Film Production BA (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: P320
International Code: AHU062

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time (study abroad or work placement)
Flexible part-time

Start date

September 2022

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

Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

The BA (Hons) Film Production course is aimed at future film makers. You will gain practical hands on experience in making films and learn to understand the contextual setting you are working in.

  • You will become part of a community of practitioners, making films as you would in the film and media industries, learning a range technical and craft skill as well as developing critical thinking and contextual understanding.
  • A key focus is developing your technical, creative and professional skills in a variety of roles from location sound recording to camera work and post-production to directing and producing. You will become familiar with industry practices while collaborating on creative film projects, learning to work in an ethical and sustainable manner.
  • You will have access to a range of digital film cameras, lighting, audio recording equipment and software, as well as the use of TV and Radio studios, to enable the production of high-quality films.
globe decorative icon

Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
human silhouette teaching in front of a blackdoard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Resume icon displaying a paper and a pen

Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

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 students research, as they make both narrative and documentary films and as they reflect upon them.
  • You will become part of a community of practitioners, making films as you will in the mode of the film and media industries, learning a range technical and craft skill as well as developing critical thinking and contextual understanding.
  • A key focus of the course is developing your technical, creative and professional skills in a variety of roles: location sound recording, camera work, post-production editing and post-production sound design, directing and producing. You will become familiar with industry practices while collaborating on creative film projects, learning to work in an ethical and sustainable manner.
  • 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 film production upon graduation.
  • You will graduate with practical filmmaking experience, with a strong portfolio of work and the skills, knowledge and capabilities of not only working in today’s film and media industry, but also playing a part in shaping its future.
9th

for Film Production and Photography

Guardian University Guide 2021

What you'll study

In the 1st year you will gain a common understanding of the various disciplines and skills in film production. The course will introduce you to a range of technical knowledge, theoretical concepts and production practices which are reinforced throughout the course. There will be collaborations with students on other courses within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Modules

  • This module will introduce students to the meaning, importance and use of a number of fundamental concepts within the broad fields of media analysis and production. Students will be introduced to the history, development and use of a series of defining concepts that have been employed to understand how meaning within media objects has been produced, consumed and interpreted.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module introduces students to the contextual and practical knowledge required for creating coherent narrative films, using a range of production methods and understanding the contemporary context(s) of short film production and distribution. Learning through practice, students will get accustomed with the variety of processes of production as well as the necessary technical skills required to produce cinematic short films.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, portfolio

  • This module explores the means by which different types of narrative are constructed, in the areas such as scriptwriting and editing. The module provides students with the opportunity to explore and rethink conventional approaches to developing a narrative within a range of media artefacts. Students will develop a critical and practical understanding of the grammar for building a narrative and the skills needed to produce work for a variety of media.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module enables students to begin to develop awareness of the context, career paths and opportunities relevant to a range of professional film production practices and industries. Through the screenings of a series of films about the lives of professionals, lectures, workshops and talks from guests, the students will explore what it means to develop the routine and rigour of being a professional in the film and creative industries.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module will introduce students to a diverse range of films. It will explore the histories of cinema and historical cinematic movements from a global perspective, exploring mainstream and independent films from Hollywood/Bollywood/Nollywood, Europe and global national cinemas. We will also explore how technology has shaped the history of the medium.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • Students will learn to produce one short, non-fiction film which expresses opinion and one short documentary film telling a story that matters. They will work with participants to observe, capture and edit factual material. They will start to understand the roles of characters in factual storytelling as well as developing technical production skills in filming and lighting interviews, observational camera work, sound recording and post-production. They will develop skills in pitching projects and forming production crews.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, portfolio

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, exam

You will become more accustomed to team working, which is an essential feature of the film production process. Teaching will be more in-depth and the quality and scale of work will move up a level. You will be introduced to new forms of creative practices and be encouraged to experiment while your critical abilities will develop further. You’ll work with students on the BA Acting course and develop your professional networks further, geographically and in terms of their increasing specialisation.

