Joint-Course Leader, Klaus Fried, gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Film Practice.
Undergraduate
BA (Hons) Film Practice
Applications closed 2021/22
We are no longer accepting applications for 2021/22 entry to this course. Applications for 2022/23 entry will open in Autumn 2021.
Re-approval
Please note this course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high-quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.
Open Days
The next online Open Day for this course will be announced soon.
Student work
A taster of the graduation films made by Film Practice students. Video edited by Radu Rojas Oprean.
Clips from films made by our graduating students. Video edited by Radu Rojas Oprean.
A timelapse of second year Film Practice students building and shooting in a set.
First year student Luiza Herdy Costa made the film 'Saber Divider' for Shell through MOFILM.
LCC graduates Joseph Ollman and Aaron Dunleavey are nominated for BFI Futures Best Director Award.
Gallery
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, 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 -
, Image © Jonas Juskaitis -
, 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 -
, Uncle Steve's CD Sleeve Writer/Director: Dana Jungerius Producer: Morgan Macgowan Production Design: Georgia Fisher Director of Photography: Adam Trzcinski Sound: Tyler Ward -
, 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 -
, 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 -
, 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
Student voices
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.
Dana tells us about writing and directing a short comedy, 'Uncle Steve's CD Sleeve'.
James's final year film is a documentary called I Shine, about people who believe that they've encountered Big Foot.
Course stories
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Meet the LCC graduate combining filmmaking and environmental activism
We spoke to London College of Communication, UAL alumna Lily Limmer about graduating during a pandemic, and how her passion for environmental activism has helped her in her new role as Sustainability Officer.
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BA (Hons) Film Practice graduate wins Young Director Award at Cannes Lions Festival 2020
Recent graduate Sofia Rivolta discusses her acclaimed short film, Learning from the Wind, which explores the emotional impact of isolation on teenagers separated by quarantine.
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BA (Hons) Film Practice students recognised for film exploring mother-daughter relationships
We chat to third-year student Simin Zeng about the hard work and inspiration behind ‘Dog Days’, as well as her experience of submitting work to an international film festival.
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BA (Hons) Film Practice graduates receive international acclaim for collaborative film ‘Hers to Take’
Graduates from London College of Communication’s BA (Hons) Film Practice course have received international recognition from their collaborative film ‘Hers to Take’.
Facilities
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Image © Vladimir Molico
Lens-Based and Audio-Visual
Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-Based and Audio-Visual practice.
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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.
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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.
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Film Practice course has been developed for students with a passion for independent cinema, both documentary and fiction, who want a hands-on, industry-oriented programme and a syllabus with a strongly practical emphasis in digital production.
What can you expect?
- You’ll be introduced to professional models of practice in the various disciplines of production and gain insight into how those disciplines contribute to a shared cinematic syntax.
- A compact theoretical programme underscores all the practical elements of the course and offers a context for creative minds to examine those forces that have shaped the world in which we live.
- By exploring the movements that have defined contemporary cinema, you will be better placed to re-define it as future practitioners.
- The course places a heavy emphasis on teamwork and eschews the auteur model of production, in favour of a model better reflecting professional realities, where all departments collaborate to realise a shared vision.
- With work-placements (WBL) in the second year, a dedicated screenwriting / documentary development unit and a minimum of five productions throughout the course, the syllabus offers a generous practical bias. Assessment weighting reflects this, with a ratio of 70:30 practice to theory.
Work experience and opportunities
We are committed to teaching, learning and assessment designed to enhance, nurture and recognise your employability, individuality and entrepreneurship.
Enterprise and employability within a creative education in arts, design and media is about the integration of practice, behaviours and qualities that enable you to develop and sustain a rewarding professional life.
The curriculum is designed to communicate and open up the possibilities of your own creativity by developing your career aspirations and professional awareness for enterprise and employability, whether for the creative and cultural sector or beyond.
Enterprise and employability is about more than getting a job, it is about enabling you to find, make and take opportunities and to meet your aspirations in a changing world, whether as a successful creative professional, innovator, practitioner, employee and/or entrepreneur in the UK and globally.
Mode of Study
BA (Hons) Film Practice runs for 90 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into three stages over three academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study.
Course units
Year 1
Introduction to Film Practice (20 credits)
Contextual Studies 1: Classical and Modernist Film Forms (20 credits)
Digital Production (40 credits)
Sound Design (20 credits)
Contextual Studies 2: Contemporary Film and Ideology (20 credits)
In the first year, the emphasis is placed on directed learning and you will receive a higher proportion of contact hours with staff. As you progress, the student cohort develops it's own distinct communities of practice (CoP), this emphasis shifts towards directing your own learning and moves towards graduation, when you achieve the ultimate goal of being an independent learner.
Year 2
Development (20 credits)
Collaborative Project (20 credits)
Work Based Learning (20 credits)
Contextual Studies 3: Creative Intent and Genre (40 credits)
Story (20 credits)
As you progress into specialism(s) of your choice, there is more specialist training in small groups and so though you may be taught less in overall hours, contact is more focussed and staff hours are more intensive.
Year 3
Major Project (80 credits)
Pathway A: Dissertation (40 credits)
Or
Pathway B: Dissertation (40 credits)
In order to be awarded a BA (Hons) you must successfully complete 360 credits. The final award is either comprised of the marks from Level 6 units only, weighted according to their credits, or the highest graded 100 credits from level 5, at a weighting of 30%, and all 120 credits at level 6 with a weighting of 70%. Your classification is based on the highest result.
