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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Film Practice

Three men resembling members of The Beatles look at the camera in a confused way.
Harry Green, still from 'Paul is Dead', 2019, BA (Hons) Film Practice, London College of Communication, UAL.
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
W603
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Film Practice has been developed for students with a passion for independent cinema. Working across documentary and fiction, this hands-on, industry-oriented course offers a strong, practical emphasis on digital film production.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Committed to the art of storytelling, we'll introduce you to professional models of practice in various production disciplines.
  • Our emphasis on teamwork rather than an ‘auteur’ model better reflects professional environments where teams collaborate on a shared vision.
  • Much of your work will have a practical focus. Along with work placements in Year 2 and a dedicated screenwriting and documentary development unit, you’ll produce a substantial body of film work for your showreel.
  • Practical work is complemented by theory, which provides context on the issues that shape the world around us.
  • Our graduates have gone on to work for the BBC, Warner Brothers, Netflix, Panavision, and independent production companies across the world. Many have developed freelance careers, while others have progressed to the National Film and Television School.

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 Practice will provide you with practical experience in the art and craft of filmmaking, enabling you to develop the specialist skills needed for a range of professional roles.  

Taught by a team of active film practitioners and researchers with additional insight from industry guests, you’ll join an inspired and creative community where you’ll develop the necessary expertise to work collaboratively towards shared cinematic goals. 

You’ll also explore the cinematic movements and cultural landscapes that define past and contemporary cinema, developing tools of analysis and contextual engagement to underscore, inform and enhance your practice.  

What to expect

  • A rigorous practical curriculum and increasingly complex assignments will enable you to explore an extensive range of departmental filmmaking roles while building strong skills and expertise. 
  • You’ll develop ideas, write and pitch scripts and projects, taking them from pre-production through to delivery and festival entry.  
  • As you progress through your studies, you’ll gain more frequent experience of different filmmaking roles and group participation, and build an individual portfolio based on your contribution to collective group assignments.
  • You’ll gain cultural, critical and transferrable skills through an integrated film theory strand that examines approaches to film practice.  

Industry experience and opportunities

Our curriculum is designed to develop collaborative leadership skills for filmmaking. You’ll be supported to find, make, and take opportunities that will help you to reach your aspirations within an industry-oriented model of practice, and to build your career as a creative professional, innovator, practitioner, employee, or entrepreneur in a changing world. 
 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 industry. During your time on the course, you will be encouraged to engage with and achieve the albert graduate employability certificate.

The Screen School also belongs to the BAFTA albert Education Partnership, 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 industry. 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 Practice 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.

Year 1

Introduction to Film Practice (20 credits)

This unit aims to introduce you to your course and subject specialism, as well as to effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level. Alongside a more general induction, the unit will also give you a grounding in the core elements of film practice by enabling you to take a story idea from inception through preproduction, resulting in a workable plan for a short film.  

Documentary (40 credits)

Working in teams, you’ll conceive, research and deliver a short creative documentary that will form the main element of your assessment.  Through a series of practical workshops, this unit will enable you to learn and develop the practical skills and expertise needed to make the film. Through a series of lectures and seminars, you’ll also gain an appreciation of the creative potential of the documentary form.   

Film Style (20 credits)

In this unit, you’ll explore the intersection of film style, aesthetics and cultural/political ideas. After examining the timeless conventions of classical narrative, you'll study the history of modernist aesthetic practices that have provided an alternative to Hollywood's continuity editing and seamless narration.    

Fiction (40 credits)

Working in teams to develop a short narrative film, you’ll undertake a specific filmmaking role that will enable you to explore the core skills required for a more ambitious single camera production. Practical workshops will support you to develop the expertise needed to meet the challenges of this group film, and also to gain knowledge of the creative collaboration at the heart of fiction filmmaking.  

Year 2

Studio (20 credits)

You’ll develop the skills needed for dynamic group collaborations that inform more complex and ambitious shoots. Building on the practical craft skills gained in Year 1, you’ll be encouraged to further develop your filmmaking craft through specialised practical workshops that support the main element of this unit: the conception, pre-production, production and delivery of a short film in the studio. 

