Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-15 | - |
Program Overview
BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking (Three-Year)
Overview
BA Practical Filmmaking (Three-Year) prepares the next generation of screen creatives. It builds creative and technical skills essential to succeed in today’s film, TV, and new media industries. Our professional tutors and high- calibre guest speakers teach the fundamentals of storytelling, production, technical, and screen business skills.
Gain experience across filmmaking and screen disciplines such as screenwriting, producing, directing, camera and lighting, and editing.
There is also the option to complete this degree in two years.
Why Take the Course?
- Practitioner Tutors: MetFilm School Programme Leadership and Tutors are comprised of industry practitioners and educators with award-winning experience across the industry*.
- Industry-facing: Routes to employment in the creative screen industries with first-hand practical guidance from working industry professionals. Gain industry recognition through ScreenSkills and ‘industry passports’.
- Portfolio: Develop a range of work that includes fiction, documentary, episodic, and commercial productions across film, TV, and streaming.
Module Overview
Please download the Course Specification below for a complete overview of BA Practical Filmmaking (Three-Year) modules.
Level 4
- Story to Script The script is the blueprint or plan from which the production flows. In this module, you will learn how story ideas are converted to scripts, and both ‘how’ and ‘why’ to use an industry format for your screenplay. You will learn the fundamentals of storytelling for screen, including plot, characters, conflict and resolution, and how to develop these into a coherent and compelling narrative. At the end of the module, you will have developed a short film script from an original idea into a format ready to take to pre production.
- Visual Approaches in Film This module introduces you to the craft skills and filmmaking techniques in cinematography, sound, and post production. You will discover how mood and tone contribute to story, and learn practical techniques in framing, composition, and lighting that can convey meaning. You will explore editing techniques and styles that blend image and sound to create powerful sequences. At the end of this module, you will have learnt the fundamentals of camera, lighting, sound, and post production, completing a number of practical exercises which form the foundation of your further practical and technical craft skills development.
- Fundamentals of Production Management Effective management and organisation is vital to successful film production. In this module, you will learn the fundamentals of producing and successfully delivering a short film. All film students need to understand how production decisions impact all areas of the process, and how all departments contribute, as a team, to the production workflow. Effective collaboration is key to a successful film career in any department, and so all students are introduced to the fundamentals of managing a production, to understand how the entire production chain affects their role. In addition, students will complete MetFilm School and industry-recognised accreditation to work unsupervised with equipment, as part of the greenlighting process.
- Director’s Lab This module works to demystify the role of a screen director. Examining how a director takes a screenplay and transforms it, with the collaboration of a creative team of collaborators, into a finished film, the module introduces the steps and techniques involved. You will learn how to approach a script as a director, gathering and communicating your creative ideas, and preparing and working with actors and crew to see them come to life on screen. At the end of this module, you will have the tools and techniques to apply to directing, or transfer to other roles in film.
- Short Film Production Building on your creative, production, and practical skills so far, you will bring these together in collaborative teams to create a short film. This module emphasises storytelling, craft skills, collaboration, and organisation, setting you up to develop these skills further as you progress on your filmmaking journey. At the end of this module, you will have the opportunity to work on a number of short films, which will be one of the major achievements of your first year.
- World Cinema This module explores films and filmmakers from globally and their visual storytelling techniques that provide cultural context and ideologies to an audience. You will discover films from different parts of the world and discuss the similarities and differences the productions adopt in creating national identity. Throughout the module, you will analyse how equality, diversity, and inclusivity can be represented through film, and how this has been achieved historically and in current approaches. At the end of this module, you will have been challenged to view film in a new light, and to develop your opinions in a safe and constructive environment.
Level 5
- Documentary Development and Production This module examines factual storytelling and the importance of realism and facts that run through documentary productions. In a small team, you will develop and produce a short documentary film, learning how to find and develop stories, work with contributors, and structure a creative documentary narrative based on reality. You will practice and apply visual techniques in camera, lights, sound, and editing in observational situations, and learn subject research and interview techniques from an editorial, technical, and ethical point of view. Documentary challenges you to tell meaningful stories in creative, compelling ways, and to consider your impact on society through your role as a filmmaker.
- Developing the Series In this module, you will develop an idea for an episodic drama. You will learn about structuring narrative and character arcs into an episodic series, working with storytelling techniques for local and global audiences. The creative process is grounded in contemporary contexts in business, technologies, and audiences for streaming and digital platform. You will understand the parameters of industry practices such as the ‘writers room’, working with showrunners, and developing a series ‘bible’.
