Film & Screen Arts

BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts is a practical filmmaking course that focuses on the craft and aesthetics of contemporary filmmaking. With a focus on cinematic storytelling, the course allows you to design and create storyworlds for a range of audiences, and to gain real insight into the global filmmaking industries.

Within this course you will explore the practical craft skills necessary to succeed as a practical filmmaker or content producer, while being guided from the initial idea to shooting and screening.

At a glance

• Degree: BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts

• UCAS codes: 3-year degree W692 / 4-year extended degree P311

• UCAS points: 104–120

What you’ll learn and how you’ll study

You’ll explore the practical craft skills necessary to succeed as a practical filmmaker or content producer, including:

• Cinematography and lighting design

• Directing and camera operation

• Sound design and mixing

• Production design and art direction

• Editing and post-production

In addition to practical skills, you’ll be challenged to consider the societal role of film, the effect of online streaming on cinema, and effective strategies to showcase your work. From the initial idea, to shooting and screening, you’ll be guided to think critically about your creative techniques in the context of culture, society and the broader world.

Creative collaboration and contemporary forms

Studying filmmaking in an arts university fosters creative collaborations, leading to the creation of unique works that go beyond traditional film forms, such as screen-based installations, music videos, and site-specific cinema.

Led by a team of practising filmmakers, sound artists and film writers, all areas of your learning are underpinned by critical thinking and cultural enquiry to encourage understanding of how film functions in its many contemporary forms.

Facilities, studios and professional equipment

Our experienced technicians support your practical learning, and you’ll have access to outstanding facilities, including film and media studios, sound recording and post-production studios, vocal recording booths and foley studio space.

Our Multimedia Studio is stocked with specialist media equipment, including Arri Alexa, Black Magic Ursa, 8mm film cameras, Arri Super 16mm cinema cameras and a Blackmagic Cintel film scanner, camera rigs, specialist lighting kit, sound-recording kit and much more.

Why choose this course?

• Practical filmmaking is at the heart of what and how we study. Expect practical skills and workshops covering all filmmaking roles.

• Access to professional filmmaking equipment, from motion-picture film cameras to industry-standard digital cinema cameras. Studio facilities include an infinity green screen cove, sound-recording studio and editing workstations in class.

• Filmmaking is at the centre of every unit and you will be asked to experiment and develop methods of practice that match your creative intentions. Whether on location or in the studio, you will be confidently in control of the work you make.

• Encouragement to enter film festivals in the UK, Europe and beyond, as well as the opportunity to showcase work in an on-site independent cinema.

• Students benefit from our partnership with Real Ideas, which provides opportunities to create and screen 360-degree content in Europe’s first-of-its-kind immersive dome, also compatible with VR, augmented reality and mixed reality.

Careers and future opportunities

Career opportunities include: Independent Filmmakers, Commercial Filmmakers, Documentary Filmmakers, Artist Filmmakers, Directors, Producers, Production Designers, Cinematographers, Scriptwriters, Editors, Location Managers, Researchers, Post-Production Specialists and Sound Designers.

Course Modules

Arts University Plymouth offers a year long sandwich year option. Framed within the institution’s innovative Common Unit Framework, the sandwich year experience is offered as a unit that contributes to your BA (Hons) Degree.
The sandwich year can take the form of an internship or work placement, and can take place in the UK or abroad. It is intended to give you the possibility of gaining experience in art and design practice in a ‘real life’ industry setting, before you return to complete the final year of your degree. You will be able to build your CV and, if you choose to take on your sandwich year outside of the UK, enhance your experience of international creative practice.
Sandwich year placements will be selected by each student who wishes to take one, assisted by Course staff within AUP. Opportunities may also come through corporate approaches to AUP or through links built by your course tutors. Each placement opportunity will be reviewed by the University before being approved to ensure its suitability to be part of your course. During the Sandwich Year you remain enrolled at AUP with access to IT and your email accounts, online library and learning support.
Once approved, the sandwich year will count towards your overall degree and completion of it will be acknowledged on your degree certificate.