Foundation Degree in Film Production

Course content

The Foundation Degree takes a hands-on approach to learning and this principle is embedded into our curriculum design and chosen methods of delivery and assessment.

You will be given the opportunity to be creative across every unit and you will graduate from the course with a comprehensive portfolio alongside an excellent theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen subject.

You will also complete part of your course through One20 Media (our student-led production company), enabling you to work on live client briefs and work experience projects. All of which will add to your portfolio potential.

The course delivery will also be supplemented by guest lecturers – all of whom have a wealth of industry knowledge.

First year modules:

• Introduction to visual studies
  The focus is on the history and development of the film, television and wider media industry, considering both technological advancements that have driven it forward and also the ways in which audiences read, interpret and understand a wide variety of media texts.

• Screen craft
  In this practical module, you will explore the principles and practice of digital film production, focusing on technical and practical skills with a range of industry standard resources. You will have the opportunity to gain and develop an understanding of the necessary craft skills for film production.

• Defining the difference: film roles and responsibilities
  Collaborating with creative media, performing arts and make-up artistry students, you will create a fictional film, developing a knowledge of film industry working practices and legislation, as well as looking at professional standards throughout pre-production, production and post-production processes. You will develop an understanding of roles throughout film production.

• Digital editing for the moving image
  This module introduces you to a range of post-production considerations, exploring the theoretical and practical elements to create meaning and storytelling.

• Stories for the screen
  How do we as filmmakers, go about telling stories on screen? This module will allow you to explore the relationship between writing and directing moving image products, providing an opportunity to gain fundamental skills in script writing.

• Digital film production
  Utilising the skills you have developed from the other modules, this final project module will provide the opportunity to put your skills to the test. You will create a short fictional film which focuses on the entire production process, with the consideration of marketing and distributing your film across a range of media platforms, including submission to film festivals.

Second year modules:

• Advanced visual studies
  The focus is on deepening your understanding of the history and development of the film and television industry, considering alternative forms, subcultures and anti-mainstream using semiotic language.

• Screen craft two
  You will develop your knowledge and understanding of digital film production, creating short films within a group.

• Sound and film “you ain’t heard nothin’ yet”
  This module introduces you to the principles of sound design, exploring the theoretical and practical elements to creating meaning with sound.

• Documentary film
  Considering the history of documentary filmmaking, you will research, plan and create a documentary on the subject and in the style of your choice. This practical module will develop skills in interviewing, filming and editing.

• Cult cinema: beyond the mainstream – controversy and cultures
  This theoretical module will enable you to explore theories of transgressive cinema, with a focus on fandoms, subcultures and mainstream appropriation.

• Digital film production
  Utilising the skills you have developed from the other modules, this final project module will provide the opportunity to put your skills to the test. You will create a short fictional film which focuses on the entire production process, with the consideration of marketing and distributing your film across a range of media platforms, including submission to film festivals.

• Actors, Entertainers and Presenters
• Arts Officers, Producers and Directors

Assessment methods

You will be assessed through a combination of practical and written coursework. There are no exams.