The BA (Hons) Film and Television is aimed at students with a passion for cinema, television and moving image art forms which they want to develop through film-making and critical thinking about film.

The course gives you the opportunity to gain a grounding in a wide range of production methods and styles: from narrative fiction to art gallery films and installations, and from documentaries to multi-camera television drama. You will be able to develop your own unique themes, style, and portfolio as a film-maker by collaborating on at least one film every term and experimenting in these different production styles. We encourage students to experiment with a range of technologies for recording, editing and projecting film throughout the three years. We offer networked Final Cut Pro HD editing and Protools/Logic sound systems, a high quality preview projection theatre, and a variety of different gallery spaces.

Our students participate in a programme of engaging weekly film theory seminars with film screenings. The focus of these seminars is the ideas and philosophies that have informed both film-makers and film critics of the past, and on new discourses for film criticism and practice in the future. In Year 3 of the programme, you are given the chance to develop your own interests in film culture by writing a dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Unlike other film undergraduate courses in the UK, we give you the opportunity to receive professional workshops and tutorials in a specialism other than directing. In your final year of study you can choose between six specialisms: directing, producing, sound design, cinematography, editing, and 1st assistant directing.

Our BA offers an unique opportunity to collaborate in your film projects with students working in other artistic fields in the College, particularly those working in animation, sound arts, and graphic design; many of our student films benefit from original soundtracks composed by musicians and DJs from the Sound Arts BA. You can also collaborate with students from other Colleges in the University of the Arts London, particularly those studying set design, fashion design and make-up design at Wimbledon College of Art, Chelsea College of Art and Design, and London College of Fashion.

You will also be able to participate in a wide-range of guest talks from artists and filmmakers from all over the world. Lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials are led by a vibrant mix of award-winning film- makers, published academics and film critics. Course mentors, advisors and workshop leaders include critically acclaimed artists and top professionals from film, television, music video, commercials, and the art world.

Your work will be screened regularly in LCC's own high definition cinema and art galleries. The College also benefits from a central London location near the BFI/NFT, Tate Modern, Cinema Museum and Kubrick Archive within the UAL Special Collections Centre, where we regularly screen films for our seminars and guest lecturer programmes.

This course is taught within the School of Media.

Learning and teaching

Courses in UAL span a broad range of art, design, communication, business, media, science and communication subjects. So the ways in which you learn and how your time is used will vary according to the specific course you are studying; this may be in studios, labs, classes, involve working alone, learning from peers in pairs or groups, or with external partners. Most importantly, no matter which course you enrol on, you will learn not only about your subject but also about how you learn and how to increase your knowledge base.

Our courses will guide you to take increasing responsibility and ownership of your work and your learning. We do this so that you will be ready and able to take full advantage of the full range of opportunities offered by the creative industries in the global economy. 

Assessment

Assessment always sounds austere and foreboding, but it is not. We see assessment as a very real part of learning, rather than just a means of looking back at past work and measuring achievement; we believe that assessment helps you plan future work and develop new ideas.

Your work will be assessed through projects or portfolios, with written papers or research journals, and, on some courses, examinations. You will be graded according to a set of marking criteria that relate to such things as research, subject knowledge, methodology, and your capacity to analyse and reflect on your achievements. So don’t be afraid of assessment - it is the way to progress.

Year 1

Year 1 consists of the following units:

• Introduction to Higher Education
• Politics of Screen Practice
• Studio Practice
• Sound/Image/Story
• Contextual Studies

Year 1 establishes a foundation of visual, technical, theoretical and communication skills related to the study and practice of film and television and associated media.

