Practical. Critical. Creative.
Do you want to combine practical filmmaking skills with the
ability to critically analyse film in a range of contexts?
From filmmaking to film criticism, digital content creation,
film festival programming, archival curation, and more, this BA (Hons) Film
degree provides you with the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed for
employment in the screen industries, and beyond.
Formerly known as ‘BA Film and TV Production’, this degree
is taught by Northumbria’s leading film practitioners, theoreticians, and
historians – all bringing research to life in your workshops, lectures, and
seminars.
The BA Film combines theory and practice: you will make your
own film projects, from dramas and documentaries to music and experimental
films, while also exploring the impact of film on society and culture. See student work from across the years here.
This degree is dynamic, interdisciplinary, and addresses
real world challenges, all while equipping you for your career in industry.
Why choose Northumbria to study BA (Hons) Film?
Award Winning – You will be taught by award winning film
producers/writers such as Len Collin and Johnny Walker.
Taking on Tomorrow – This course is contemporary,
future-facing, and critically rigorous, preparing you to make positive impact
in the world.
Research Powerhouse – Art and Design at Northumbria is
ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 6 places
compared to 2014.
Your Learning Experience
This course is delivered through a mix of classroom, studio-based learning, and engagement with cultural centres such as the BFI partnership, to further enhance your learning.
Modules will be taught through lectures, seminars, practical sessions and workshops. You’ll be assessed using a range of methods, including practical project submissions, essays, and presentations.
In second year, there is the opportunity to undertake a professional placement where you can gain real-world, practical experience. Alternatively, you can extend your studies, either taking an additional placement year between second and final year, or even taking a year to study abroad in the likes of mainland Europe or North America.
In your final year, you will embark on a Dissertation or a Practical Filmmaking Project (called 'Practice-Based Research Project') which is an opportunity to focus on what interests you most while developing your portfolio and academic skills.
What is a ‘cultural partnership’ and how will it support my learning?
Cultural partnerships are when institutions work together to promote art, traditions, or values. At Northumbria, this includes museums, charities, and other education partners teaming up to create an enhanced curriculum designed to support your learning experience and employability. These partnerships help you:
- Showcase talent and innovation
- Attend events such as masterclasses and workshops
- Access specialist facilities and archives
- Gain experiential learning opportunities, such as working on live briefs.
- Immerse yourself in real-world settings, working directly within the community.
- Network with key employers
- Unlock potential placement opportunities, during or beyond your studies.
Students studying BA Film benefit directly from our cultural education partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI).
Our partnership with BFI means you will have access to masterclasses, workshops, Q&As, and ‘industry ready skills development’ sessions. You may also have an opportunity to work on a live brief alongside the BFI, gaining hands-on experience.
All students and staff at Northumbria also have access to BFI Player, to stream critically acclaimed films for free!
How does this course enhance my employability?
From the very start of your studies, you are supported as you begin to develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, team working, and confidence.
On the course, you’ll learn how to use industry-standard video/sound editing software, identify the key elements of screenwriting, and understand the logistics and planning required pre- and post-production.
An invaluable opportunity for first-hand employability skills will be your Professional Placement. Here, you will be immersed in the industry, getting to grips with exactly how your knowledge can be applied, and gaining confidence, professionalism, and skills which will stay with you for life.
Many modules have been specifically designed to enhance your employability and encourage you to consider how your interests align with potential future career routes after graduation. For example, the final year module, ‘Event Cultures’, explores events planning, management, and media promotion, while ‘Film Across Media: Transmedia Storytelling and Marketing’ introduces you to how the media industry utilises world-building, to spread traditional context across media platforms.
See other similar courses you may be interested in: BA Media and Communications or BA Theatre and Performance