MA Film Production
Got a passion for filmmaking? Want to improve your professional showreel and boost your employability? Solent’s MA Film Production programme is ideally suited to students who...
BA (Hons)Film and Television
Apply on UCAS
- 2023
- 2024
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: P303
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 112-128Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a film and television degree at Solent University
Unleash your creativity with a TV and film career. Learn from industry experts in professional-grade facilities, and join our internationally successful graduates at the BBC, Sky, Disney and beyond.
- Top0for learning resources for media studies (NSS 2022)
- Top0for learning opportunities for media studies (NSS 2022)
- £0minvestment in our campus and industry-standard facilities
- Access to the media academy, featuring cutting-edge production equipment, studio facilities and edit suites, including three green screen TV studios, a large TV studio with audience seating for up to 200, and a range of radio and music production facilities.
- Solent Productions and Solent TV, our in-house production agencies, enable you to gain a wide range of work experience for your professional showreel. With established links with industry including ITV, the BBC, Talent TV, Glastonbury and Creamfields.
- Network of industry alumni who’ve worked for organisations including the BBC, ITV, Sky, Warner Bros, Disney, Ignition, Global Radio, Absolute Post, Fox, Channel 4, Premier League Productions, Microsoft and more.
This video 'Why study BA Hons Film and Television' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Course overview
With its unique blend of creative practice and critical studies, Solent’s highly regarded film and television undergraduate degree equips you with the production experience, creative skills and critical thinking necessary to help you understand the global film and television industries – as well as your place within it.
This degree is a great choice for students who aspire to work in, or alongside, the film and television industries – providing you with the necessary training and education to ensure that you are ready for the ever-evolving world of film and television production, distribution and exhibition.
During the first year, you will study modules that address the building blocks of screen language, genre analysis, screenwriting and production management, working on individual projects as well as collaborating in groups to make short films and television content.
In the second year, you will interrogate the relationship between representation and identity through screen criticism and in practice, across fiction and documentary, looking at the role of audiences in film and television consumption and considering creative approaches to short film design.
During the final year, you will explore career pathways with modules designed to focus on enhancing employability and transferable skills as well as the evolving globalised nature of production, distribution and exhibition practices. These modules will be accompanied by one-to-one supervision of your final year project.
Throughout your studies you will have access to the University’s media academy, featuring cutting-edge production equipment, studio facilities and edit suites. We’re an Adobe Creative Campus – giving you access to the full Adobe creative package for video editing, colour grading, sound design and special effects.
Taught by experts whose specialisms range from directing, producing and screenwriting – as well as researchers who explore the changing world of screen industries – you will have the opportunity to benefit from a range of real-world learning opportunities such as workshops and masterclasses led by visiting media professionals; previous guest speakers have included high profile visitors such as Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Doctor Who, The League of Gentlemen, Game of Thrones) and Jed Mercurio (Line of Duty, Bodyguard), who have offered advice on working in the industry – as well as other working professionals in film and television production, including Solent graduates.
Our graduates’ success speaks for itself; Solent film and television alumni have gone on to work as videographers, film and digital content developers, production assistants, programme schedulers, researchers, editors and directors, as well as in other creative areas such as gaming, marketing, graphic design, publishing, PR, advertising and events management. A number of our students have also set up their own film production companies or become successful freelancers.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukStudent work
BA (Hons) Film and Television
Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Who is this course for?
Solent's film and television degree is ideally suited to students who are passionate about film and television and want to become well equipped with the critical, practical, technical and creative skills that span both subjects and industries.
What does this course lead to?
Course graduates can pursue careers in a range of film, television and media production roles; or use their transferable skills to pursue roles in education, design, publishing, PR, marketing, advertising and events management, among others. Previous graduates have also gone on to set-up successful production companies or become freelancers.
Alumni have worked with a range of organisations including; BBC, ITV, Sky, Warner Bros, Disney, Ignition, Global Radio, Absolute Post, Fox, Channel 4, Optomen, JOE Media, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Premier League Productions, Microsoft and Digital Cinema Media.
Meet the team
Darren Kerr
Head of the Southampton Film & Television School
Stuart Joy
Course Leader
Mark Aldridge
Associate Professor of Screen Histories
Donna Peberdy
Associate Professor of Performance, Sex and Gender
Terence McSweeney
Senior Lecturer
Jonathan Plummer
Senior Lecturer
Stephen Desmond
Senior Lecturer
Kamran Qureshi
Lecturer
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
During your studies you will be taught in and have access to several specialist production spaces including; a large TV studio with audience seating for up to 200, an acoustically-treated film studio that can be reconfigured as required for set building and filming and an an immersive gfilming area, all provding green screen technology. The dedicated, studios feature multi-camera sert-ups with broadcast standard equipment (including one of the largest HD facilities in the south of England). The variety of post-production spaces and specialist edit booths are connected to a high-speed fibre network, and include Mac Pro computers complemented by a range of radio and music production facilities. Solent also has a digital 3D cinema with professional 2k projector and Dolby Atmos sound system.
