BA (Hons) Film Production with Integrated Foundation Year

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Film Production with Integrated Foundation Year at the University of Sunderland is a comprehensive four-year program that equips students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for a successful career in film and television. Through hands-on projects, expert instruction, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, students develop expertise in screenwriting, camera, sound, editing, lighting, and directing. The program also emphasizes communication, teamwork, and creativity, preparing students for diverse roles in the industry and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Program:

BA (Hons) Film Production with Integrated Foundation Year

Institution:

University of Sunderland

Overview:

This is a four-year version of the BA (Hons) Film Production with an integrated foundation year. This rigorous program will help you develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to launch a successful career in film. Through hands-on projects and expert instruction, you'll gain experience in screenwriting, camera, sound, editing, lighting, and directing. Additionally, you'll have access to state-of-the-art equipment and industry-standard software packages.

Objectives:

• Prepare students for careers in the film and TV industries.
• Equip students with communication, teamwork, and creativity skills valuable in diverse business and public sector fields.
• Impart foundational knowledge and advanced skills to thrive in film and television productions.

Program Description:

• The BA (Hons) Film Production with Integrated Foundation Year is an immersive, comprehensive program that prepares students for success in the film and TV industries.
• Through a combination of practical projects, lectures, workshops, and seminars, students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue various careers in film, including directing, cinematography, scriptwriting, and editing.
• The program emphasizes hands-on experience through projects that allow students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and develop a strong portfolio.
• Moreover, the program boasts access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard software, providing students with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive industry.

Additional Information:

• The program welcomes award-winning industry professionals as guest lecturers, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities.
• Students also benefit from opportunities to gain direct experience and industry insights through projects with Fulwell 73, a renowned independent production company based in the David Puttnam Media Centre.
• The program focuses on developing well-rounded individuals, fostering strong communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills that translate well to diverse business and public sector roles.

Outline

Program Content:

• The program covers a wide range of topics crucial for success in film and television production.
• Students delve into different genres, learning the intricacies of documentary production, directing, cinematography, scriptwriting, and editing.
• Additionally, the program explores fundamental concepts like film theory and criticism, providing students with critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze films effectively.

Program Structure:

• The BA (Hons) Film Production with Integrated Foundation Year comprises four years of intensive study.
• The first year serves as a foundation year, focusing on foundational knowledge and core skills in various media production roles.
• This foundation year ensures students develop a strong base of understanding before progressing to specialized areas in film production.
• Subsequent years delve deeper into specialized areas, offering students opportunities to choose modules based on their interests and career aspirations.

Course Schedule:

• The program follows a semester-based schedule, with each semester dedicated to specific modules and topics.
• Specific details of the semester schedule can be obtained from the program brochure or by contacting the program coordinator.

Modules:

The program comprises diverse modules covering different aspects of film and television production. The specific modules offered may vary slightly between years, but some examples include:

• Single Camera Production: Develops practical and technical skills for single camera video production, scriptwriting, filming, and editing short video projects.
• Introduction to Sound: Recording and Mixing: Explores the technical aspects of recording and mixing audio, examining its impact on storytelling and interaction with other media formats.
• Narrative Scriptwriting: Refines storytelling skills through workshops and script development, leading to the creation of scripts suitable for short films, TV productions, or radio and podcasts.
• Introduction to Film Studies: Introduces students to key film analysis concepts, fostering the ability to dissect films and understand editing techniques, narrative structures, and the interplay of image and sound.
• Short Film Production: Provides hands-on experience in visual storytelling and short film production using virtual reality environments and augmented reality filmmaking technologies.
• Studio Practice: TV and Virtual Production: Introduces the basics of television studio production, familiarizing students with diverse production roles and culminating in the creation of a multi-camera studio program for a specific audience.
• Documentary Production: Develops skills in group project work for creating and delivering short documentaries, focusing on planning, organization, production management, and technical expertise.
• Employment in Screen and Audio Industries: Equips students with essential skills to navigate the screen and audio industries, focusing on understanding employment opportunities, legal and ethical considerations, and developing professional networks.
• Guerrilla Filmmaking: Offers the opportunity to form production companies and create Guerrilla short films, refining theoretical understanding and practical knowledge in this filmmaking style.
• Film Theory and Criticism: Explores major film theory and criticism areas, developing analytical and critical thinking skills for in-depth film analysis, focusing on contemporary and recent film theories.
• Virtual Studio Production: Builds upon previously acquired skills to explore virtual production and pitching concepts.
Additionally, students gain knowledge about film distribution and marketing, refining their ability to promote creative ideas in the global market.
• The Moving Camera: Develops expertise in using and controlling moving camera equipment, including Steadicams, Track and Dollies, and Jjib-arm, for professional cinematic compositions.
• Post Production: Enhances post-production knowledge and skills in Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition.
Students focus on visual editing, motion graphics, video effects, and audio editing from dramatic and artistic perspectives, culminating in a polished video project.
• Screenwriting: Develops concepts and techniques for writing drama and comedy scripts suitable for television or streaming platforms, guiding students through the process of developing ideas, creating treatments, and crafting scripts.
• Practical Final Project: Encourages students to work in groups on a significant media project of their choice, exploring television, film, or web-based media.
This project involves developing a concept document and producing a critical essay evaluating the

The annual fee for this course is £9,250 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan. Please note, this course isn't available to international students.