BA (Hons) Film Practice

During the course, you'll learn to analyse the way films are constructed, how to express yourself through creative media practice and perform specific roles in the film production workflow according to industry standard practices. You’ll work with state of the art facilities on projects with high definition cinematography, digital editing and advanced post-production, whilst also learning how to write and pitch your own screenplays and film treatments. When you graduate, you should have a professional portfolio that meets the current demands of the industry.

Year 1

• Physical film making 
  This is a practice-based film making module that helps you to practically learn the techniques and technologies for moving the camera.  These skills are learnt in the context of thinking about what bodies on screen bring to our experience of films, including ideas of identity and difference, the dynamism and energy of movement itself, and the metaphorical potential of physically embodied and performative people and characters. Short 3 minute film   (30%) and a short group-based video project 70%.
• Video technology
  This module introduces working with digital video cameras, lights, sound and video editing software. You'll light and shoot a short scene consisting of a conversation between two people. In the process you'll be introduced to what it means to ‘cover’ a scene, and to the practicalities of editing together sound and image from different shots and different takes. You'll also be introduced to key production management skills such as: scheduling, call sheets and budget considerations. Assessment: 100% coursework, made up of 2 minute video group -work (60%) and individual reflection (40%).
• Documentary theory
  This module explores the history of documentary film making along with the theoretical frameworks that shape our understanding of its claims to represent the world. A 12-week screening programme introduces you to the major documentary modalities, including those that problematise notions of truth, history and objectivity. We'll also consider how technological, ideological and aesthetic factors impact upon documentary film making and its reception. Assessment: coursework 100%, in two parts: sequence analysis of a film (30%) and essay (70%).
• Documentary practice 
  In this module you'll conduct research into a documentary subject and collaboratively develop and produce a short documentary film. We'll explore different conventions, styles and methodological frameworks for creating compelling non-fiction stories and experiences. This exploration will encourage you to reflect on the ethical and aesthetic implications of certain approaches, and will guide you as you negotiate the difficult matter of representing real events and people while simultaneously managing the challenges of film production. You'll develop your pitching skills and the importance of group work and project selection processes. Assessment: pitch and portfolio (30%), plus group production of a documentary (70%).
• Editing and montage
  This offers both practical training in the use of post-production software, and practice-led seminars that explore the history and theory of montage. You'll explore editing techniques while thinking conceptually about what editing means in different contexts. This module will develop your practical skills and introduce you to different theoretical and ideological approaches to editing, from the political formalism of dialectical montage, to the poetics of collage, and the suturing instinct of continuity editing. Assessment: 3 minute montage (70%) and written analysis (30%).
• Sound recording
  The goal of this module is to achieve recording of the highest quality location sound to best facilitate your film making ambitions. Sound is the one element that will most expose any shortcomings in your film production standards, and getting to grips with the basics here will go a long way towards improving the quality of your films. A big part of learning to record great sound is learning to listen, which in turn requires an understanding of the characteristics of different kinds of sound and the behaviour of sound in different environments. Such considerations as these are central to the module, while instruction on the most common film making situations and the most common problems encountered when recording sound will give you a firm grounding in sound recording techniques and technologies. You can pursue an interest in sound further by enrolling on optional modules in sound editing and sound design in your second year. Assessment: short drama with sound (group work) - 100%.

