BA Film Production

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a practice-based and dynamic BA (Hons) Film Production degree, designed to equip aspiring filmmakers with the vital skills and knowledge needed to excel in the film and television industry. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, with a reported 70% practical experience balanced with 30% theory, ensuring students develop both their technical and creative abilities. Students gain confidence using high-spec, industry-standard equipment, including professional digital cameras like the Arri-Alexa Mini LF (used on BAFTA award-winning films like 1917 and Dune), location lighting, grip equipment, and post-production facilities including AVID Media Composer and the full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Taught by a creative mix of practitioners and theoreticians, many with industry awards (e.g., BAFTA, Grierson), the course is supported by an Industry Advisory Board, ensuring the curriculum remains current and meets industry standards.

Curriculum: The BA Film Production curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process, from inception to final distribution. Students engage in practical modules that allow them to develop and evaluate their understanding through workshops, lectures, seminars, production meetings, and tutorials. Key areas of study typically include cinematography, editing, sound design, scriptwriting, producing, and directing. The program is 100% coursework assessed, incorporating client briefs, individual and group projects, and portfolio work. In the final year, students undertake a major group film project, working both independently in their specialist area and collaboratively in production groups under academic supervision. They also have opportunities to explore areas of specific theoretical interest and develop essential employability skills, including gaining the industry-recognized 1 Albert certification for sustainable media production.  

Research Focus: The Film Production program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by research-active staff who bring their academic insights and professional experience into the classroom. The School of Creative Arts and Industries, home to the Film Production program, has a strong research culture, with a significant portion of its submitted research recognized as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent" in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Research interests relevant to film production often include screen heritage, interactive media/immersive technologies and lived experiences, digital technologies and cultural heritage, and documenting places via creative practice. This research engagement ensures that students receive a curriculum that is not only practically focused but also informed by current scholarly debates and theoretical advancements in film and media studies.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core strength of the BA Film Production program at CCCU, designed to provide students with real-world insights and enhance their career prospects. Students have access to a wide range of industry speakers, including alumni from the university. Past guests and organizations that have presented include the British Film Institute (BFI), NBC Universal, BBC, ITV Studios, Netflix, Warner Bros/Discovery, Formula One, and post-production companies like Halo, Envy, and Molinare. Freelancers specializing in areas such as first AD, foley sound, and production design also provide valuable insights. The course's Industry Advisory Board actively ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry demands. Students gain practical experience through creating their own film productions and have achieved festival success and employment within the film industry shortly after graduating.

Global Perspective: The BA Film Production program at Canterbury Christ Church University incorporates a global perspective by preparing students for the increasingly interconnected and international film and television industry. The curriculum exposes students to global industry practices and aims to develop adaptable skills for a changing world. Students have the opportunity to study in North America for a year, which can significantly enhance their academic and cultural experience and broaden their understanding of international filmmaking approaches. The program's focus on using industry-standard equipment, often used in global productions, and the exposure to international production companies and filmmakers through guest lectures, ensures that graduates are well-equipped to work in diverse international contexts within the creative industries.