Program Overview

Introduction to the BA Honours Film Programme

The BA Honours Film programme at Middlesex University Dubai is a single, flexible degree course designed to meet the interests and ambitions of a wide variety of students united by a passion for film. This programme encourages collaboration between students with different interests, skills, and knowledge, preparing them for working professionally in the film industry.

Programme Content

The programme focuses on practical filmmaking and storytelling for the screen. Half of the first year is dedicated to practical filmmaking, where students learn the foundations of film production and postproduction. The other half of the first year focuses on storytelling for screen narratives and film analysis. In the second year, students delve into producing and directing, exploring all stages of the filmmaking process from conception to development.

Programme Modules

The programme includes a range of modules, such as:

• Visual Storytelling (30 Credits) Compulsory: Introduces students to the principles of aesthetic and narrative analysis, promoting audio/visual literacy and understanding of different media creation and circulation contexts.
• Production Skills (30 Credits) Compulsory: Introduces students to professional working environments and technical facilities, building a foundational base for their creative practice through practical workshops.
• Documentary (30 Credits) Compulsory: Develops knowledge and understanding of documentary production principles and practice, including diverse forms of documentary and the importance of narrative and aesthetics in documentary practice.
• Creative Production (30 Credits) Compulsory: Encourages students to apply and combine a spectrum of production skills, creative image-making techniques, and to explore individual and experimental processes.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary based on the curriculum:

• Indian Secondary School Certificates / CBSE: Minimum grade of 65% overall.
• British A-Levels: Minimum Two or Three with grades AA / BBC.
• GCSE: Eligible to join the International Foundation Programme.
• International Baccalaureate: Must have passed the full IB Diploma with 24 28 Points.
• American High School Diploma: Minimum GPA of 2.8, with SAT scores of 1100 or an ACT composite score of 23.
• Tawjihiyya (Secondary School Certificate): Eligible to apply for the International Foundation Programme.
• Pakistani National Curriculum: Completion of Year 1 at a recognised post-secondary institution or successful completion of the Middlesex University International Foundation Programme (IFP).
• Iranian Pre-University Certificate: Minimum overall grade of 12.
• Nigerian Senior School Leaving Certificate: Admitted to the International Foundation Programme (IFP).
• National Curriculum of the countries of Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan: Admitted to the International Foundation Programme (IFP).
• West African GCE: Admitted to the International Foundation Programme (IFP).
• BTEC Level 3: Qualifications may be considered for direct entry into an undergraduate programme.
• Middlesex University International Foundation Programme (IFP): Successful completion of the programme.
• NCUK Foundation Qualification: Contact the admissions team for entry requirement eligibility.

English Language Requirements

All programmes are taught in English, and applicants with previous education outside of English-speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band).
• TOEFL Internet-based: 72 (17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).
• Pearson PTE Academic: 59 (with 59 in all components).
• Dubai Campus MDX Internal English Test: 6.0 (with 5.5 in each component).

Teaching

Classes are held at the Dubai Knowledge Park campus, Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 5:30pm. The programme requires active involvement and collaboration with fellow students, including working and learning as part of small groups. Learning activities may occur both within and outside the classroom, supported by existing and emerging technologies.

Future Career and Employment

Graduates of this course have gone on to a wide range of careers, including writers, editors, sound technicians, directors of photography, camera assistants, directors, and designers. The university helps establish students in the industry through various means, including supporting submissions of work to film festivals and writing, whether critical journalism or screenwriting.

Faculty

The programme is taught by world-class faculty with a wealth of industry experience, including:

• Dr David Tully, Associate Professor in Film, Head of Media.
• Heather Shipman, Senior Lecturer.
• Deema Maghalseh, Senior Lecturer in Film.
• Dr Ruta Vaidya, Ph.D, FHEA, Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Digital Media.

Related Courses

Related courses offered by Middlesex University Dubai include:

• BA Honours Advertising, PR and Branding.
• BA Honours Creative Writing and Journalism.
• BA Honours Digital Media and Communications.