Program Overview

Introduction to the BA (Hons) Filmmaking Course

The BA (Hons) Filmmaking course at Birmingham City University is designed for individuals who want to make films, build real skills, and find their place in the wider industry. This practice-based, industry-focused course enables students to develop creative and technical skills across a broad spectrum of filmmaking practices.

Course Overview

The course combines practice, theory, and industry approaches to filmmaking, alongside training in film festival programming techniques. Students will be taught by noted film professors, cinema scholars, and established screenwriters. The staff on the programme work together to ensure that students receive a balanced understanding of theory, practice, and industry skilling relevant to the field.

Why Choose This Course?

• The university is ranked top 10 in the UK for Film Production and Photography for three consecutive years (Guardian League Table 2026, 2025, and 2024).
• The course offers a focus on the language of cinema, allowing students to learn how professional filmmakers combine image, sound, editing, performance, storytelling, and collaboration to shape emotion, meaning, and audience experience.
• Students will have the opportunity to enhance their industry awareness by getting involved with the Curzon Street Studios team in a wide range of production and film projects.
• Access to film collections, including the Cult Film Archive, which enriches the course of studies.

Course Structure

The course is structured over three years, with each year comprising core and optional modules.

First Year

In the first year, students must successfully complete all the following core modules (totalling 120 credits):

• Hollywood: Early Film to Blockbuster (20 credits)
• Film Primer (20 credits)
• Post-Production Fundamentals: Editing, Sound and Finish (20 credits)
• Foundations of Filmmaking (20 credits)
• Documentary: Theory and Practice (40 credits)

Second Year

In the second year, students must successfully complete all the following core modules (totalling 80 credits):

• Film Festivals (20 credits)
• Filmmaking Practices (40 credits)
• Collaborative Practice (20 credits) Students must also complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of optional modules:
• Sound Design for Filmmakers (20 credits)
• Cinematography (20 credits)
• Cinema of the Seventies (20 credits)
• Foundations of Screenwriting (20 credits)
• Pre-Production: Script to Set (20 credits)

Final Year

In the final year, students must successfully complete all the following core modules (totalling 120 credits):

• Post Production Techniques (20 credits)
• Professional Practice (40 credits)
• Major Project (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

• Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points.
• Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points.
• A portfolio is required as part of the selection process.
• GCSE and other level 2 requirements: This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.
• A Level, BTEC, and other level 3 requirements are specified, including qualifications from other countries.

Fees and How to Apply

• UK students: Annual tuition fee for 2026/27 is ｣9,790.
• International students: Annual tuition fee for 2026/27 is ｣18,570.
• Application guidance is provided for both UK and international students, including information on applying through UCAS or directly to the university.

Employability

The BA (Hons) Filmmaking course has an excellent track record for graduate employment. The course opens avenues for students interested in a wide variety of roles associated with film and across the broader creative industries.

Facilities and Staff

The course is based in the Parkside and Curzon Buildings, a combined ｣124 million development, located on the City Centre campus. The university boasts dedicated development studios and open access work areas for group projects, as well as course-specific facilities. The staff includes experienced professionals and academics in the field of filmmaking, providing a comprehensive learning environment.

Further Study

Successful graduates can progress to various postgraduate courses, including the MA Film Distribution and Marketing, MA Feature Film Development, or MA Future Media, among others.