Once trained, you will also have the opportunity to book and hire equipment via our specialist media production store.
Core modules
POV: Deconstructing the Screen
Film and television have their own language, this module will give you the tools to deconstruct this language and critically consider formal properties of the screen, including camera, framing and movement, lighting and colour, sound and editing, acting and performance.
Establishing Shot: Film and TV Genres
On this module you will deconstruct and analyse a selection of key genres, which will lead to developed conversations around questions of structure and audience expectations.
Filming Fiction: Principles and Practices of Visual Storytelling
This module introduces you to key concepts and training relating to visual storytelling in single camera fiction production. You will understand and acquire the practical, technical and creative skills that will lead to the creation of your own short film.
Screenwriting: From Pitch to Page
On this module you will learn the basics of screenwriting and get a solid foundation in narrative structure, as well as a good understanding of how themes, characters, subtext and dialogue all interweave on the page in order to create a blueprint for a film.
Close Up: Forms and Industries
This module is clearly situated in a discussion of the modern-day arenas of filmmaking and television production, through a critical analysis of topics including blockbuster films and rivals to established television habits, such as Netflix.
The Studio: Creativity, Collaboration and Control
Now that you have a good grasp of the fundamentals of single camera visual storytelling, you will take the production skills you have started to develop into the controlled environment of the studio.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Video essays
- Portfolios
- Essays
- Group presentations
- Feature articles
- Live and simulated client briefs
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
Access Solent provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
The academic team is made up of active filmmakers and creative practitioners who bring a wealth of experience and networks to the curriculum and there are regular opportunities to work on live client briefs both within and beyond the curriculum.
Thanks to the course teams close links with industry, there is the opportunity for a variety of visiting speaker and masterclass programmes from a diverse number of industry guests. The visiting speaker programme is refreshed annually, but recent speakers have included; Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), Paul Franklin (Batman Begins, Inception), Terry Rawlings (Alien, Blade Runner), Jan Harlan (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket), Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The Godfather Trilogy), Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, Masters of Sex), Mike Hodges (Get Carter, Croupier), Fay Rusling (Green Wing, Smack the Pony), Dave Calhoun (Time Out).
250+ students and graduates have also had their work (writing, video essays, photography) published in Diegesis magazine, which is produced by staff and students in the film department, and published in print and online. 50+ students and graduates have also taken on editorial roles and responsibilities, including three paid internships.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,000 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2023/24 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:
Year one:
Optional study trip: £1,375
Year two:
Optional study trip: £1,430
Year three:
Compulsory final major project-final film expenses in year three: £330
Optional study trip: £1,540.
The course features optional trips to international film festivals. These trips are subject to student demand. Prices will be dependent on the location of the trip as well as the travel and accommodation costs at the time of booking. There are no compulsory production costs that you are required to meet in order to fully participate on the course. Students choosing to raise a budget for their film or tv productions are encouraged to crowdfund and seek advice from project supervisors on budgetary matters where applicable.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Financial information videos
Student finance - bitesize This video 'Student finance - bitesize' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Student funding - the essentials This video 'Student funding essentials - Student Funding for 2023' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
112-128 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D* or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 112 UCAS points.
- All applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
- Direct entry into years two or three may be considered for this course.
- Applicants over the age of 21 may be considered based on relevant experience, without having the required tariff points.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants from outside the UK will be required to attend an interview over Teams or Zoom.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants from outside the UK will be required to attend an interview over Teams or Zoom.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa:
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at this PDF document which outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
112-128UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukHow to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 25 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
We will prepare you for your future
This course will equip you with the skills to pursue graduate level employment across a wide range of roles. Suitable roles for graduates include:
- Videographer
- Camera operator
- Freelance filmmaker
- Film/video editor
- Film/television/video producer
- Line producer
- Vision mixer
- Location manager
- Programme/content researcher
- Script supervisor
- Continuity editor
- Festival coordinator/programmer
- Film booker
- Film events coordinator
We will help you start your career
The Solent Futures team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Find out more
Support at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
Find out more
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
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