UWE Bristol - BA Hons Filmmaking

UWE Bristol

BA Hons Filmmaking

This production-based course gives you the practical and intellectual skills you need for a successful career in today's creative industries.

Why study filmmaking?

Our everyday lives are filled with moving images through social media, TV streaming, broadcast TV and cinema to mention just a few.

Traditional cinema is still a huge and vibrant industry, and the surge in streaming services has created more opportunities for filmmakers to reach their audiences and produce truly cinematic storytelling.

We're also seeing the expansion of virtual and augmented reality and starting to discover how filmmakers will use this technology in the future.

The industry needs creative new filmmakers to produce adverts, music videos, social media campaigns, political films, documentaries big and small, TV series, independent titles and big summer blockbusters.

Why UWE Bristol?

BA(Hons) Filmmaking is based at Bower Ashton Studios, part of the City Campus. Exceptional facilities and resources include digital media studios and production and fabrication workshops offering traditional tools and the latest technology.

This is a production-based degree - you'll learn by making. Our teaching team works at the cutting edge of contemporary media practice, with high levels of practical experience and expertise.

Attend lectures and seminars at the Arnolfini and Watershed. Develop drama and documentary storytelling skills by developing advanced craft techniques used in the professional media. Gain an in-depth understanding of culture and context.

The course pushes boundaries, intellectually and imaginatively. Explore filmmaking for the 21st century through development of eclectic short form projects that span the vast opportunities for audience and presentation in the modern industry. Build the knowledge to navigate the industry as it changes over the next 10 to 20 years by applying cutting-edge techniques.

Our City Campus is a creative powerhouse. It spans across Bristol and is made up of Bower Ashton and renowned contemporary arts centres Spike Island, Arnolfini and Watershed.

The city boasts a strong, skilled-pool of locally-based crew and facilities companies, which includes award-winning freelancers, production and post-production companies.

Be a part of Bristol's vibrant arts and cultural scene, where students and workers in the creative industries often collaborate.

Our strong industry contacts include the BBC, ITV, Aardman, Films@59, Bottle Yard Film Studios and E3 Media. They provide ongoing professional input and work experience opportunities.

Attend talks from broadcast commissioners, cinematographers, directors, composers and coders/designers who will share their influences and techniques. Recent guest speakers include director Ben Wheatley (High Rise), writer and director Gurindha Chandha (Bend It Like Beckham). We have also held masterclasses with editor St John O'Rorke (The White Princess) and art director Sarah Hauldron (Gosford Park).

Showcase your work to talent scouts and potential employers at the final year Creative Industries Degree Show and graduate with an impressive portfolio of work.

Where can it take me?

The filmmaking industry is in a hugely exciting period covering a vast array sectors and outputs, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.

Our multi-skilled graduates go on to work in the creative industries for a range of media and multimedia production companies - as researchers, camera operators, editors, assistant directors/producers, mixers, graders and cinematographers.

Others go on to further study on MA or doctoral research projects.

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 128
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Literature or Language, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as suitable alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component.
  • A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.

Career Prospects

Tailoring what and how you study, you can shape the course towards your chosen career path.

Our graduates go on to work in media companies ranging from the BBC, ITV, Aardman Animations and Heart Radio to interactive multimedia companies and arts-based organisations.

Posts include production managers, camera operators, sound mixers, colour graders, researchers and cinematographers.

Past students include:

  • An RTS Documentary National Award Winner
  • Head of Channel 4 T4 and Music
  • Ars Electronica Winner
  • Grierson-nominated Editor
  • Adam Curtis' Editor
  • Head of the BBC Centre of Technology
  • BAFTA-winning web designer for Aardman Animations
  • BBC Producer/Director and Series Director
  • Emmy-nominated Art Director
  • Editor for Andrea Arnold and Ken Loach
  • Managing Director of Spectrecom Television Studios
  • Cannes Young Director of the Year
  • Media Adviser to the Shadow Minister for Media and Communications.

Course Details

Year 1

Introduction to Filmmaking
Script to Screen
Designing Screen Fiction
Experimental Short Form.

Year 2

Documentary
Sound for Screen
Craft Lab
Industry Experience.

Optional modules
Narrative and Modern Short Form
Or
International Exchange.

Final Year

Commercial Short Form
Production 1
Specialist Practice
Production 2
Professional Showcase
Independent Research Project in Filmmaking.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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