MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
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BA (Hons) Filmmaking (with a Placement Year)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Filmmaking (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate degree designed to cultivate the next generation of creative and technically proficient filmmakers. This program provides an immersive, hands-on learning experience, covering every aspect of cinematic storytelling from script development and directing to cinematography, editing, and sound design. It uniquely blends theoretical understanding of film history and criticism with intensive practical workshops, enabling students to not only appreciate the art of filmmaking but also to master its technical and logistical demands. The distinctive feature of a year-long industry placement, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years, offers unparalleled opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting, gain invaluable commercial awareness, and build crucial industry networks, significantly enhancing graduate employability and professional confidence.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Filmmaking (with a Placement Year) is thoughtfully structured to provide a progressive and immersive learning experience in film production, complemented by a vital period of industry immersion. 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 technical exploration. The second year delves deeper into core filmmaking disciplines with modules like "Documentary Production," "Screenwriting I," "Digital Production II," and "Motion Graphics," alongside various optional modules such as "North American Cinema," "Set Design and Props," and "Screen Theory and Criticism," broadening their expertise and critical understanding. The third year is dedicated to the compulsory "Industry Placement," where students gain real-world professional experience. The final academic year features advanced practical production, with core modules including "Digital Production III," "Finance and Funding in the Arts," and "Screenwriting II," allowing for highly specialised creative project development.
Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Filmmaking (with a Placement Year) is primarily a practical production degree, it is firmly underpinned by academic research and critical inquiry into film and media studies. The academic staff comprises not only experienced industry professionals but also active researchers in film, television, and popular culture, whose scholarly work informs the curriculum. This ensures 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 creating informed and critically aware filmmakers who can apply theoretical understanding to their practical work, a skill set that proves invaluable during their industry placement.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BA (Hons) Filmmaking (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University, strategically designed to maximise student employability and provide direct links to the professional world. The university's advantageous location in West London offers unparalleled access to the UK film industry, with renowned facilities such as Twickenham Studios, Shepperton Studios, and Ealing Studios nearby. Students benefit significantly from learning directly from lecturers who are current practitioners, experienced film and television producers, and screenwriters, bringing invaluable real-world insights into the classroom. The integrated compulsory year-long industrial placement is a pivotal feature, offering students direct exposure to professional environments in film production, television, digital media, or related creative sectors. This allows them to apply their academic knowledge, build professional networks, and develop crucial commercial awareness, often working on live briefs. The program also provides access to professional-standard facilities, including a Media Production Suite and dedicated Mac suites with industry-standard software.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Filmmaking (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University inherently cultivates a strong 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, providing a nuanced understanding of cultural exchange and representation in the moving image. This international outlook, combined with St. Mary's proximity to a major global city like London, prepares graduates to participate effectively in the international film community and to create content that resonates with global audiences, skills that are often further developed through their experiences during the placement year.
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 (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers graduates an unparalleled combination of creative vision, technical proficiency, and invaluable industry experience. The integrated year-long placement allows students to apply their learned skills in a professional setting, gaining hands-on experience across various stages of film and media production. This makes graduates highly versatile, multi-skilled, and exceptionally well-prepared for the competitive demands of the film, television, and digital media industries, giving them a distinct advantage when seeking employment.
Director: Graduates can pursue a career as a film or television director, leveraging their comprehensive understanding of storytelling, visual aesthetics, and team leadership. The placement year provides crucial on-set experience, helping them navigate the practicalities of bringing a creative vision to life and building their professional network.
Cinematographer / Camera Operator: With advanced skills in visual storytelling, camera techniques, and lighting, graduates can work as cinematographers (Directors of Photography) or camera operators on various productions. Their placement experience provides practical application of technical skills in a professional environment.
Film Editor / Post-Production Specialist: Graduates with expertise in editing software and narrative construction can work as film editors, assembling footage into compelling stories. The placement year often involves working with real-world projects, honing their post-production skills in a professional setting.
Screenwriter: The program's strong emphasis on script development and storytelling prepares graduates for careers as screenwriters. The placement year can offer insights into industry expectations for scripts or even opportunities to contribute to development teams.
Producer / Production Coordinator: Graduates interested in the logistical and business aspects of filmmaking can work as producers, managing projects from conception to completion, or as production coordinators. Their placement provides invaluable experience in budget management, scheduling, and team coordination.
Sound Designer / Sound Engineer: With technical knowledge in audio production and design, graduates can specialise in creating the sonic landscape of a film or managing live sound. The placement year offers practical experience in professional studios or on set, refining their audio expertise.
Assistant Director (AD) / Production Assistant: Often entry-level but crucial roles, graduates can begin their careers as Assistant Directors or Production Assistants. The placement year provides essential on-set experience, familiarising them with production protocols and allowing them to build vital industry contacts.
Documentary Filmmaker: Leveraging skills in research, interviewing, and visual storytelling, graduates can pursue careers in documentary filmmaking, producing factual content for broadcast, streaming platforms, or independent release, often applying skills gained during their placement.
Video Content Creator (Corporate / Digital): Beyond traditional film, graduates are highly sought after for creating engaging video content for corporate clients, marketing agencies, or digital platforms. Their comprehensive production skills, enhanced by placement experience, make them versatile in this expanding field.
Broadcast Production Assistant / Researcher: Graduates can work in television broadcasting, assisting with the production of live shows, news programmes, or documentaries. The placement year can provide direct exposure to the fast-paced environment of broadcast media, aiding their transition into the industry.