Story (20 credits)

Building on the story development skills gained in Year 1, you’ll have opportunities to develop your skills further in conceiving and developing stories for the screen. 

Creative Industries (20 credits)

You’ll gain insights into how the film industry operates and will be encouraged to develop the elements needed to find work experience including a CV, a showreel and an online profile. The unit has built in optionality, enabling you to choose between working on a live brief with a real client and/or finding real-world work experience, all of which will help you to start building the networks, experiences and skills necessary to gain opportunities in the industry.  

Film Methods (20 credits)  

By studying the methodologies used in particular filmmaking traditions and by particular filmmakers, you’ll build your knowledge and understanding in the analysis of cinematic paradigms, narrative traditions and creative choices that shape films from a variety of contexts. You’ll also gain insight into how certain creative filmmaking methods work to create specific on-screen effect.  

Year 2 Film (40 credits)

You’ll form production groups around an idea generated in the ‘Story’ Unit. The project will be supported by specialist workshops and project supervision, where you’ll develop the various skills and expertise needed to take the idea through to completion.  

Year 3 

Research Project (40 credits)

As the culmination of all your academic and critical skills gained on the degree so far, this unit will offer you the opportunity to develop the analytical, critical and methodological skills needed to conceive, plan, and write an extended research paper. You will determine the nature of the project, which can be a study of already established practices and practitioners or an exploration of your own practical work.  

Graduation Film (60 credits)  

This is a comprehensive challenge of film production, and will  demonstrate your knowledge of filmmaking roles, departments and practices developed over the previous years.  

Creative Careers (20 credits)   

Building on the Creative Industries unit in year 2, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare a plan for your creative career after you graduate. A series of sessions on employability within the film industries (and beyond) and specific tutor support will enable you to develop a specific, research informed plan that can aide your transition into employment or post-graduate education. Additional optionality is offered by enabling you to complete the albert certificate in sustainable filmmaking. 

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of your course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following 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.

UAL 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) Film Practice (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Collaborative practice  
  • Lectures  
  • Synchronous and asynchronous screenings  
  • Seminars  
  • Tutorials 
  • Technical and supervised workshops  
  • Collaborative practice workshops 
  • Independent group production assignments  
  • Work-based Learning  
  • Self-directed learning and Independent Study

Online Open Day

Course Leader, David Alamouti, gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Film Practice.

Graduate showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

Showreel | Graduation Films 2019

BA (Hons) Film Practice

Clips from films made by our graduating students. Video edited by Radu Rojas Oprean.

Building sets

A timelapse of second year Film Practice students building and shooting in a set.

Gallery

  • ba-film-practice-boys-will-be-boys.jpg
    Boys Will be Boys Writer/Director: Sonny Gaythwaite Producer: Hanni Hooper DOP: Zach Hewett Producer Designer: Maya McAllister Demangeat Construction Manager: Tom Holman First AD: Steve Duan Editor: Radu Rojas Oprean 1st AD: Louis Luckwell Sound Recording: Cathy Marriott-Brown
  • BAFPImageJonasJuskaitisWeb3.jpg
    Image © Jonas Juskaitis
  • ba-film-practice-day-street.jpg
    Still from Day Street Writer/Director: Paige Neilson Producer: Rebecca Gill Costume Design: Tom Holman Sound: Tyler Ward Editor: Maya McAllister Demangeat 1st AD: Ekin Ilkbag, Script Supervisor: Sam Mathias-Stanley
  • ba-film-practice-uncle-steves-cd-sleeve.jpg
    Uncle Steve's CD Sleeve Writer/Director: Dana Jungerius Producer: Morgan Macgowan Production Design: Georgia Fisher Director of Photography: Adam Trzcinski Sound: Tyler Ward
  • ba-film-practice-cosmos.jpg
    Cosmos with Venus Writer/Director: Elifcan Yazgün Producer: Gracie Mills Production Design: Kitty Brown Construction Manager: Tom Holman Director of Photography: Nabila Nugroho Key Lighting Operator: Lara Diamond Editor: Ekin Ilkbag 1st Assistant Director: Radu Roja
  • ba-film-practice-cosmos2.jpg
    Writer/Director: Elifcan Yazgün Cosmos with Venus Producer: Gracie Mills Production Design: Kitty Brown Construction Manager: Tom Holman Director of Photography: Nabila Nugroho Key Lighting Operator: Lara Diamond Editor: Ekin Ilkbag 1st Assistant Director: Radu Roja
  • ba-film-practice-boys-will-be-boys-filming.jpg
    Writer/Director: Sonny Gaythwaite Producer: Hanni Hooper DOP: Zach Hewett Producer Designer: Maya McAllister Demangeat Construction Manager: Tom Holman First AD: Steve Duan Editor: Radu Rojas Oprean 1st AD: Louis Luckwell Sound Recording: Cathy Marriott-Brown

