BA (Hons) Film

What will I learn on my BA Film course?

From your first year, you’ll be introduced to theories and concepts which will inform your critical thinking, analysis and practice. For example, how does the method of recording sound or colour grading impact the story being told? How has film developed over time, and how might that inform future innovations?

You begin to build on this knowledge in your second year, where you will also have the opportunity to undertake a Professional Placement with one of our industry partners – a chance to gain real-world industry experience and enhance your employability skills.  Examples of previous placements opportunities have included working with Third Films, Arcus Studios, Twenty Six 03 and Candle & Bell Productions.

In your final year, you’ll begin to tailor your studies depending on your interests – choosing from modules such as ‘Media, Gender and Sexualities’ and ‘Horror Film Cultures’. Informed by staff expertise and research, these modules place you at the heart of current conversations in the industry, allowing you to bring new ideas to the table.

All the while, you’ll develop a confidence in using industry equipment, with plenty of opportunity to create and innovate on your own productions.

Who teaches BA (Hons) Film?

You will be guided by lecturers with real experience, many of whom are active in the industry. Our academic team includes BAFTA nominees, TV Drama writers and award-winning producers and directors. You will also have the opportunity to interact with a wealth of industry contacts and alumni who support the course in many different ways, from industry talks and guest lectures to student placements, keeping the course content fresh and relevant.

The insight and practical knowledge you will gain from this first-hand contact will help you develop the professional skills you will need to move into the challenging but rewarding film and television industry.

View all staff profiles

Where will I learn?

Perfect for creative thinkers, our Art department comprises of a multitude of workspaces and equipment ready for you to utilize for your learning and creating.

As a Film student, you will have access to broadcast-quality camera equipment, Apple Mac labs, production facilities and screening rooms.

Specialist technology includes screenwriting formatting software, production equipment in camera, lighting and sound departments, post-production editing suites, with specialist sound and grading suites.

You can also access your eLearning Portal from anywhere. This portal provides quick access to course materials and support, course information, such as class materials, handbooks and supplementary materials (e.g., weblinks, news items) as well as working as a communication hub with course mates and lecturers.

How is research brought into teaching throughout my degree?

The modules on this course are directly informed by the research specialisms of the academic team, many of whom are internationally recognised for their work in media and film. For example, ‘Horror Film Cultures’, draws on our substantial staff research expertise in this area, examining the genre in a range of contexts, including the socio-political, historical and industrial.

With extensive experience as researchers, the staff not only introduce you to current research topics, but they also equip you with the skills to become a researcher yourself.

Throughout ‘Methodologies’, you’re introduced to a range of methodological concerns and approaches that are key to rigorous research which you can actively implement during your own ‘Practice-Based Research Project’.

How does this course prepare me for my future career?

Graduates of this course will be equipped with a sophisticated knowledge of important issues that shape our lives, and the skills to express their critical ideas in a range of multimedia formats, including on film/digital video and in writing.

On completion you will be well placed to move into a career as a producer, editor, director, screen writer, critic, or researcher. Graduates from the department include cinematographer Lol Crawley (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Four Lions, Utopia 2), director Neil Marshall (The Descent, Game of Thrones) director of photography, Si Bell (Vera, Ripper Street, Fortitude) and screenwriter Sean Conway (Ray Donovan, All I See is You directed by Marc Forster (World War Z).

You can find other alumni on TV shows such as Peepshow, The Inbetweeners, This is England 90’, Shameless, Wolfblood, Ripper Street, and Cuckoo and films My Week with Marilyn, A Song for Marion, All I See Is You, Prometheus.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have strong employability as a result of having acquired the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include critical reflection and self-learning, collaboration and curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in ways that are sustainable and ethical.