Program Overview

Studio Practice (Filmmaking) (top-up) at UCA

UCA's Studio Practice top-up course in Filmmaking at UCA Farnham aims to provide a challenging educational experience and prepare you for postgraduate study in the field.

Working in moving image is a social practice, and you'll be encouraged to consider your work in terms of contemporary meaning and relevance. You will be able to explore both documentary and fiction-based storytelling.

Alongside group activities, you will undertake independent study and research which, together with broader transferable skills, will set you up for your chosen career path, and for further study.

We expect you to come to the course with existing skills that you want to develop. Your practical work will be complemented by the theoretical knowledge you'll develop, and you'll have the opportunity to work on significant practical and writing projects. You will also be encouraged to set out your career pathway and identify the resources you'll need to achieve your goals.

Course Entry Options

• BA (Hons) (top-up)
  • Equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree, this course enables you to build upon an existing qualification such as a foundation degree or an HND.

Course Details

• Institution code: C93
• UCAS code: W401
• Campus: Farnham
• Start date(s): September 2025, September 2026
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Entry requirements:
  • 240 credits from a relevant degree
  • International equivalent qualifications

Course Structure

• Year one (equivalent in level to year 3 of BA course)
  • You will study alongside final year students on the BA (Hons) Film Production degree, enabling you to work collaboratively and in a vibrant setting.
  • Launch: Through interdisciplinary seminars, screenings and workshops, Launch Week focuses on ground-breaking, creative work that has had surprised, shocked, and changed the way we view the world.
  • Extended Research Project: Emphasising the personal development of critical writing, you’ll research and complete an independently generated and illustrated Extended Research Project.
  • Final Major Project: Pre-Production: You’ll take on pre-production tasks relevant to your crew roles for the Final Major Project unit.
  • Opportunity Week: This week comprises a series of interdisciplinary lectures, seminars and workshops centred around life after graduation.
  • Final Major Project: Realisation: You’ll further develop your chosen role(s) and complete the projects started in the Final Major Project: Pre-Production unit through production and into post-production and final screening.

Equipment and Technology

• AVID Offline Editing Suite
• AVID Online Editing Suite
• Film Studio
• Dubbing Suite
• Pro Tools Mixing Suite
• Lecture Theatre
• Large Sound Recording Studio
• Colour Grading and Finishing Suite
• Visual Effects Suite

Fees and Financial Support

• UK: £9,535
• EU: £9,535 (see fee discount information)
• International: £17,500
• UCA scholarships and fee discounts available
• Financial support available from UCA and external sources
• Additional course costs for books, printing, study trips, and project materials

Entry and Portfolio Requirements

• UK:
  • 240 credits from a relevant degree
  • Foundation Degree in a relevant subject
  • Higher National Diploma in a relevant subject
  • Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
• International and EU:
  • Non-UK equivalent qualifications
  • English language requirements
• Portfolio requirements:
  • For this course, we’ll need to see your portfolio for review.
  • We’ll invite you to attend an Applicant Day so you can have your portfolio review in person, meet the course team and learn more about your course.