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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Film and Television

Seyeong Yoon, Neglected Reality, BA (Hons) Film and Television, London College of Communication, UAL.
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
W601
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Film and Television combines intensive hands-on practice in a range of genres, forms and formats from experimental filmmaking to mainstream TV. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the key movements, makers and theories that have shaped film and television in the 21st Century.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be announced soon.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

BA (Hons) Film and Television will support you to develop your creativity, production and technical skills, and will prepare you for a sustainable career in the continuously evolving screen industries.

Our curriculum delivers hands-on contemporary practice in film and television production. Integrated theory units offer a range of perspectives that contextualise the practices and influences that shape screen stories for 21st-century audiences. 

What to expect

  • This course promotes and values difference and diverse perspectives which together inform the making of distinctive factual and fiction screen content.
  • Lectures, workshops, tutorials and assignments will help you to learn development, production and post-production skills to produce audience-ready work.
  • You’ll be taught by inspiring industry tutors who will provide high-level skills training.
  • You’ll learn how to develop, package and distribute content through marketing techniques used by the screen sectors.
  • You’ll collaborate and network with students from other courses at the College.
  • You’ll graduate with a transferable skillset, prepared for employment in the creative industries or application to further study, including MA degree programmes. 

Industry experience and opportunities

We're committed to ensuring you have an inclusive experience and will support you to become a resilient, industry-ready graduate who can adapt professionally to the evolving creative industries.

We encourage collaboration across LCC’s Screen School, and recognise the valuable experience this brings to both collaborative practice and the creation of future professional networks.

The Screen School also belongs to the BAFTA albert Education Partnership, which offers students the opportunity to learn about environmentally responsible working practices, their professional relevance and their contribution to the transformation of the film and television industries. During your time on the course, you will be encouraged to engage with and achieve the albert graduate employability certificate. 

Mode of study

BA (Hons) Film and Television runs for 93 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

Course units

In response to the Climate Emergency, UAL has embedded responsible practices within the curriculum. We shaped our courses around principles of social and racial justice, and environmental sustainability that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values for ethical practice and empower you to work towards an equitable future.

BA (Hons) Film and Television is structured in 2, 15-week blocks in each academic year. Each block of study is comprised of a practice unit complemented by a unit of contextual study. All units are compulsory. 

Year 1

You’ll learn the building blocks of narrative for short fiction and factual production. Practice units will teach you location and studio-based workflows, while integrated contextual studies focus on key theories and influences that underpin the development of your practice. You’ll learn to apply these skills to your production assignments, presentations and academic writing.

Introduction to Film and Television (20 credits)

You'll be introduced to the course, subject, and effective approaches to learning at undergraduate level. You’ll get to know the practices and knowledge required to understand the discipline, and be supported to develop your academic skills for independent learning, collaborative learning and reflection.

Screen Cultures: Narrative (20 credits)

Through lectures, screenings and seminars, you’ll be taught close textual analysis and how to apply your knowledge to examining narrative forms. Your analysis will include film grammar, signs, tropes and motifs, and will build your knowledge of how narrative is composed and read by audiences.

Sound, Image, Story (20 credits)

This unit introduces the fundamental building blocks of motion picture storytelling. You’ll work collaboratively in a group to develop screen narratives.

Screen Cultures: Factual Stories (20 credits)

Complimenting your practice with lectures, screenings and seminars, you’ll analyse contemporary factual programming through aspects such as the commissioning process, ethics and research methods, and formats including documentary strands, factual entertainment, arts programming, documentary strands, and social justice and human rights filmmaking.

Factual (40 credits)

Factual programming produces compelling narratives in highly constructed contemporary formats. You’ll be taught current documentary production skills, collaborating on both self-shooter and crew-based practice assignments in the Television Studio and on location to research, develop and produce factual content that responds to the world around us.

Year 2

You’ll continue to develop your skills and knowledge through practice and theory-based assignments. You’ll experience a range of challenging briefs, with an emphasis on working with genre, scripts, actors and drama productions. This year will increase your awareness of the strategies, practicalities and commitment required for a successful early career in the creative sectors.

Screen Cultures: Screen Performances and Genres (20 credits)

This unit examines the relationship between genre and on-screen performance. You’ll analyse different approaches to the presentation of character from the standpoint of film and television genres including naturalistic and non-naturalistic acting. As a result, you’ll create a foundation from which you can develop ways of working with actors and performance for screen.

TV Studio Production (20 credits)

You’ll focus on the Television Studio as a space for exploring the potential of live and pre-recorded broadcasting. Working in a multi-camera environment, you’ll produce fiction projects.

The Script (20 credits)

Scriptwriting is a central element of producing fiction and factual content. In this unit, you’ll learn writing techniques and tools to generate story outlines, develop treatments and structure drama. Scripts produced in this unit will also be pitched as an option for further development in the ‘Drama’ unit of study.

Drama (40 credits)

You’ll learn the workflow which underpins the research, development and production of screen drama. You’ll continue to develop texts from the 'Script’ unit, and shoot both on location and on a purpose-built set where you’ll undertake role(s) in pre-production, production and post production.

Story Development (20 credits)

The creative industries require versatile communicators as well as knowledgeable developers and makers of programmes. In this unit, you’ll learn essential skills for developing and shaping stories into comprehensive presentations, and the skills to pitch them to commissioners.

