Why choose this course?

Do you want to makes films and TV programmes? Do you have ambitions to become a director, producer, editor, or camera operator? This course can help you in a number of ways. The main aim is for you to develop the skills needed to create and produce films and television programmes in a variety of existing and evolving contexts for viewing and distribution – including broadcast television, online, and in cinemas. Additionally, the course will extend your understanding of the reach, responsibility and influence of ''content'', the means of production, and distribution. It has a particular emphasis upon the sensibilities of social action and inclusion that underpin global citizenship and that could shape the entrepreneurial and employment landscape that production graduates will enter - and influence – when they complete their studies.

The Foundation year prepares students for university level study. Successful completion of our Foundation course permits access to any of our Art or Digital Media BA (Hons) or BDes (Hons) degree courses, which include Computer Games Design, Animation and Film and Television Production. The Foundation year begins with modules aimed at providing transferable study skills and then, in the second semester, gives students the opportunity to study more specialist modules, with a focus on various aspects of Art and Digital Media.

The emphasis on the management of challenging, complex productions will provide you with a powerful set of skills, which will enhance your employability in any field, as will the experience of effective working with others as you collaborate with fellow students, clients, commissioners, actors and other participants in the films/programmes you make.

What happens on the course?

This hands-on, highly practical production course will see you engage in a wide range of film and television practices that will prepare you for employment in the creative industries or in other industries where media production and authorship play a part.

Technological developments and social change mean that film and television production is an ever evolving, innovative and exciting field of study. Right from the start of the course you will work on project briefs grounded in professional production. These briefs may be imagined, ‘live’ (from real clients), or facsimiles of real world commissions. Researching, coming up with ideas, designing responses, pitching and actually rehearsing, shooting, editing, screening and then distributing short film and television programmes will be your daily experience on this course. The practical projects, the lectures and investigative tasks promote an awareness of the need for adaptation and change, and emphasise the experimentation, authorship and leadership that engenders innovation in ''content'' and ''distribution''. It encourages the expression of self and group identities, and an awareness of global film and television cultures.

As well as the formal curriculum, additional live briefs from local businesses, university and community partners are offered to students as enrichment activities, and such activities can lead to real content for show reels and enhancing of CVs. Personal development planning, employment preparation, work experience, hosting and presenting screenings and discussions are all part of the course journey. In addition we have great links with regional community broadcasters and cinema/performance venues, which means that you may make use of opportunities to promote your work on television and radio and at regional screening venues.