Year 2

• Film analysis
  This module includes a film screening series, lectures and seminars designed to explore the way dramatic narratives work and are constructed. Narrative Theory in the context of Film is about the relationship between characters in a film, between author and text, and between text and audience. How do we know what we are expected to know when watching a film? How are our sympathies provoked and our curiosity stoked by onscreen drama? The module will culminate in a 2000 word essay focused on an aspect of narrative screen theory that is intended to help you better understand how narrative works on screen and how you might thereby develop your own original screen narratives. Assessment: 2000 word essay (100%)
• Professional employability
  The production of film and video is almost always a collaborative exercise in some form or another. In the industry this means that teams of people, rather than the lone individual, predominantly produce work. This module offers you the opportunity to gain experience of work within the media industries through placement, shadowing experience or industry engagement. A placement will typically be for two weeks and students will be required to reflect upon the culture, conventions, practices, power hierarchies and representations of the organisation. The focus will be on identifying what is happening in your chosen sector in terms of trends, issues and markets. Assessment 100% coursework made up of a 5 minute presentation (40%) and a  2000-word report (60%).
• Introduction to cinematography
  In this module we'll use both skills-based training in the use of High Definition (HD) cameras as well as the study the techniques and aesthetics of cinematography. You'll be exposed to the particular demands and possibilities of working with High Definition cameras and editing workflows, and will be asked to shoot scenes according to specified aesthetic and dramatic criteria. You'll be encouraged to work from their own scripts as developed in the adjacent film making workshops. Assessment: group video (60%), plus treatment and evaluation (40%).

Plus one of either:

• Collaborative practices
  In this module we bring together students from across multiple creative media disciplines to collaboratively address a conceptually framed brief, and to see a project through from initial idea to final production. The module will set a range of project briefs options related to contemporary events, situations and issues, and you'll be involved in working collaboratively on all stages in the production of work. We'll reflect on how different media technologies and aesthetic strategies enable us to frame our embodied experience of the world both for ourselves, and in the form of representation, for others. The module’s key practice concerns are collaboration, team-working skills and professional engagement. As such, it's a major opportunity to work with fellow students from different subject disciplines to gain experience of creative collaboration; bringing differing skills, experiences and perspectives together to produce a creative output for exhibition or event or festival accessible to a wider public audience. Assessment: 100% coursework portfolio.
• Sound on film
  It is relatively easy to render high quality HD images with even the simplest cameras – it is more challenging to record and mix high quality sound. This module is designed to develop your confidence in working with music and sound and it starts with the concept of ‘sonic objects’ and ‘visual events’. The key concern is that music and sound design for film demands creative and technical planning for good recording, mixing and final sweetening of the soundtrack. You'll build on technical and analytical skills acquired in the first year through the production of a comprehensive sound design for a film sequence or trailer. You'll work with both source and original sound and music, critically investigating how mood and meaning is constructed through the dialogue between the image and sound tracks. Assessment: sound design for a 3 minute film sequence, plus a 1000 word reflective and evaluative statement.
• International live brief
  This module offers students the opportunity to work in international, interdisciplinary teams to develop a solution to a real-world problem by a client brief. Read about one of our student's experience.

Writing and directing pathway

• Screenwriting
  In this introduction to writing the short film you'll develop and write an original 10-minute screenplay for a short narrative drama. You'll explore the nature of narrative screen drama, and take part in research and development workshops, generating new ideas, while considering the complex relationship between the script and the screen. You'll analyse structure, plotting and setting, learn the difference between exposition and dialogue, while also thinking about such matters as point of view and mise-en-scène as narrational tools. Assessment: 100% coursework made up of 10-minute screenplay (70%), 1-page treatment (10%) and 500-word reflection of scholarly and trade literature (20%).
• Directing and producing
  Incorporating pre-production and production techniques, working with actors and directing screen drama, this module explores the importance of planning, research and development both for the producers and directors of short dramas, but also for small film crews. We'll explore the roles and responsibilities, as well as the management issues involved in producing and directing. You'll develop an understanding of the range of skill sets involved in these roles. Assessment:  100% coursework made up of a 7-10 minute film drama (group-project) and individual critical reflection (30%).

