Program Overview

Overview

The Film BA Honours course at the University of Westminster is a three-year degree that develops thinking filmmakers who have something to say to, and about, the world. The course has an international reputation for its academic and practical teaching, and operates from a purpose-built facility in Harrow, with two large film and television studios, a set construction workshop, and extensive post-production facilities.

Course Structure

The course emphasizes group work, with students participating in small-scale productions in the first year and larger groups in the second year. This film practice gives students the opportunity to explore different disciplines, before finding a specialism in the second year.

Year 1

• Constructing the Real: Documentary Filmmaking
• Creativity and Collaboration (Film)
• Introduction to Film and Television
• Production Design for the Screen
• Visual Effects and Animation
• Working with Actors

Year 2

• Camera and Lighting Skills
• Contemporary Issues and Trends
• Contemporary Television Drama
• Drama Production
• Identities: Race, Class, and Gender in Film and Television
• Location Production
• Short Form Film and Video
• Work-Based and Placement Learning (Film)

Placement Year

Between Years 2 and 3, you may also undertake an optional year-long placement. If you take advantage of this option, you’ll undertake an additional year-long industry placement year module running parallel to your self-selecting placement, and your final degree award will be BA Honours Film with Professional Experience.

Year 3

• Advanced Production
• Advanced Screenwriting
• Documentary Production
• Research Project (Film)
• Understanding the Film and Television Industry

Entry Requirements

UK

• A levels – BBB (120 UCAS Tariff points)
• T levels – 120 UCAS Tariff points
• International Baccalaureate – 120 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme
• BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM
• BTEC Diploma – Not accepted on its own
• Access – 120 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

• GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level
• GCSE Maths Pass - IB Pass

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

International

• International Baccalaureate – 120 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme
• We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications
• We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements

Portfolio Guidance

• Number of recommended portfolio pieces: 1-2 short films for viewing to a maximum of six minutes in total
• What to include in your portfolio submission: The moving image content should be 2-6 minutes long and should include sound
• How to structure your portfolio: You should submit at least one piece of moving image content - we do not look at stills and we don't look at scripts
• How your portfolio will be evaluated: Your work will be reviewed by a member of the academic team; we look for elements that demonstrate how you tell a story including your choice of imagery, your awareness of sound, the way in which you pull sound and image together (in the edit), and the meaningfulness of the narrative

Fees and Funding

UK

• UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
• Funding: As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees

International

• International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
• EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme: If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students
• International student funding: Find out about funding for international students

Teaching and Assessment

How you'll be taught

• Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application
• Learning time: Scheduled hours, Placement, Independent study

How you’ll be assessed

• Assessment types: Practical, Coursework
• Assessment distribution: Year 1 (20% Practical, 80% Coursework), Year 2 (34% Practical, 66% Coursework), Year P (0% Practical, 100% Coursework), Year 3 (28% Practical, 72% Coursework)

Supporting you

• Study support: workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors: support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team: provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities: volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Course Location

• Harrow Campus is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses
• Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train

Related Courses

• Television Production BA Honours
• Animation BA Honours
• Creative Media Arts BA Honours