Film

Film is a dynamic and creatively enriching degree programme offered by the University of Suffolk, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of film production, analysis, and industry practices. This course aims to cultivate both practical filmmaking skills and critical thinking abilities, equipping students to excel in diverse careers within the film and media sectors. Throughout the programme, students will engage in hands-on projects that cover all stages of film production, including scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and post-production. They will also explore the history and theory of film, developing a deep appreciation for cinematic storytelling and visual culture. The curriculum is structured to foster innovation, technical proficiency, and a critical perspective, which are essential for adapting to the rapidly evolving media landscape. Students will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, encouraging experimentation and professional development. Additionally, the programme emphasizes industry engagement through placements, collaborations, and networking opportunities, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready. The University of Suffolk’s Film degree also encourages students to develop their own voice as filmmakers and critics, supporting independent projects and fostering creativity. Graduates will be prepared for careers in film production, directing, editing, screenwriting, film journalism, and media management, among others. With a flexible learning environment, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, this programme offers an ideal platform for aspiring filmmakers and media professionals to turn their passion into a successful career. The university's vibrant creative community and strong industry links provide an inspiring context for students to thrive and innovate in the world of film.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 9240 Year (EEA)
• EUR 10360 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Fees Students starting at UCS from September 2012 will be charged £8000 for a full-time Bachelors degree or £7500 for a full-time Foundation degree. Tuition fees for full-time International Study: Classroom-based 10,500 GBP (£) Laboratory-based 12,600 GBP (£)

• English

Course Content

In the first year, students are introduced to both practical and critical approaches to their work. They explore connections between theory and practice and are encouraged to start and develop their personal professional portfolio.

First year modules include:

• Film Studies One: Analysis and Issues (20 credits)

• Film Studies Two: Film History (20 credits)

• Video Practice and Production: Introduction (40 credits)

• Developing Screen Ideas (20 credits)

• Audio One: Production Sound (20 credits)

In the second year, students will further develop their critical and analytical skills and their conceptual and visual creativity, resulting in the making and production of short films through ‘ideas led’ filmmaking.

Second year modules include:

• Researching Film: Theories and Methods (20 credits)

• AudioTwo: Postproduction Sound (20 credits)

• Video Practice and Production: Documentary and Drama (40 credits)

• Screenwriting: The Ten Minute Short (20 credits)

• Avant-garde and Experimental Film (20 credits)

In the final year, there is a stronger focus on negotiated elements of work including a critical dissertation or research project and an independent video project where students will make a short film in a genre of their choice. A professional practice module also enables students to undertake a work placement and reflect critically upon it.

Third year modules include:

• Dissertation (40 credits)

• Video Practice and Production: Project (40 credits)

• Professional Practice (20 credits)

• Development and Pre-production: Project (20 credits)

The BA (Hons) Film degree allows students to obtain a wide range of transferrable skills to respond to changes in the modern film and broadcast landscape and to succeed in this highly competitive industry.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 87

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

All students are expected to be able to understand and express themselves fully in English in order to succeed on the course. Applicants whose first language is not English are welcome to apply but expected to undertake one of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) specified by the UKBA before joining the course. Non-EU applicants are required to submit SELT scores before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued. Depending on your choice of course you are required to secure a minimum of CEFR B2 or C1 level.
Typically the following test scores are acceptable:

Undergraduate Courses:

• IELTS (academic): 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
• TOEFL: IBT (Internet Based Test) 87 overall
  (a minimum of 17 in listening 17 in writing; 18 in reading; and 20 in the speaking component) or equivalent Computer based/Paper based test
• Pearson PTE: 51 overall
• Diagnostic Radiography, Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses require IELTS 7.0 overall or CEFR C1 equivalent (minimum 5.5 in all components)
• Cambridge ESOL at CEFR B2 level

Typical Offer:

280 UCAS tariff points (or equivalent)

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University Campus Suffolk.

Funding

UCS Financial Support

UCS Bursary 2013 Entry

From September 2013, UCS is introducing a new bursary scheme for students living away from the parental home, to help with accommodation costs while studying.

Successful applicants will receive a £1,000 bursary in their first year of study and a £500 bursary in both their second and third years of study.

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) has been created to offer support to students from lower income backgrounds. The Government has awarded a number of Scholarships to UCS for students starting an undergraduate degree in September 2013. UCS has committed to matching these Scholarships, providing fee waivers to a larger number of students.

Successful full-time applicants will receive a total fee waiver of £6,000; £3,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

Successful part-time applicants will receive a fee waiver on a pro rata basis for their first and second years of study. For example part-time students studying 50% of the full time equivalent course in their first year will receive a fee waiver of £1,500.

Suffolk Access Champion Scheme

The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme is open to students who have studied in Suffolk and are applying to study a full-time undergraduate degree programme at UCS in 2013/14.

Successful applicants will become Suffolk Access Champions and will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.

In return for their participation in the scheme, Access Champions will receive a total fee waiver of £8,000; £5,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

UCS Science Fee Waiver

UCS is introducing a new Science fee waiver for students starting one of the four year science programmes in 2013. This scheme entitles successful applicants to a fee waiver of up to £1,500 across years two and three of their degree.

Ipswich Borough Council and UCS Bursary

Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) is working in conjunction with UCS to offer a non-repayable bursary scheme to selected full and part-time students from lower income backgrounds to help with costs associated with their course of study.

A total of four IBC and UCS bursaries are available in 2013/14. Successful applicants will receive £1,000 in their first year of study. Awards are expected to continue into Year 2 of study on the condition that household income remains within the scheme threshold

The Bachelor of Arts in Film at the University of Suffolk offers students an in-depth understanding of the cinematic arts, combining both practical filmmaking skills and critical analysis. The program is designed to develop students' abilities in all aspects of film production, including scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore various genres, styles, and techniques, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the history and theory of film. The curriculum integrates hands-on projects with academic study, enabling students to create their own films while also engaging with critical debates surrounding contemporary media and culture. The program emphasizes the development of both technical proficiency and creative Insight, preparing graduates for careers in the film industry, television, video production, or further academic research. Students benefit from modern facilities, including editing suites, filming studios, and digital media labs, as well as opportunities for industry placements and collaborations. The university's location and connections provide access to local media companies and film festivals, enhancing experiential learning. The program typically lasts three years, with options for joint honors or postgraduate study, and includes assessments through coursework, film projects, presentations, and examinations. Alumni of the program have gone on to work in various roles such as film directors, editors, production designers, and media producers. The program seeks to cultivate both technical skills and critical thinking, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute creatively and professionally in the evolving media landscape.