You’ll be taught how to design and produce series bibles, pitch decks and teaser trailers, and how to use words and images to create compelling marketing materials for your content. This unit considers careers and employment routes in the creative sectors alongside the options that are available to you in Year 3.

Year 3

You’ll further develop your critical writing, production knowledge and leadership skills alongside your understanding of collaborative team working for enterprise and autonomy in your developing screen practice.

Dissertation (40 credits)

Delivered through lectures, workshops and tutorials, you’ll conduct research into and develop a close, detailed examination of your chosen topic in an area related to film and television. You will have the option to choose either a written or visual essay format. A dissertation supervisor will support you as you develop your research, argument and writing. 

Major Project: Portfolio (60 credits)

You’ll research, develop and produce a substantial portfolio of work that demonstrates your learning and experience gained on the course. This can be an independent or collaborative assignment, and you'll be assigned a supervising tutor to support you.

Professional Perspectives (20 credits)

You’ll be prepared to function and prosper in the commissioning, production and distribution landscape of enterprise and employability. Industry speakers drawn from key creative sectors will offer their perspectives, helping you to make informed decisions about current employment routes. If you decide to continue with further study, you’ll be supported with guidance on potential MA pathways.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional) 

An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.

Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional) 

Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Contemporary Film and Television (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures with screenings
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Practice-based workshops
  • Collaborative practice workshops
  • Contextual and theoretical discourse
  • Unsupervised group production assignments 
  • Self-directed learning

Online Open Day

Course Leader, David Knight, gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Film and Television.

Graduate showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

Student voices

Sergio Jaen

Exploring topics such as family, tradition and trauma, Sergio’s final major project, ‘Traje de Luces’, is a short film about a gay bullfighter whose father’s last wish is to see his son in the bull ring.

Beatriz De Al Meida

Beatriz talks to us about directing her short film The River Woman that considers small moments of bravery in everyday life.

Louise Rechenbach

Graduate Louisa’s documentary film examines gender neutral parenting.

Chenai Nduru

Chenai talks to us about working as a production designer on her graduation film Pretty Sapphire.

Course stories

Facilities

  • Red light indicating recording is taking place.
    Image © Vladimir Molico

    Lens-Based and Audio-Visual

    Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-Based and Audio-Visual practice.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

  • A close-up of a monitor in the TV studio.
    Image © Vladimir Molico

    Film and Television

    Find out about the resources on offer to Film and Television students.

Senior Lecturer

Ian Fleming, Sal Anderson, Peter Matthews

Associate Lecturers

Gabriella Enis, Nick Gordon-Smith, Tracey Gardiner, Alan Cridford, San Berrido, Funke Oyebanjo, Daniel Nixon

Visiting Practitioners include:

Marigo Kehoe, Narinder Minhas, Peter Davis

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

104 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences);
  • Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4).
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, Media);
  • UAL Extended Diploma;
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production);
  • OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum.

And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

If you do not meet these entry requirements but your application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative relevant experience, you may still be considered. This could include:

  • Related academic or work experience;
  • The quality of the personal statement;
  • A strong academic or other professional reference;
  • A combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit. We cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

All classes are taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. For further guidance, please check our English language requirements.

Selection criteria

The portfolio/body of work, along with the details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Evidence of an informed interest in and appreciation of the subject area;
  • An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach (through research and practice) to this area of study;
  • Evidence of research and development of ideas through practice to achieve specific outcomes;
  • Quality of ideas and thought processes in the approach to and production of your finished work.

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W601

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W601

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit these via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 10 pages of your current work
  • include at least 1 piece of durational work (film or moving image) that lasts a maximum of 3 minutes plus no more than 2 additional pieces of durational work of no more than 60 seconds each
  • include brief contextual statements explaining your role within the production of the main pieces of work
  • include work that demonstrates idea generation and development as well as the research and processes that you have undertaken. This could include storyboards, floor plans, technical drawings, concept art, schedules, research and pages from your sketch book pages etc.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

Career Paths

BA (Hons) Film and Television graduates have gone on to successful careers in the UK and US screen industries from independent film, to commercial television, music video, advertising and art film.

Students graduating from the course will be prepared to enter a variety of roles within the film, television and wider related media industries including within the following areas:

  • Production
  • Post-production (editing)
  • Screenwriting/ development
  • Camera and lighting
  • Researchers
  • Art Department
  • Broadcasting e.g. BBC and Sky TV
  • Sound
  • TV studio engineering
  • Branded content creation
  • Music video creation
  • Graduates may also progress onto postgraduate courses, such as MA FilmMA Screenwriting and MA Documentary Film at LCC

Industry links

BA (Hons) Film and Television is well-connected to industry and students on the course often gain high-profile work-based placements. Previous students have gained placements with organisations including:

  • BBC
  • Channel 4
  • De Lane Lea (Warner Bros)
  • Working Title
  • Arri Group
  • Art House Hire
  • Imaginarium Studios
  • Technicolor
  • Spectacle Productions
  • Vice TV
  • Lionsgate
  • Kyra TV
  • Shanghai Media Group Pictures
  • 42 Management and Production