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).