Cinematography pathway

• Lighting and electrical
  This module is substantially technical in its orientation, but with the ultimate goal of enabling you to achieve the aesthetic quality in your film images that will best serve the drama. You can expect to become more confident and safety minded when working with lights and electrical power, but also to become more confident in your ability to realise a certain look on camera. You'll produce a series of filmed scenes that use natural light, studio lighting and on-location lighting setups with the ambition of illustrating different cinematic styles. Assessment: group work  (60%) and  an individual production book (30%).
• Director of photography
  In addition to studying the role of Director of Photography (DoP), you'll receive extensive training in the use of digital cinema cameras, such as the Arri Alexa, Arri Amira, and the Alexa Mini, cameras that are capable of shooting in Log C format and 4K Raw. These cameras are designed to emulate the look of celluloid based film cameras, but also provide enormous flexibility in post-production to produce images to suit a range of high-end needs. The Director of Photography is responsible for what a film looks like, typically lighting and framing each shot, often operating the camera, while also working closely with the lighting department and with the director. In this module you will become accustomed to the on-set relationships that facilitate this pivotal crew role, and with the technical workflow that allows all crewmembers to work together efficiently to realise the director’s vision. Assessment: a short drama, group project (80%) plus your critical reflection (20%).

Editing and post-production pathway

• Colour grading
  Working with camera footage shot in Log format (Log C encoding), such as on the Arri Alexa, gives you the greatest dynamic range (the most information in both highlights and shadows), but also demands colour grading to correct what looks like a washed out, low contrast image. This is just the most recent development affecting the job of the colour grader, who otherwise works to ensure that all shots in a continuity sequence are colour matched, while also achieving the colour and contrast that match a director’s aesthetic criteria (the look of a film). This module is technical in its focus, giving you an experience of working to industry standards and according to established workflows in professional colour grading suites, using footage shot on High End digital cinema cameras. Assessment: supplied shots and scenes colour corrected (60%) and production workbook (30%).
• Editing drama
  This module provides skills-based training on editing software and workflows, along with practice-led seminars that explore the particular creative challenges of sound and image in continuity editing for drama. You'll explore concepts of spatial continuity and the key techniques for creating temporal, graphic and rhythmic relationships in their edits. It is important that you recognise the art of editing beyond the simple metrics of the cut, so the module will also examine theoretical and practical approaches to temporal decompression, retrospective signification and syncopated editing. You'll be working with the writing/directing and cinematography pathway students, further developing the system of feedback where learning outcomes in one part of the course feed into another. Assessment: short edited film (60%) plus reflective evaluation (40%).

Year 3

• Research project
  The final year Research Project gives you the opportunity to conduct original research in an area of your degree or field of interest. You'll demonstrate high-level academic /case study research skills, relevant to your subject and professional interests. The Research Project follows on from L5 Practice and Theory modules and allows you to use any of the concepts, practices and methods encountered on your course to resolve your personal project. You'll manage their own learning under the guidance of their supervisor. You'll  have the option of submitting a 6,000-word Research Paper or a portfolio of case study research (50%) supported by a 3000 word reflective essay (50%).
• Future film practice
  This module allows you to produce an advanced, final film project, produced to a standard that is capable of attracting the interest of employers, future funders and collaborators. To this end you'll receive a combination of film production workshops and tutorials, visiting industry speakers, as well as sessions giving them a perspective on the state of the film and media industries now and the role of the producer in the contemporary context. All of this is designed to give you the best chance to present your skills and outputs to audiences and professional industry practitioners alike, beyond graduation and into your future careers. Assessment: 100% coursework made up of film production (group or individual) 70%, plus showreel 90-120 seconds (15%) plus a written and researched proposal for a new film production company (15%).