In Year 1 you will complete the following:

• Practice-based projects
• Practical and technical workshops 
• Essays, critical analyses and presentations in response to the contextual studies programme

Year 2

Year 2 consists of the following units:

• Narrative and Genre
• Truth/Art/Science
• Collaborative Project
• Contextual Studies

The emphasis at this level will be to enable you to:

• Analyse and evaluate technical and aesthetic knowledge of film and television and associated media
• Explore opportunities to specialise within film and television production, begin developing specialist skills and personal style and approach
• Develop and enhance your ability to work creatively in the moving image and in sound
• Analyse argument through essays addressing contemporary issues in film and television and associated media
• Consolidate the ability to compose a written paper and give a seminar presentation based on research and argument
• Introduce you to the varied employment opportunities in the relevant industries through contact with a range of industry professionals
• Analyse and evaluate issues outside Film and Television through the elective unit
• Acquire the study / research skills necessary for this stage of the course 
• Enable you to work as an assistant on year three projects.

Year 3

Year 3 consists of the following units:

• Major Project
• Creative Sectors
• Contextual Studies

The emphasis at this level will be to:

• Work both independently and collaboratively in the production of major works both practical and theoretical
• Develop personal creative approach and style within a specialist skill on a major group project
• Judge the appropriate strategies required to research, plan and present effectively
• Apply an appropriate level of technical resolution to the completion of a production 
• Critically evaluate the relationship between theory and practice articulated through the major project and dissertation
• Analyse personal and colleagues contributions to the production project
• Focus on career and postgraduate opportunities
• Time-management, budgeting, inventorying and documentation coordination 
• Present coherent arguments, theories, ideas, concepts and visions

BA Film and Television students have gone on to very successful careers in the UK and US screen industries from independent film, to commercial television, music video, advertising and art film.

As a result of our close proximity to the creative industries centre in Shoreditch, the old centre of film in the West End, and the Tate Modern and BFI Southbank, you are able to start networking with potential employers long before you graduate.

Most of our students have already embarked on their career ladder by combining their studies with 1-2 days per week working for film and television companies in the East End or West End before leaving the BA.

The BA is run in partnership with many award-winning post-production companies and suppliers who provide equipment, mentors and guest lectures on a regular basis, most students combine their studies with work placements or paid roles in these organisations.

Artsmart organise events like Starting out in film and TV where a panel of speakers from film and television discuss and share tips on how to kickstart your career in these highly-competitive industries. At events like this you get to find out from professionals and recent graduates about funding, freelance work and the importance of networking.

Our Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) team can help you find out about careers contacts for film and TV and offer advice on funding opportunities to showcase your film work and/or visit festivals for networking.

Enterprise and employability at UAL

We know what it takes to be successful in your chosen field. Your tutors are professionals in their own right and understand what you need to help you establish your career. Staff in our Centre for Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) are dedicated to helping you build up work-relevant skills, knowledge, experience and networks throughout your time here. You will also benefit from our many relationships with industry, which give our students exclusive opportunities and access to networks and funding.

Artists and designers tell us they value UAL's informed engagement with their career and professional practice development and our ability to offer them practical advice, guidance and opportunities across the wide spectrum of possible professional pathways - as entrepreneurs and employees. Staff value the resources and skills UAL makes available to help them deliver effective professional and career development through the curriculum.

Find out more

ArtsTemps (SEE) is the UAL in-house recruitment agency placing students and graduates in paid temping roles within the University. 

Creative Opportunities (SEE) is the UAL job vacancy and work placement website for students and graduates and advertises hundreds of creative job and placement opportunities each month.

Get more information and advice on employment and creative careers for all UAL students and graduates.

Recruitment and admissions

The BA Film and Television Course team recognise applicants come from a broad spectrum of backgrounds from across the world. The course in the main attracts students who apply direct from A level or other equivalent qualifications but it also welcomes students from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Media Pathway) and other art related courses as well as mature students who may have worked in industry.