Optional Diploma between year 2 and 3
Between year 2 and 3 you can opt to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies or the UAL Diploma in Creative Computing. Whilst these Diplomas are an optional aspect of the course, they are designed as an integrated and assessed part of your journey through the course.
Learning and teaching methods
- Lectures/large group learning
- Workshop & seminar learning
- Academic tutorials
- Self-directed learning
- Outside speakers
- Assessed assignments
Assessment methods
- Formative 'crits'
- Self-assessment and peer assessment
- Group work and individual contribution
- Assessment of professionalism
- Assessment of production skills
- Theoretical written work
How to apply
Opportunities for all
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
Entry requirements
Home/EU/International
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:
80 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).
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
- Merit, Merit, Pass 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 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).
APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning
Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- 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 but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
English Language Requirements (International/EU)
IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English language requirements page for more information.
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.
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
Making your application
Personal statement advice
This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in film practice, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.
You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC.
You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future.
State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.
Applications closed 2021/22
We are no longer accepting applications for 2021/22 entry to this course. Applications for 2022/23 entry will open in Autumn 2021.
Apply for this course though Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), where you'll need the following information:
- University code: U65
- Course code: W603
London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 29 January 2021 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
Deferring your place
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
If you are an EU offer holder, it is important to consider that, from 2021-22, you may be charged International fees, which are higher. Read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students for details.
Transfers
If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:
- Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
- Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2
Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)
Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.
Referral to alternative UAL courses
The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.
Erasmus
For further information on Erasmus and UAL exchange schemes, please visit the Erasmus and Non-Erasmus Exchanges section on the UAL website.
Applications closed 2021/22
We are no longer accepting applications for 2021/22 entry to this course. Applications for 2022/23 entry will open in Autumn 2021.
International applicants can apply through either of the following routes:
- Through one of our official representatives in your country
- Through UCAS
- Through a direct application
If you are applying through UCAS you will need the following information:
- University code: U65
- Course code: W603
London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.
For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate Application page, and for further advice for international applicants, please visit the UAL International Application page.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 29 January 2021 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
Immigration history check
International applicants, whether applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative or by direct application, you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you do not complete the check, we will not be able to proceed with your application.
Deferring your place
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
Transfers
If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:
- Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
- Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2
Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)
Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.
If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.
Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.
Referral to alternative UAL courses
The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.
Study Abroad applicants
International undergraduate students can apply to join BA (Hons) Film Practice for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student.
Visit the Study Abroad page for details of how to apply.
After you apply
Communicating with you
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will consider you for a place on the course.
We make our offers based on the strength of the whole application, and therefore don’t routinely invite applicants to interview.
International applicants may be invited to an online interview. Interview details will be sent via the UAL Portal.
Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.
Portfolio advice
Your portfolio/body of work is the most important part of your application, and you must clearly evidence development work as well as work from completed projects.
Important Note: You are strongly advised not to delay the upload by trying to create new work; your main aim should be to demonstrate the creativity within your current portfolio.
1. We want to see a maximum of 3 minutes worth of film/sound work.
This could be work you have produced on your current courses however we also encourage work produced outside of education. We would prefer not to see show-reels, but rather full scenes, or coherent sections of your films. You could also include a short piece of work that gives us a sense of who you are and your film making identity. You can submit excerpts from any number of fiction, experimental and documentary film work, but it should not exceed 3 minutes in total and should all be compiled within one file. (Further, detailed upload instructions will be shown in the upload system.)
We encourage applications from all specialisms within filmmaking and it is very important that you clearly describe your specific role(s) on the work you are submitting. This will in no way determine your roles on the course, should you receive an offer, but this information is essential if we are to properly assess your experience to date.
If submitting a film extract, please add the URL to the full version of the film (if possible) at the bottom of your contextual statement (see below).
2. Your practical work should be accompanied by a contextual statement.
Your contextual statement should be brief, no more than 500 words, but could be less. It is your opportunity to tell us what you are proud of regarding the work you undertook on the films you have submitted and to really give us a sense of who you are and what makes you tick. This statement is also an opportunity to describe what qualities you think constitute a good collaborator and why you think BA Film Practice is the right course for you.
We are looking for students who have a keen interest in cinema, be it mainstream or independent, from anywhere in the world - any era. We want to know what your favourite films are and why. We want to know that your understanding and love of film extends beyond what you have studied at school.
We are looking for people who enjoy working in a team. You don’t have to have already decided what you want to do within the film making process, but if you have a particular interest, such as sound design, production design, production etc., please let us know what it is about this particular specialism that excites you.
Your contextual statement is an opportunity to demonstrate all of the above.
3. You can also submit a further 9 still images/sound files.
This can include primary and secondary research, ideas development and experimentation with a different range of materials, techniques and media. We are also interested in evidence of the planning around film making, such as story boards, floor plans, technical drawings, concept art, schedules etc.
Due to the high volume of applications we are unlikely to read scripts, and essays.
What happens next?
We will advise you of your application outcome through UCAS Track. If you are an International applicant and have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL Portal.
We invite all offer holders to come to London College of Communication to attend one of our Offer Holder events. Offer holders will have the chance to meet the team, find out more about the course, and see our diverse and vibrant student community in action.
Requesting feedback
This course receives a high number of applications, and we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.
If you would like to request feedback – please email lcc.ukeu@arts.ac.uk if you are a Home or EU applicant, or lcc.international@arts.ac.uk if International. We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf
Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.
Fees and funding
Home fee
£9,250 per year
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.
Home fees are currently charged to UK resident nationals. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.
International fee
£22,920 per year
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. 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 are currently charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about our tuition fees.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.
Careers and alumni
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.
