BA

Filmmaking

This course is available through Clearing.
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BA Filmmaking Code P301 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day Clearing places available – 0800 121 40 80

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Key Facts

P301

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2026

Further details on entry requirements

Apply Now

Films have the power to reach people in ways that other media cannot. Your experience as a person gives you a unique perspective on the world. We give you the creative and technical skills that help you to communicate your ideas to others. 

Throughout the Filmmaking degree we encourage you to take risks, to make bold creative choices, to see limitations as inspirations, and to develop your own filmic style. You will be making lots of films here, collaborating with others who share your passion for film. Specialist modules in directing, producing, screenwriting, cinematography, production design, sound design, editing and visual effects will teach you all the necessary skills that will help you to realise your ambitions as a filmmaker. 

Course Overview

Why study BA Film-making at Aberystwyth University?

This is a practical course with a strong vocational ethos. You will learn to make a wide range of films and explore the many different areas of filmmaking from the ground up. We believe it is important for you to gain an overview of all aspects of filmmaking, from preproduction to postproduction. We then offer you opportunities to specialise in particular areas, so that you can develop specific skills according to your own interests. 

The course has been established by teaching staff with over 35 years of experience in the film industry. It is designed to replicate industry ways of working so that you will have the confidence that comes with practical experience when stepping onto a professional film set. 

The course complements practice-based learning with film theory and history. This combination helps introduce you to new ways of interpreting and experiencing films, which feeds your artistic practice to make more accomplished, stronger films. 

Our stunning location, nestled between the between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay, creates a unique learning environment. The community feel of a Welsh university town will also stimulates you and give you the confidence to develop as a filmmaker

As a filmmaking student at Aberystwyth, you'll benefit from:

  • Being taught and mentored by a team of experts and industry practitioners. 
  • Our extraordinary and inspiring location which will give you many opportunities to create and think differently. 
  • The advantage of our key industry partners, including the BBC, S4C, BAFTA Cymru, Tribeca Festival (New York), Gorilla TV, Bad Wolf Studios, the British Film Institute, the National Broadcast Archive of Wales at the National Library of Wales and AVID. These partners provide potentially transformational experiences through field trips, guest speakers and skills training, and connect you with industry professionals.  
  • Access to our superb facilities, equipment and resources for practical work, supported by a highly skilled technical team. 
  • Our proximity to Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest art centres in Wales, which regularly presents film screenings, talks, master classes, exhibitions, and film festivals such as the Abertoir Horror Festival and the Wales One World Film Festival.  
  • The opportunity to take part in a study abroad placement with one of our partnered Universities in Europe or further afield through our Global Opportunities Programmes. 
Our Staff

All academic staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

Modules September start - 2026

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Introduction to Film Production FM17620 20
Introduction to Post-Production and Editing FM10820 20
Making Short Films 1 * FM11420 20
Making Short Films 2 FM11240 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Studying Film * FM10120 20
Studying Media FM10620 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Film Craft 1 FM22820 20
Film Craft 2 FM22920 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Art Cinema FM24420 20
Creative Documentary FM26520 20
Directing and Producing FM24220 20
Film Stardom and Celebrity FM21520 20
LGBT Film & Television FM20120 20
Production Design Skills FM22120 20
Professional Practice FM22520 20
Writing for Film and Television FM21620 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Fiction Film Production FM34240 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Advanced Cinematography FM37520 20
Media Law and Regulation FM36720 20
Sound Design FM30820 20
Visual Effects FM30920 20
Cult Cinema: Texts, Histories and Audiences FM38220 20
Experimental Cinema FM34520 20
Scriptwriting 1 FM37020 20
Scriptwriting 2 FM37120 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Filmmaking involves developing many soft skills that employers across a wide range of industries find valuable. These include teamwork, project pitching, event planning, budgeting, scheduling, logistical planning, good communication, time management, digital competency and creative problem solving among many others.   

The course includes a dedicated module in professional practice that creates a personal development action plan for each student and details the processes of finding work in the film industry and managing finances as a freelance worker, as well as how to market yourself and your creative work.   

What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study?  

Our strong links with industry partners create many opportunities for our students. Recent students have benefited from industry experience with Screen Alliance Wales and the BFI, as well as shadowing opportunities on feature film productions and trips to the Tribeca Festival in New York.   

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. Enhance your employability prospects with our Year in Employment Scheme. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

Students work predominantly in groups, combining different specialist skills to create films written by and formed by the students themselves. These projects increase in scale and scope across the three years of study.   

The breakdown below provides an outline of what you may study during the three-year degree scheme.

In the first year you will be introduced to the following:

  • film producing  
  • making short films  
  • film postproduction and editing.

In the second year you will build on the knowledge gained in year one and will be encouraged to start working on your specialised area of interest.

The first semester of the second year will concentrate on learning the following skills:  

  • directing and producing  
  • cinematography and production design  
  • sound design and editing 

There will also be opportunities to study scriptwriting, documentary production, art cinema, LGBT studies, film stardom and celebrity. 

During the second semester of year two you will then apply what you have learned to making a student-led group film.  

In the third year you will continue to build on the expertise learnt during the previous years and consolidate your learning in a year-long film production.  

Alongside this, you can continue to advance in your specialised skills in the following areas 

  • cinematography  
  • sound design  
  • visual effects  
  • scriptwriting.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a variety of lectures, technical workshops, seminars, screenings, and group-based project work. The diversity of activity is essential part of our philosophy and creates a uniquely exciting and productive learning environment.   

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through:

  • group devised film productions  
  • individual creative artefacts (films, photography, design portfolios, showreels etc)   
  • production paperwork   
  • scriptwriting  
  • analytical essays  
  • reflective essays and journals  
  • seminar presentations and pitches
  • professional conduct and group working skills. 

You can use these materials to generate a portfolio to present to potential employers.  

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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