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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 2023
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.

Applications: International places only

We are still accepting applications from International students for this course. We are no longer accepting applications from Home students for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

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 online 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.  

Based in one of the world's major creative capitals, it is one of the few UK courses that is a full CILECT member and also belongs to the BAFTA albert educational partnership in sustainable filmmaking. 

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, your filmmaking roles and group participation will become a more frequent part of your studies, and you’ll 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

You’ll be supported to find, make, and take opportunities, that help you to reach your aspirations and build resilience in a changing world. 

Our curriculum is designed to develop collaborative leadership skills for filmmaking roles within an industry-oriented model of practice and to build your career as a creative professional, innovator, practitioner, employee, or entrepreneur. Work-Based Learning (WBL) will also help you to explore possible employers and work placements. 

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) or the UAL Diploma in Creative Computing between Years 2 and 3 to enhance your learning experience and employability skills.

The Screen School at London College of Communication belongs to the BAFTA albert Education Partnership, providing graduates with the opportunity to understand sustainability and its professional and personal relevance. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake an optional assignment where you’ll learn about topics including sustainable production solutions, the role of –and opportunities for -responsible businesses, and how to create content with a strategic environmental purpose.     

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. 

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Year 1

Introduction to Film Practice (20 credits)

This unit will introduce you to the degree by enabling you to gain a grounding in the basics of screenwriting and film practice. You’ll also learn more about the culture of our diverse and supportive community, and how it can support your learning, the student experience and professional development throughout your undergraduate studies. 

Documentary Production (20 credits)

Working in teams, you’ll conceive, research and deliver a short creative documentary which will form the main element of your assessment. This unit will also introduce you to the philosophical debates accompanying the practice of making documentary films, teach you how to use specialist equipment and software, and enable you to participate in specific documentary filmmaking practices and methods.  

Contextual Studies 1: Classical and Modernist Film Forms (20 credits)

After examining the timeless conventions of classical narrative, you'll study the history of modernist aesthetic practices that from the early 1920s onward have provided an alternative to Hollywood's continuity editing and seamless narration.  

Contextual Studies 2: Contemporary Film and Ideology (20 credits)

Shifting the focus to films made in the last 30 years, this unit looks at the intersection of film practice and cultural/political ideologies.  

Fiction Production (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 and tutorials will support you to develop the expertise needed for the challenges of this group film, and also to gain knowledge of the creative collaboration at the heart of fiction filmmaking.  

Year 2

Supervised Studio Production (20 credits)

Through a short film shot mainly in a studio, you’ll be encouraged to further develop your filmmaking role through specialised workshops and sessions. The unit will also further explore the dynamic group collaborations between Heads of Department (HODs) that inform more complex shoots such as this. 

Story (20 credits)

Dedicated to the craft of storytelling, this unit will offer the opportunity to develop your skills in conceiving, developing and executing stories for the screen.  

Contextual Studies 3: Creative Intent and Genre (20 credits)

You’ll build your knowledge and understanding in the analysis of cinematic paradigms, narrative traditions and creative choices that shape filmmaking traditions from a variety of contexts.  

Open Production (40 credits)

You’ll form production groups around an idea generated in the ‘Story’ Unit. Each group may decide to pitch for a collaborative production with students from other courses and disciplines across UAL. The project will be supported by specialist workshops where you’ll develop the various skills and expertise needed to take the idea through to completion.  

Work-Based Learning (20 credits)

You’ll gain insight into how the film industries operate, and will be encouraged you to develop the outward facing elements required to gain an entry-level position after you graduate: for example, a CV, showreel and work experience. You’ll also have options to seek industry employers in the sector and/or to learn through an assistant role on a Year 3 graduate film.   

Year 3 

Dissertation Part 1 (20 credits)

Dissertation Part 1 is the development phase of your final dissertation (which is written in the Dissertation Part 2 unit). You’ll have the opportunity to develop and plan a research proposal with input from your tutors, and to develop the sound academic and critical writing skills needed to embark on actual writing of the dissertation.  

Dissertation Part 2 (20 credits)

As the culmination of all your academic and critical skills gained on the degree so far, your Dissertation will offer you the opportunity to develop a research-based argument around a chosen subject agreed with academic staff. 

Creative Development (20 credits)

The Creative Development Unit offers you the chance to further develop your creative and technical skills and knowledge in a chosen specialism or filmmaking role. With the guidance of your tutors, you’ll identify a ‘key learning goal’ that is pertinent and relevant to you. Throughout the unit, you’ll work towards achieving this goal with support from both tutors and peers. 

Major Project (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.  

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 with screenings 
  • Synchronous and a-synchronous screenings  
  • Seminars  
  • Tutorials 
  • Technical and supervised workshops  
  • Collaborative practice workshops 
  • Contextual and theoretical discourse   
  • Independent group production assignments  
  • Work-based Learning  
  • Self-directed learning  

Online Open Day

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

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

Student voices

Shaneika Johnson-Simms

Graduate stories

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 Jungerius

Student voices

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

James Clarke

Student voices

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.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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 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

Applications: International places only

We are no longer accepting applications from Home students for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Apply for this course though Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), where you'll need to provide 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 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

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.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

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.

International applicants can apply through either of the following routes:

If you are applying through UCAS you will need the following information:

  • University code: U65
  • Course code: N561

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Further information on applying via UCAS is provided on the University Applying through UCAS page.

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.

Immigration history check

You will be asked to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

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.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

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 Hub. 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. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview. 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. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

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.