Program Overview

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Cinematic Arts - BSc (Hons)

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Cinematic Arts programme is tailored for students passionate about high-quality storytelling on screen. In the age of streaming media (Netflix, Amazon Prime etc.) where content is constantly consumed, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved with film and cinema. You will gain a whole host of essential skills required for filmmaking and image production across a range of platforms from mobiles and tablets through to modern 4k digital cinema screens.

Forging artistic storytelling and character development with the very latest in professional film production standards, you will develop a comprehensive set of skills in filmmaking. These include image production, screenwriting for film and TV, cinematography, editing, acting and directing, as well as music and sound design. A broad variety of modules gives you the opportunity to find what you enjoy, then specialise in it. Learning on our Derry~Londonderry campus allows interaction with drama, music and creative audio students, ensuring a rich, collaborative environment that mirrors real-world creative industries and enhances multidisciplinary storytelling skills.

Highly practical in nature, this programme prepares you for industry. Working on your portfolio throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to showcase and celebrate your achievements, with a screening at the end of year show. Upon graduating, you’ll possess the knowledge, skills and innovative drive to compete in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy - the creative industries.

About this course

This degree is for those who want to develop practical methods in dramatic filmmaking (movies and TV series) by drawing on a variety of creative and technological disciplines.

Technology and the arts are experiencing a period of profound change. Central to this change is the way in which these previously unconnected areas of study are becoming ever more dependent on each other with respect to the creation and delivery of content for new digital media platforms.

The course is extremely practical, and 100% coursework based. With such a broad spectrum of skills covered this provides you with the opportunity to find what you enjoy and specialise in it. If you are a creative thinker interested in becoming a film director; screenwriter; film producer or production manager; cinematographer; art director, postproduction supervisor, film editor and colour grader; tv and commercial director or researcher then this course is an excellent way to gain the knowledge and experience needed to start your career.

A hands on, project-based course, taught by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. Here is a flavour of some of the modules you can expect each year:

• Year One focuses on visual image and developing key skills with modules including Intro to Film Art, Editing, Visual Storytelling, Light/Camera/Sound and Intro to Acting. By acquiring high-level technology and software skills you will be uniquely placed to present your ideas in innovative ways.
• Year Two focuses on narrative elements including character development and production design with modules including Screenwriting, Advanced Cinematography, Advanced editing, Art Direction, Dramatic Short, Visual Effects, Independent Cinema and World Cinemas.
• Year Three consists of optional practice-based modules which include Web Series, Film Business, Documentary Practice, Horror and Experimental Filmmaking. You will collaborate with other students to plan, produce and present a major piece of digital work. Examples of projects include film, documentary, video installation, interactive application, sound design/film score or, ideally, a mixture of a number of these areas.

This hands on, practical course replicates roles you would be performing in a real life set scenario helping to get you industry ready by graduation.

Attendance and Independent Study

• Attendance: Part-time
• Start dates: September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course is mainly taught through small classes, so you will benefit from personal attention from your lecturers and tutors. Our labs and studios will be open from early in the morning until late in the evening—it’s just as well as your ideas will often take many hours to realise thoroughly. Assessment is primarily through practical project-based coursework.

Students will benefit from guest lectures from leading artists and industry figures and will be exposed to cutting edge creative practice and debate through participation in departmental events. Assessment is 100% coursework which means there are no written exams but project submission by individual or group film work depending on the module. For example all screenwriting work is individual whereas a dramatic short project can be team work. All modules have equal weighting (20 credits).

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

• A level: The A Level requirement for this course is BBC at A2. Applicants may satisfy the requirement for the A level C grade by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
• Applied General Qualifications: Award profile of DDD
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
• Scottish Highers: The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBCCC.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCD.
• International Baccalaureate: Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum of 25 points to include 12 at higher level.
• Access to Higher Education (HE): Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)
• GCSE: For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language.
• English Language Requirements: The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.

Careers & opportunities

Cinematic Arts graduates will complete their studies possessing a range of valuable and transferrable skills in key areas of moving image content development/production, communication and creative thinking. With such interdisciplinary skills future career opportunities aren’t limited to the cinematic world, other relevant roles and industries include:

• Advertising
• Ambient media
• Filmmaking
• Live performance
• Online media
• Research
• Screenwriting
• Visual Arts

Work placement / study abroad

On successful completion of Year 2 studies, you have the opportunity to take the optional module Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) or (DPPI). This provides an opportunity for you to gain first hand practical experience within a professional environment such as an advertising agency or brand consultancy prior to your final year of study. This module links the education experience to the real life situation of practice in the creative industries. It provides you with a range of experiences and skills relative to your practice, future career and professional development.

You also have the opportunity to take the other optional module Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS). This optional module provides an opportunity for you to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland, developing an international perspective and an appreciation of cultural sensitivities which are desirable qualities in any graduate. You will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Fees and funding

• Module Pricing: The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
• Annual Increase Disclaimer: Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

N/A

Additional mandatory costs

The School provides a range of resources incl. computer workstations, cameras, lighting, and sound equipment which can be utilised by students with appropriate training. Additionally, the Magee library is well stocked with the vast majority of required reading and viewing.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.