talent Team you will undertake 3 days (24 hours) of either professional placements and/or a series of one-off projects in the film/media industry2. This will culminate in you producing a portfolio that begins to promote you as an emergent film/media/creative industry professionals.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will work with students from courses across the School of Media and Performing Arts and/or industry collaborators, external groups or organisations to respond to an issue in the local, national or global community. You will work collaboratively with fellow students in defined roles that reflect industry practice in your area of study but will also develop skills in the management and organisation roles by playing an active part in the project from beginning to end.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. 

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor.

You will have the opportunity to choose between three optional modules in your final year, ‘Cinematography’, ‘Scriptwriting’ and 'Post Production' to total 120 credits.

Modules

  • This module gives you the opportunity to further develop your creativity and experimentation in the work you produce. How and where in the creative process can you boost innovation? You will work individually or collaboratively in small teams to creatively play with new and immersive technologies, emerging media forms and disruptive distribution platforms. The outcomes will inform your creative choices in other modules and your professional career.

    Compulsory

  • This is a chance for you to develop a film concept that is capable of being taken forward into production. Working individually or in groups to research and develop an idea – including critical review, technical and creative development work, ethical consideration, pre-production and a distribution analysis – you will plan a significant media production that can form a major part of the promotional materials you develop to advance their career.

    Compulsory

  • This module option enables you to explore working with different lighting combinations, grips, lenses, cameras, recording formats and digital workflows so as to extend your cinematography skills. You will analyse a range of existing films from different historical periods and geographical locations, in order to develop your understanding of the techniques used by professional cinematographers in their work.

    Optional

  • In this module option you will explore idea development, narrative structure, story world, character development, dialogue, plot and the use of subplots. You will use industry standard formatting in your writing and learn cutting edge practice in realising a script/screenplay for film or TV. Writers’ room type workshops, development tutorials peer and tutor review and feedback will support your creative process.

    Optional

  • This is an opportunity to develop, or further develop, your skills in editing, post-production and finishing in software packages such as Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects and Da Vinci Resolve. You will develop technical skills in post production workflows, colour correction and grading as well as enhanced storytelling techniques in editing for film and media.

    Optional

  • This module aims to enable you to proactively launch yourself into your future career as you develop and produce a professional portfolio. You will reflect on your previous learning, analyse your skills and attributes, and research potential employment routes and effective portfolio presentations for your chosen areas in the media industries.

    Compulsory

  • This module offers you a substantial and professional experience in your chosen area of film production with specific emphasis on the process of production. The film produced in this module will be your culminating work, integrating and demonstrating the knowledge and skills learned throughout the Film Production degree. You will analyse and reflect on your creative development and the impact of this on your production process.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The course is delivered though project-based ‘hands-on’ learning, with a great emphasis on location work, live projects and practice activities, all with ongoing feedback. Your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice throughout the course.

You will be taught in lectures, seminars, skills workshops and masterclasses as well as in production meetings, where you will operate within defined, professionally-informed production roles, and in screenings, where you will gain contextual understanding of your own work and the work of others.

The course normally lasts three years when studied full-time and students have the option to extend the course by taking a sandwich year between the second and third years on placement or study abroad2.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 10-12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 15 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include:

  • Practical or project work
  • Coursework
  • Tests
  • Essays
  • Presentations/posters

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.

International experience opportunities

Our course is designed to reflect the increasingly international context of media production; this is reflected strongly in the course curriculum through international trips which provide an insight into other cultures and societies throughout the world2.

We strongly encourage you to broaden your theoretical, cultural and practical references, providing opportunities to broaden your horizons by living, studying or working abroad on a sandwich year. (A sandwich year is subject to availability, competitive application, meeting visa requirements and additional costs.)

You will have opportunities to take part in international trips where you will be able to develop your knowledge and skills through the production of individual and group media projects. Reviewed annually, recent field trips have included: Cyprus, Hangzhou, Kenya, Los Angeles, New York, Norway, Paris, Prague, Sierra Leone and Tenerife. On all trips, you will be engaging in production projects, assisting on a local film production or making your own films using local crew2.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
BTEC DMM
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C or above including English
IB Diploma 29 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Art, Design and Media will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Portfolio

You will be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites to send in your portfolio or attend these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with no component lower than 5.5) 

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Coventry University is home to superb facilities4 and our new Arts and Humanities building is planned to fully open in 2023. We also have a well-stocked Media Loan Shop so you can borrow an extensive range of specialist, professional equipment, including 4K and HD video cameras, DSLR cameras, tripods, audio equipment and lighting.

Two male students presenting in a TV studio to a camera in the foreground.

Television Studio

You’ll have access to our on-site television studio The Tank, offering specialist equipment such as large cameras, mixing facilities and fibre-optic wiring throughout.
 

Male student setting up a photography light in a studio.

Photography Suite

This specialist facility is available to media students to take and process photos in a professional environment. There is also support for printing, high-end scanning and film processing.

 

Exterior front of the Ellen Terry building.

Media Loan Shop

Our media loan shop provides you with access to all the equipment and support you need to excel in your studies – from basic audio recorders to professional cameras and expert advice from our technicians.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Deploy the use of professional roles and collaborative working practices within film production and gain knowledge of different approaches across a range of global film production practices.
  • Apply key insights gained through your own production processes to support your own career development and professional networking within the sector.
  • Critically assess theoretical and contextual knowledge, including a diverse range of screen-based texts and a wide range of historical and contemporary production and narrative techniques.
  • Engage with the work of local, national and international communities of practice to evaluate current and future industry trends in order to be informed by, and place your own work within them.
  • Accurately deploy established and innovative techniques when using technical equipment and creative skills in various stages of film production.
  • Produce a highly creative portfolio of work within a contemporary global context that articulates your professional voice in an ethical and sustainable manner.

Studying film production provides you with the technical, creative and business skills to work in the film and wider creative industries. Your portfolio of work may help you get noticed. Your imagination, strong ethics and professionalism will be attributes to help you stand out.

The many transferrable skills learned throughout the degree will mean that your education is applicable to a variety career paths upon graduation.

By studying a broad spectrum of film and media practice, the course is designed to equip you with the skills to work for large organisations like the BBC, as well as film production companies, or to work as a freelancer or independent film maker or producer. Throughout your course, you will develop your own professional practice portfolio to use when looking for work after graduation.

Over the years, we have developed and maintained excellent links with a wide variety of potential employers in the media and cultural industries. Our Talent Team is on hand to offer tailored career and enterprise support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course specific industries2. Our dedicated enterprise officers also offer valuable assistance on how to begin as a freelancer/entrepreneur.

Where our graduates work

The School has a very long and impressive history of graduates who establish themselves in extremely high profile media and cultural employment, examples of which include: executive producer for many highly prestigious Hollywood films, executive producer for SYCO, director for BBC documentaries, DJs for national radio stations such as BBC Radio 6 and Virgin Radio, planners and creatives for a number prestigious London-based advertising agencies.

There is also the chance to go onto master’s level study upon successful completion of your undergraduate degree.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with:

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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