Program Overview

Introduction to Film Practices BA Honours

The Film Practices BA Honours programme at Newcastle University is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in film-making, allowing them to develop into highly skilled, imaginative, and resourceful independent film-makers. The course focuses on creative documentary film and experimental non-fiction film, providing students with a deep understanding of the relationship between documentary practice, film theory, and the film industry.

Course Overview

The programme is structured over three years, with each stage building on the previous one to develop students' film-making and storytelling skills. In the first year, students learn the essential skills of film-making, including camera, audio, and editing skills, and are introduced to film theory and the international history of cinematic documentary. The second year sees students undertaking more complex and advanced projects, including a series of independent creative microfilms and a crew-based experimental non-fiction film. In the final year, students make two films: a self-shot short observational documentary film and a crew-based documentary film, equivalent to a written dissertation.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is a Global Top 140 University, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university has seen a 65% increase in research power since 2014, with 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading. The university is also ranked among the top 25 in the UK and top 100 in the world for sustainable development, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.

Modules and Learning

The programme includes a range of modules, such as:

• Film Theory for Practice
• Academic Skills for Film Practice
• Introduction to Film Technologies
• Introduction to World Cinema: Ideas, Art, Cultures
• Starting out in Filmmaking
• Introduction to the Documentary: From documentation to non-fiction film
• Filmmaking: Ideas to Screen
• Film Industry and Alternative Practices
• Making a Short Documentary
• Creative Documentary Practices
• Observational Filmmaking
• Film Practice Project

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods range from lectures, seminars, and workshops to screening-based classes. Students learn film-making skills through practical exercises and film-making tasks, with an emphasis on experimentation and creative freedom. Assessment methods include practical exams, coursework, and a film-based dissertation.

Facilities and Environment

Students have access to professional-standard video and audio equipment, studio space, and AV-editing facilities, as well as specialist computing facilities with industry-standard software. The programme is based in the Armstrong Building and Film@CultureLab, located in the heart of Newcastle University's city-centre campus.

Opportunities

The programme offers opportunities for study abroad, work placements, and networking with industry professionals. Students can choose to spend a semester on a student exchange or undertake a 9-12 month industrial placement in the UK or abroad.

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the programme is ABB at A-Level or 32 points in the International Baccalaureate. Alternative offers are available through the university's contextual or alternative offer routes.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Tuition fees for the programme are £24,500 for international students, with scholarships available for UK, EU, and international students. The university also offers a range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Open Days and Events

The university hosts open days and events throughout the year, providing opportunities for prospective students to meet with academic staff, tour the campus, and learn more about the programme.

How to Apply

Applications for the programme are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). International students can also apply through an agent or directly to the university.

• For more information on the application process, please refer to the university's admissions policy.
• The university's admissions policy is available on its website.
  • The policy provides information on the application process, entry requirements, and admission criteria.
  • It also outlines the university's approach to contextual admissions and alternative offers.
• The university's website also provides information on tuition fees, scholarships, and funding opportunities.
  • The website includes a fees and funding section, which outlines the tuition fees for each programme.
  • It also includes information on scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of financial support.
• For more information on the programme, please refer to the university's course catalogue.
• The course catalogue provides detailed information on the programme, including its structure, modules, and assessment methods.
  • It also includes information on the programme's learning outcomes, career prospects, and graduate destinations.