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Have
you ever wondered how films are made? Do you have an interest in discovering
more about the roles of the director and producer, the goals of the film
studio/ financiers? Do you think that you have what it takes to make an impact
in the film industry? If yes, then Aberystwyth University’s degree in
Film-making is the course for you. Unlock your potential with this new,
exciting and innovative course and gain a practical insight into how the film
business works. Upon completion of this degree, you will understand the long
and complicated process of how a film is conceived, financed, shot, delivered
and exploited.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
90% overall student satisfaction for the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies (NSS 2020).
98% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, 4% more than Creative Arts and Design graduates nationally (HESA 2018*)
Overview
Why study BA Practical Film Production at Aberystwyth University?
Our exciting and innovative Film-making course examines the process of how a film is developed, financed, shot, delivered and exploited. The degree provides students with the knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the film making experience.
As the name suggests, this is a practical course with a strong vocational ethos. Through producing their own original films, as well as working with camera, sound and post production equipment in the department, students gain valuable hands on experience, preparing them for a career in this exciting industry.
The department has specialist filming equipment as well as editing suites with AVID software and Protocols, a dedicated sound design studio and a preview cinema, which will enable students to shoot and complete their films to a professional standard.
The course has been established by industry experienced teaching staff with over 35 years’ experience of completion and delivery of films within the film industry, and is one of the few in the UK that has a professional association with the Production Guild of Great Britain.
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
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.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
The course is supported by an industry panel, people who have extensive experience in their field.
What employability options are available to you?
Students studying this course could pursue a career in:
Producing;
Directing;
Assistant Directing;
Sound department;
Filming department;
Post-production;
Tech crew.
What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying?
Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.
Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department.
Learning & Teaching
What will I learn?
The breakdown below will provide you with an
illustration of what you may study during the three-year degree scheme.
In Year 1 we will cover the following topics:
An introduction to Film Production
Making short films
Introduction to post-production and editing
By the end of the first year the student will
have gained a working knowledge of the film production cycle as well as an
introduction to the technical processes required for shooting a film.
In the second year the students will build on the knowledge gained
in the introductory year one and will be encouraged to commence on their
advanced specialised area of interest:
The first semester of year two will concentrate
on the fundamentals of the following:
Cinematography - directing
Sound recording - editing
The second semester will concentrate on a film production project. Students will be able to apply their knowledge in their chosen area and form production teams to produce their 10 minute short.
Year three will continue to build on the expertise learnt in year
2 with the addition of 4 further modules:
Sales and distribution;
Sound design and dubbing - VFX and Grading;
Fiction film project.
The department is currently building a viewing,
dubbing and grading theatre which will allow the students to complete and
screen their films in a professional environment.
How will I be taught?
You will be taught through a variety of lectures, seminars, screenings, technical demonstrations 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?
We assess our students through:
Group devised productions
Individual film and video projects
Practical analyses
Production diaries and creative scriptwriting
Formal essays and examinations
Reflective journals, blogs, Wikis
Seminar presentations
Additional assessments may include:
Storyboards
Screenplays
Pitches
All of these materials you could use to generate a working portfolio to present to potential employers.
More information:
You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree scheme, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.
You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.