Modules

  • Students will be challenged to explore their own relationship with creativity and their practice through the consumption of a wide range of creative mediums. They will begin to discover what kind of practitioner they are by critically engaging with a number of disciplines as well as studying what it takes to create a variety of content.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • Students will explore how to make short films that engage modern audiences and the means by which short films are distributed and viewed. They will operate in professionally informed production roles within small production groups, under the supervision of a member of staff, in order to produce a narrative short film. Each student will develop the skills and knowledge to be able to carry out assigned responsibilities in pre-production, production and post-production.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Portfolio

  • Students will experiment and explore new and innovative technologies, forms and applications that may become part of future conventions. The module will explore new forms of creative practice in film making in order to extend the student’s knowledge of a variety of new formats and new approaches to film making and develop their confidence in the generation of new ideas for these new formats.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Portfolio

  • Students will explore the wide range of roles within the film industry examine how they fit into an industry that is highly competitive and rapidly changing in terms of new technological advances and working practices. Students will be encouraged to deepen their interest in a specific area, or areas, of film production with particular emphasis being placed on the possible careers they will consider for their future employment.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, exam

After your second year, you have an opportunity to take a sandwich year, studying abroad or on professional placement.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In the final year you will build on your previous learning, developing and consolidating the full range of skills you have learned so far. Successful fulfilment of 3rd year tasks will demonstrate the necessary portfolio of films, professional knowledge, creative abilities and technical skills that will enable you to feel confident to move into entry-level graduate jobs or freelancing.

Modules

  • This module aims to enable students to undertake a film project that encapsulates the students self-defined interests, supporting them in developing their on areas of specialism and preparing them for their future careers. Students will develop and realise a short film project, building upon knowledge and skills acquired during the module and the whole course. Students may choose to produce the media artefact in small teams or individually, subject to an approval by their supervising tutor.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, portfolio

  • This module provides students with the theoretical, conceptual and practical tools needed to develop their own independent research and development work. It introduces students to the professional aspects that underpin production and will increase their ability to critically reflect, contextualise and create work within their chosen specialism/s. The students will be expected to relate their own ideas for production to those of other practitioners and become increasingly aware of their own position within their chosen community of practice.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module aims to enable final year students to proactively launch themselves into their future careers, using their previous learning as the foundation. It does this through the analysis of existing capability, research into potential employment, portfolio presentation and action planning.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, portfolio

  • This module offers students a substantial and professional experience in their chosen area of film production with specific emphasis on the process of production. The film produced in this module will be the student’s culminating work, integrating and demonstrating the knowledge and skills learned throughout the Film Production degree. Students will be expected to provide evidence of analysis and reflection of their development and the impact of this on their production process.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, portfolio

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, exam

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 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 abroad.

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.

Our current excellent industry links enable us to host an exciting programme of guest speakers covering topics such as film production, scriptwriting, distribution and curation of moving images (subject to availability). You will also have the opportunity to take part in industry visits at home and abroad, where you will be able to develop your knowledge and skills through fieldwork and group projects.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include practical or project work, coursework, tests, essays and 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.

Job ready

  • 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 of 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 their professional voice in an ethical and sustainable manner

International experience opportunities

You’ll 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 crew (subject to availability, competitive application, meeting visa requirements and additional costs).

In May 2019 a group of Media Production students visited New York City to engage with the City culturally and sample a film festival in Montclair State. They spent the rest of the trip exploring one of the greatest cities in the world and learning what it means to be an international media maker.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including English
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 31 points

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

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.

Chat with UK admissions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chat with International admissions

Fees and funding

2022/23 Fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

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.

Facilities

You will have access to a range of digital film cameras, lighting, audio recording equipment and industry-standard software, as well as the use of TV and Radio studios, to enable you to produce high-quality film productions. Students on the Film Production course work closely with students on other courses in the School of Media and Performing Arts, building their own professional identities and portfolios of work.

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.

The 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

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.

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.

How to apply

You may also like

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

Browse Media and Journalism courses
Students filming in the Coventry Cathedral ruins

Browse Film and Photography courses
Coventry University (Coventry) Media Production student with a clapperboard and two students in the background with filming equipment

Media Production BA (Hons)
Coventry University (Coventry) Three students sitting in front of a big screen tv with macbooks

Media and Communications BA (Hons)

Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. 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.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we 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. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    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. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating 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.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).