Graduate stories

Shaneika Johnson-Simms

Meet Shaneika Johnson-Simms, a graduate from BA (Hons) Film Practice. Shaneika is now the creative producer and co-founder of the production company Asare Simms.

Student voices

Nina Nowakowska-Potera

Nina speaks about her graduate project, a musical titled 'Tomorrow's the day'.

Dana Jungerius

Dana tells us about  writing and directing a short comedy, 'Uncle Steve's CD Sleeve'.

James Clarke

James's final year film is a documentary called I Shine, about people who believe that they've encountered Big Foot.

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.

  • Student soldering in the Creative Technology Lab
    Student in Creative Technology Lab, 2020. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Tim Boddy

    3D workshop

    View images and find out about the range of tools and technologies on offer.

Staff

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:

96 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).
  • Merit at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • Merit, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, Media).
  • Merit at 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 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:

W603

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:

W603

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 include 3 parts:

  1. A piece film/sound work compiled into 1 file (maximum 3 minutes). This should be full scenes or coherent sections rather than a showreel. If you’re submitting an extract, you can include the URL to the full version in your contextual statement.
  1. A contextual statement to give us a sense of who you are and your film-making identity (maximum 300 words). Topics to cover include:  
    • the specific roles you undertook in relation to your work
    • what you’re particularly proud of in relation to your work
    • what your favourite films are and why
    • your interests in any specialist areas such as sound design, production design etc.
    • why you think this course is right for you.
  1. A maximum of 8 additional pages which can include evidence of ideas development and experimentation with different materials, techniques and media. We’re also interested in seeing your planning process around film-making such as storyboards, floor plans, technical drawing and scheduling.

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

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

  • Production
  • Camera and lighting
  • Sound
  • Post-production (editing)
  • Art Department
  • Distribution and exhibition
  • Screenwriting / development
  • Graduates may also progress onto postgraduate courses, such as MA Film, MA Screenwriting and MA Documentary Film at LCC.

Industry links

BA (Hons) Film Practice 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:

  • De Lane Lea (Warner Bros)
  • Art House Hire
  • Film Fix – Southwark Film Office
  • Technicolor
  • Imaginarium Studios
  • Spectacle Productions
  • Newman Hire
  • Vice TV
  • Lionsgate
  • Caviar Content
  • Food Network
  • Shanghai Media Group

Alumni achievements include:

  • Short film Paul is Dead, by recent graduates George Moore (Director), Stuart Armstrong (Screenwriter and Production Designer) and Harry Green (Cinematographer/Colourist), will be screened at the London Short Film Festival in January 2019.
  • God Bless This House, a film by LCC graduates Rodrigo Mendez (Director) and Tomas Fernandez Vertiz (Director of Photography), has been selected for the London Short Film Festival 2019.
  • She Dreams, a short film made by graduates Joe Daly (Writer/Director), Zanvier Allison (Producer), Sophie Earthroll (Production Design) and Ernest Tu (Director of Photography) whilst in their second year on BA (Hons) Film Practice, has been nominated for an award at the Global University Film Awards and selected for the Cyprus International Short Film Festival.