MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BA (Hons) Filmmaking
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Filmmaking at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a highly practical and hands-on undergraduate degree designed to immerse students in the art and craft of cinematic storytelling. This program equips aspiring filmmakers with the essential technical skills and creative vision needed to succeed in the dynamic film and media industries. Students gain comprehensive experience across all stages of production, from script development and directing to cinematography, editing, and sound design. The curriculum balances theoretical understanding of film history and theory with intensive practical workshops and projects, fostering a deep appreciation for both the artistic and logistical challenges of filmmaking. Taught by experienced industry professionals and leading academics, the degree emphasizes creativity, technical excellence, and personal well-being, preparing graduates to become multi-skilled and highly employable professionals in the creative sector. An optional placement year is also available for extended professional experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Filmmaking is structured to provide a progressive and immersive learning experience in film production. In the first year, students build foundational skills through core modules such as "Film Style and Form," "The Design Process," "Cinema History," and "Digital Production 1," with optional modules like "Sound" and "Lighting" allowing for early specialisation. The second year delves deeper into core filmmaking disciplines with modules like "Documentary Production," "Screenwriting I," "Digital Production II," and "Motion Graphics." Students can also choose optional modules such as "North American Cinema," "Set Design and Props," "Professional Practice," "Screen Theory and Criticism," "Costume," and "Screen Acting I," broadening their expertise. The final year features advanced practical production, with core modules including "Digital Production III," "Finance and Funding in the Arts," "Screenwriting II," and an "Industry Placement" option. Further optional modules such as "The Paradox of Horror" and "Sci-fi and Fantasy" allow for highly specialised study and creative project development.
Research Focus: While predominantly a practical production degree, the BA (Hons) Filmmaking program at St. Mary's University is underpinned by academic research and critical inquiry into film and media. The academic staff are not only experienced industry professionals but also active researchers in film, television, and popular culture. Their research informs the curriculum, ensuring students engage with current theories, historical contexts, and critical debates surrounding cinematic practices and media industries. Students are encouraged to develop strong research skills, particularly through their screenwriting and documentary modules, and the program may offer opportunities for project-based research. The emphasis is on combining theoretical understanding with practical application, allowing students to create informed and critically aware filmmaking projects.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BA (Hons) Filmmaking program at St. Mary's University, crucial for preparing students for professional careers. The university's advantageous location in West London provides unparalleled access to the UK film industry, with renowned facilities such as Twickenham Studios, Shepperton Studios, and Ealing Studios nearby. Students benefit from learning directly from lecturers who are current practitioners, experienced film and television producers, and screenwriters, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. The curriculum includes dedicated modules on "Entrepreneurship and Professionalism" and "Finance and Funding in the Arts," equipping students with vital industry knowledge. Students have access to professional-standard facilities, including a Media Production Suite with a large infinity cove for green screen, multi-camera HD setups, flexible lighting, and a dedicated Mac suite with industry-standard software. The program also offers an optional paid work placement year, providing invaluable opportunities to gain contacts and experience in media production, scriptwriting, or digital media, and to work on live briefs.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Filmmaking program at St. Mary's University inherently fosters a global perspective by encouraging students to explore diverse cinematic traditions and storytelling approaches from around the world. The curriculum includes modules that delve into various national cinemas, such as "North American Cinema" and "Documentary and World Cinema," exposing students to a wide range of filmmaking styles, cultural contexts, and global industry practices. Students are encouraged to consider how film shapes and reflects global societies, identities, and contemporary issues. While specific study abroad opportunities may be available at the university level, the program's focus on a globally relevant art form and its location in a diverse, international city like London prepares graduates to participate in the international film community and to create content that resonates with global audiences.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BA (Hons) Filmmaking at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a dynamic program designed to equip graduates with a robust combination of creative vision, technical proficiency, and an understanding of the film industry. By providing hands-on experience across all stages of film production—from script development to post-production—the degree prepares students for the multifaceted demands of the creative sector. Graduates leave St. Mary's as versatile, multi-skilled filmmakers, ready to embark on diverse and exciting career paths within the highly competitive but rewarding world of film, television, and digital media. The program's strong industry links and practical focus ensure that graduates are well-prepared to contribute immediately to various production roles.
Director: Graduates can pursue a career as a film or television director, overseeing the artistic and dramatic aspects of a production, guiding performances, and shaping the overall visual style. This often starts with short films, music videos, or assistant directing roles.
Cinematographer / Camera Operator: With expertise in visual storytelling and camera operation, graduates can work as cinematographers (Directors of Photography) on films or television, or as camera operators, responsible for the technical aspects of capturing footage.
Film Editor / Post-Production Specialist: Graduates skilled in post-production can work as film editors, assembling raw footage into a cohesive and compelling narrative, or specialise in areas like colour grading, visual effects (VFX), or motion graphics.
Screenwriter: The program's emphasis on script development enables graduates to pursue careers as screenwriters, crafting original stories, characters, and dialogue for feature films, television series, or short films.
Producer / Production Coordinator: Graduates interested in the logistical and business side of filmmaking can work as producers, overseeing projects from conception to completion, securing funding, managing budgets, and coordinating cast and crew, or as production coordinators handling daily operations.
Sound Designer / Sound Engineer: With technical skills in audio production, graduates can work as sound designers, creating the sonic landscape of a film, or as sound engineers, responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering audio.
Assistant Director (AD) / Runner: Many entry-level roles in the film and TV industry begin as a runner or third/second assistant director, providing invaluable on-set experience, supporting various departments, and gaining crucial insights into production workflows.
Documentary Filmmaker: Leveraging skills in research, interviewing, and visual storytelling, graduates can specialise in documentary filmmaking, producing factual content for broadcast, streaming platforms, or independent release.
Video Content Creator (Corporate / Digital): Beyond traditional film, graduates are highly sought after for creating video content for corporate clients, marketing agencies, charities, or digital platforms (e.g., social media, YouTube channels), applying their production skills to diverse briefs.
Broadcast Production Assistant / Researcher: Graduates can work in television broadcasting, assisting with the production of live shows, news programmes, or documentaries, often starting in roles like production assistant or researcher to gather information and support the production team.