- Commercial Screen Production In this module, you will apply your skills to the broader context of commercial projects, with a view to meeting client or customer expectations, and delivering to a brief. The audience reach and brand values of businesses mean that commercially funded projects can offer great production and financial benefits to filmmakers, but creative conditions, brand guidelines, and regulatory codes must be understood and adhered to. To success commercially, you will need to meet client requirements while staying within time and budget constraints, and producing work with creative flair that sets you apart from the competition. In this module, you will work on a commercial brief to complete a project for your portfolio.
- Cinema Elective: Specialism Choice Specialisms include Directing, Cinematography, Producing, Screenwriting, and Post Production. Through your elective, you will have the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in one of the above specialisms. Through your research and practice in this module, you will deepen your approach to your work, allowing you to reflect on your strengths, and to improve on your weaknesses. Regardless of your chosen specialism, you will build transferable and collaborative skills, as well as deepening your understanding of your role and responsibilities as a Head of Department (HOD), alongside other HODs in film production. At the end of the module, you will have examples of work to include in your portfolio.
- Film Theory and Language This module expands on film theory and analysis through watching and analysing a range of films from particular angles. You will hear and express opinions based on research and reasoned analysis, drawing on a wide range of cultural and critical perspectives. By doing so, you will find yourself able to approach your own practice as a filmmaker with confidence in your motivations, and an awareness of the factors affecting the audience.
Level 6
- Genre Production In this module, you will make a 15-20 minute genre-based short film, in which you will take on a key role that allows you to demonstrate your work at an advanced level in terms of narrative, technical, and management skills. You will research the genre of production concerned, and fulfill your role based on appropriate preparation and execution for your department, working as part of a collaborative team.
- Graduation Project Development In this module, you will develop and prepare for your final graduation project. You will propose and develop a concept into a fully-fleshed out treatment, ready to pitch for production or further development, depending on the nature of the project. You will be assigned a mentor to guide and advise you through this process, including the creative, logistical, and ethical aspects of your proposal. At the end of the module, you will have a project for your portfolio.
- Creative Career Development This module revolves around exploring your identity as a film professional, giving you a platform to understand where you see yourself in the screen industry once you graduate. You will examine, test, and create a digital online presence that reflects your best work, describes your passion, and provides you with your own voice, allowing you to reflect on the educational journey that you have taken.
- Graduation Project Delivery The final module of your degree, this module is heavily based on self- directed learning and mentor support as you deliver your graduation project in a key creative or HOD role.
Teaching, Learning & Assessment
We include a diverse range of teaching methods which include:
- Productions
- Seminar-style Group Teaching
- Tutorials
- Practical Group Work
- Formative Feedback through Critiques, Pitches, Screenings, and Reflective Sessions
- Work-integrated Learning
- Authentic Assessment
We use a wide range of assessment which include portfolios, performances, research, presentations, and reflective work. Please download the Course Specification below for more information.
Entry Requirements
- UCAS Tariff: 64 points
- A-Level: CC
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MPP
Applicants may also provide an equivalent Level 3 qualification such as a Baccalaureate or International Baccalaureate.
MetFilm School London applicants can apply directly through our website, or through UCAS using codes:
- Course code: J2A7
- Institution code: M73
- Campus name: Met Film School – London (Campus Code is L)
Equipment Requirements
Students receive the Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud License for the duration of their course. For more information, please check Equipment in the Study with Us section for your chosen course, and the Location sections for the range of equipment and learning resources available on each of our campuses.
Dates & Prices
The prices below cover the duration of the course.
London
15 September 2025 - 19 May 2028
£59,000 – UK Students
£59,000** – EU/EEA Students
£61,000** – International Students
**EU/EEA students with settled status.** **International students or EU/EEA students without settled status.**
Program Outline
Degree Overview
BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking (Three-Year)
is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the film and television industry. The program focuses on developing practical skills across various filmmaking disciplines, including screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, and production management.
Objectives:
- Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process.
- Foster creativity and innovation in storytelling and production.
- Develop technical skills in all aspects of filmmaking.
- Enhance collaboration and communication amongst students.
- Prepare students for successful careers in the film and television industry.
Program Description:
This intensive program offers an immersive experience in film production, providing students with hands-on experience through a series of practical exercises and projects. The program emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, allowing students to work alongside their peers in various filmmaking roles. Students will gain a thorough grounding in all aspects of the filmmaking process, from scriptwriting and story development to cinematography, sound design, and editing. Additionally, they will develop critical thinking skills through film analysis and cultural studies. The program concludes with a graduation project where students will bring all their acquired skills to bear on a significant film production project.