Plus one of either:

• Brief-led project
  By now you'll know that it is possible to analyse the work of contemporary filmmakers in terms of the issues and concerns that they address. This module reverses the equation and asks you to work from a theme or structural form attached to debates and issues in film culture and the film business. The module asks you to develop work in which you draw specific connections between the work of theory and the work of practice working from a specific brief.  The aim of the module is to give you an opportunity to experience the discipline of working from predetermined subjects or formal constraints, which will emulate the conditions of industry and professional practice. The module will present an overview of the issues and debates facing the film business with the implications of new technologies and new modes of working practices. Assessment: professionally realised film based on a brief, plus an 800-word reflective statement.
• Film reviewing and curation
  This module introduces you to concepts and practices of both film reviewing in a number of contexts, and film curation, including archiving. It'll outline the milieus of the film review in relation to other areas of film writing such as film criticism and film theory, and provide you with an opportunity to practice film reviewing by publishing to a student-owned blog on the WordPress platform. In addition, we'll explore film curation and the role of the film curator within the spaces of the art gallery as well as the wider film industry. We'll chart the changes that have occurred in film programming over the past decades and explore the important contribution of film festivals to the production industry, and the role of the film archive in a digital context. As part of the module, you'll gain experience in programming an original idea of your own for a film festival or curation event. Assessment: x2 film review blog posts (50%) and a film festival or curation event proposal  of 1500 words (50%).

Plus one of the following pathways

• Writing and directing pathway
  Final film plot. This module asks you to prepare and produce a script and/or portfolio that serves as the template for their Final Film, along with a short video prototype, or pilot, that explores the aesthetics and practicalities of the film idea. Students will be required to engage both with the limitations of the final film brief, a five to fifteen minute film or video, and the demands of writing for their chosen genre or mode of production. Assessment: 100% coursework made up of a pre-production portfolio and a film pilot (group-work).
• Cinematography pathway
  Camera Department. In this module you'll focus your attention on the collaborative processes, technical intricacies and creative techniques of the camera department, from the role of DoP, to 1st and 2nd Camera Assistants, including the role of Clapper Loader. Working with drafts of short, fiction screenplays or scenarios derived from the Writing/Directing pathway, you'll work in teams and collaborate with other departments to shoot material for the Final Film Pilot. To this end you'll collaborate with the 1st and 2nd Assistant Directors and Script Supervisors from the Writing/Directing Pathway to ensure that shot logs are properly recorded, continuity is maintained and all media finds its way to the Editing Department via the person responsible for Digital Intermediate Transfer (DIT). Assessment: film sketch  group-work (70%) and reflective statement (30%).
• Editing and  post-production pathway
  Visual Effects. This module provides skills-based training in the use of VFX software and Motion Capture technologies to give you a grounding in this rapidly evolving area of technical and creative production and post-production. In this module we'll explore how material is originated, as well as the historical and contemporary workflows adopted by the industry. Through a range of practical projects, a core set of skills will lay the foundation for students to develop an industry focused skill-set, to work collaboratively with other filmmakers and designers, and to develop a Showreel capable of attracting the attention of employers. Assessment:  creative portfolio (70%) and presentation of research (30%).

Studying film in London puts you at the centre of the filmmaking business. You’ll leave the course with a showreel you can be proud of, confident in your knowledge and ready to take your first steps in a professional career in the film, television and media industries. This course is also excellent if you want to make a career change, or focus, enhance or update your current media skills.

Take a look at some potential careers, including film/video editor, in our Prospects section.

You could also apply for further study at postgraduate level. Some of our postgraduates have presented at the British Film Institute and we’ve seen our students win prizes at major festivals.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Your practical work will be supported by a team of Technical Tutors and will utilise our resources in Elephant Studios. Here, you will have access to 4K Digital Cinema Cameras, 4K Cinema and Film Studio, along with a range of HD cameras, photographic studios, field sound recording equipment and computer labs with high-spec computers supporting cutting-edge video and multimedia software.

Personal Tutoring

As an undergraduate Arts and Creative Industries student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU.  The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will help you get the most out of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least once a semester for 20-30 minutes throughout your course.   You can contact your tutor for additional meetings or support by email.

• A Level BCC or;
• BTEC National Diploma MMM or;
• Access to HE qualifications with 9 Distinctions 36 Merits or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 106 UCAS points
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above)
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 160 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.