Entry requirements (Home/International/EU)

For admission to the BA Film and Television course applicants normally need:

• 240 UCAS tariff points but a minimum of 160 UCAS tariff points (gained at GCE Advanced level) will be considered, supported by passes in three other subjects at GCSE Grade C or above. 
• Alternatively, you will be considered if you have achieved 1 subject at GCE Advanced level and Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, supported by passes in three other subjects at GCSE Grade C or above. In addition, the University of the Arts London Awarding Body Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design will be considered.         
• We also accept people with the equivalent qualifications obtained through a National Diploma, Access, NVQ and a variety of other pre-University level qualifications including International and European Baccalaureate. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
• We also accept those with relevant professional and vocational qualifications.
• The subjects the Course Team will be looking for in your application are wide ranging: your A levels (or equivalents) would ideally be achieved at grade C or above and may include English, History, Media, Business, Art and Design or other Social Science subjects.

Other entry routes

We also welcome applicants such as mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this course will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with BA Film and Television Theory and practice. In such cases students applying on the basis of their previous experience or who wish to enter the course with through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes should apply via UCAS and will be guided by the admissions staff on the AP(E)L processes.

Language requirements (International/EU)

• International and EU students: In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required.
• If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English. Further information is available on our International Applications page.
• International Applicants, please visit our International Applications page for further details regarding International Admissions.

Study Abroad applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the Study Abroad website for details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0)20 7514 2249
E: studyabroad@arts.ac.uk

Deferred entry

For Home/EU applicants, the Course Leader will determine whether deferred places are available for the course. If you wish to defer your place, it is advisable to indicate this on your application form and/or discuss this with the admissions team and course leader before/after applying at the earliest opportunity. In all cases, deferred places will only be held for one year.

International applicants are normally permitted to defer entry to any programme of study for one year only, after which they will be asked to re-apply.

Admission procedures

The selection procedures for the course adhere to the Equal Opportunities policy of the University of the Arts London.

Applications are normally made through UCAS. Applications for this course are assessed on the basis of qualifications and the personal statement. If more information is required, a member of the course team may contact the applicant and in some cases, may request the candidate to attend an interview.

Student selection criteria - what do we look for?

All applications will be considered by the course team and offers will be made based upon the following selection criteria. The team will consider three key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

1. Firstly they will look at your qualifications (or projected results).
2. Secondly, they will review your academic or personal reference.
3. Then they will scrutinise your personal statement, show real and 500 word film analysis.

Consideration will be given to your UCAS application. The admissions team will read all applications and, depending on the strength of your qualifications your personal statement and the academic reference, you may be invited to the second stage of the application process.  The admissions team will look for a personal statement that demonstrates an appreciation and understanding of the Film and Television and a passion for the subject.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in Film and Television and that you have thought very carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You should take great care when writing your personal statement to ensure that it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your biggest chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future. It is also an opportunity for you to state what you feel you would bring to the course. Through their personal statement, applicants should show a strong interest in Film and Television. This can be demonstrated through work experience, studying and personal experience and their ambitions for personal development as a student at the LCC.

Portfolio advice

You have to produce a two minute showreel of film related work that demonstrates your creativity and passion for the moving image.  We are not looking for highly finished pieces, but a selection of your work that demonstrates your ideas, vision and your potential.  We do not accept work that is a montage of material cut to music. This should be sent along with a 500 word written film analysis.

Interview advice

Occasionally an applicant will be invited for interview who has either requested to discuss their application with the course director or who the course director feels would benefit from discussing their application prior to final consideration.

If you are invited for interview you can prepare yourself in advance by thinking of questions that you may have for the course director and also re-familiarising yourself with your UCAS personal statement- from which the course director’s questions will probably arise. The interview will be relatively informal and will take place, normally, at the LCC.

Students are admitted to the course having fulfilled the necessary entry requirements and on the basis of their potential to benefit from the programme.

Minimum UAL entry requirements

Find out more about the University's Regulations on Admissions.

Please apply through UCAS.

If you are a UK or EU student please call +44 (0)20 7514 6599 or email info@lcc.arts.ac.uk for any admissions enquiries.

If you are a non-EU international student and you are unsure about how to apply, admission enquiries should be made through the International Office (call +44 (0)20 7514 8138).

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the Study Abroad website details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0)207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@arts.ac.uk