Outline
Year 1
- Story to Script
- Visual Approaches in Film
- Fundamentals of Production Management
- Director's Lab
- Short Film Production
- World Cinema
Year 2
- Documentary Development and Production
- Developing the Series
- Commercial Screen Production
- Cinema Elective: Specialism Choice
- Film Theory and Language
Year 3
- Genre Production
- Graduation Project Development
- Creative Career Development
- Graduation Project Delivery
Assessment
Assessment methods in the program are designed to reflect the diverse range of skills and knowledge students acquire throughout their studies. These methods include:
- Portfolios showcasing students' creative work.
- Performances in individual and group projects.
- Research papers and assignments on film theory and analysis.
- Presentations of projects and research findings.
- Reflective essays on their creative and professional development. Evaluation criteria vary depending on the assessment method. However, they generally focus on:
- Creativity and originality in storytelling and production techniques.
- Technical proficiency in specific filmmaking disciplines.
- Collaboration and communication with peers and faculty.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Self-reflection and professional development.
Teaching
The program features a diverse range of teaching approaches, including:
- Productions: Hands-on projects where students apply their knowledge and skills to create films.
- Seminar-style Group Teaching: Interactive sessions exploring film theory, concepts, and techniques.
- Tutorials: Individualized guidance and feedback on student work.
- Practical Group Work: Collaborative exercises and projects requiring teamwork and communication.
- Formative Feedback: Regular assessments providing constructive feedback on work in progress.
- Work-integrated Learning: Industry-based projects and collaborations.
- Authentic Assessment: Assessments replicating real-world scenarios in the filmmaking industry.
Careers
The BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking (Three-Year) program prepares graduates for a range of careers in the film and television industry. Potential career paths include:
- Director
- Producer
- Writer
- Cinematographer
- Editor
- Sound Designer
- Production Manager
- Screenwriter
- Film Critic
- Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities depending on their location.
- The program provides strong links with the film and television industry, enhancing students' career prospects.
- UK Students: £59,000
- EU/EEA Students: £59,000
- International Students: £61,000
Met Film School
Overview:
Met Film School is a renowned film school with campuses in London, Berlin, and Leeds. It offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses in various film and screen-related disciplines. The school is known for its industry connections and practical approach to learning.
Services Offered:
Met Film School provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses:
A wide variety of degree programs in areas such as acting, filmmaking, screenwriting, producing, cinematography, and post-production.Short Courses:
Intensive workshops and courses covering various aspects of filmmaking, from acting and directing to cinematography and editing.Student Support and Wellbeing:
Dedicated support services for students' academic, personal, and professional needs.Career Support:
Guidance and resources to help students launch their careers in the film industry.Masterclasses:
Opportunities to learn from industry professionals and gain valuable insights.Screenings and Mixers:
Events that provide networking opportunities and exposure to industry trends.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Met Film School offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:
State-of-the-art facilities:
Access to professional-grade equipment and studios.Industry-standard learning environment:
Practical training and real-world experience.Strong sense of community:
Opportunities to connect with fellow students and industry professionals.Networking events:
Opportunities to build connections and gain valuable industry contacts.Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry connections:
Strong ties to the film industry, providing students with access to professionals and opportunities.Practical learning:
Emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world projects.Experienced faculty:
Industry professionals and educators who bring real-world expertise to the classroom.Global reach:
Campuses in London, Berlin, and Leeds, offering diverse perspectives and opportunities.Academic Programs:
Met Film School offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
BA (Hons) degrees in Acting for Screen, Content, Media and Film Production, Digital Film Practice (various specializations), Film and Screen Business, and Practical Filmmaking.Postgraduate:
MA degrees in Cinematography, Directing, Documentary and Factual, Film and Television Production, Post Production, Producing, Screen Acting, and Screenwriting.Other:
Entry Requirements: BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking (Three-Year)
London
Academic Qualifications:
- UCAS Tariff: 64 points
- A-Level: CC
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MPP
Additional Qualifications:
- Course code: J2A7
- Institution code: M73
- Campus name: Met Film School – London (Campus Code is L)
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For non-native English speakers, the following language proficiency scores are required:
- IELTS: 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any band)
- TOEFL: 80 (with no less than 19 in any section)