Name: BA (Hons) Film Production
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BA (Hons) Film Production

UCAS CODE: FPR1 (Full-time) or FPR4 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

Overview
Course Details
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees
Employability
Teaching Team

Study Mode: Full Time
Location: High Wycombe / BNU based at Pinewood Studios
Duration: Three or Four Years
Start Date: September 2025

Do you want to bring stories to life on screen? BA (Hons) Film Production is your gateway to a career in the film industry. developing your skills and knowledge of how films go from concept to screen. ��Ӱ�� every aspect of film production, from scriptwriting and directing to post-production techniques.

You will spend the majority of your time studying at our High Wycombe Campus to develop the knowledge and skills you will need to seamlessly transition from university into employment. You may also have the opportunity to study at our teaching base at Pinewood Studios, putting you right in the heart of this world famous creative hub.

No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*

*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)

No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*

*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)

Top 10 in the UK for Cinematics and Photography*

*Out of 129 major UK universities (Daily Mail 2025)

I currently work as an assistant editor/VFX assistant editor in film, with recent projects including Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018). The Film and TV production course at BNU really helped me understand all the roles available in film and TV and solidified my liking of editing which made it easier to determine my career choice and path to it in the film industry. The teaching from the staff was always great. I had a great experience at BNU.

Beaumont Loewenthal

Why study BA (Hons) Film Production at BNU?

From Classroom to Filmset

You will spend the majority of your time studying at our High Wycombe Campus to develop the knowledge and skills you will need to seamlessly transition from university into employment. However, you may also have the opportunity to study at our teaching base at Pinewood Studios, putting you right in the heart of this world famous creative hub.

Hands on Learning

Throughout your studies, you’ll actively engage in real-world projects. From short films to documentary segments, you’ll be hands-on with cameras, lighting equipment, and sound gear. This practical experience hones your technical skills and prepares you for the dynamic challenges of the industry.

Creative Freedom

��Ӱ�� your artistic vision and experiment with different genres. Whether you’re passionate about documentaries, narrative films, or experimental cinema, BNU encourages creativity and allows you to express your unique voice.

Learn From Industry Experts

You’ll be taught by both talented academics and experienced industry professionals Many of our lecturers have written and produced award-winning films and TV shows and can share their valuable industry insights.

Networking opportunities

While studying BA Film Production you’ll be connected with industry professionals, guest speakers, and our alumni network. You can get involved in networking events, workshops, and collaborations which provide a platform for you to build valuable relationships and open doors for future projects.

Endorsed by ScreenSkills Select

This degree is endorsed by ScreenSkills Select, which means that it has been independently assessed by a team of highly-regarded industry evaluators, who use detailed criteria and provide annual feedback to help further strengthen links and relevance to the industry. They make sure the courses are addressing the main priorities for screen employers, making it easier for you to get the job you want after finishing your studies.

With so many college and university courses in screen to choose from, it can be hard to find the best course for you and your future career. Choosing a gives you the confidence you are making an informed choice, making it easier for you to get the job you want after finishing your studies.

What will I study?

We’ll start the course by exploring the key theories and skills you need to analyse and deconstruct films. You’ll look at Hollywood cinema, documentaries, independent and art cinema, and more, as well as the impact of streaming.

During your time at BNU, you’ll explore the ins and outs of the industry. You'll study virtual production, advanced technical skills, American cinema and directing skills, including the use of specialist cameras. You'll develop production and screenwriting research skills, as well as studying how to develop projects (through pre-production, production and post) in industry contexts. Covering everything from fiction and documentary production and news gathering to music videos and external client filming. You'll also have opportunities to create a showreel.

We’ll help you understand the complexities of visual storytelling with specialist modules on film forma and storyboarding. You’ll cover camera, lighting, sound, editing and all elements of planning and pre-production, bringing them together to produce a range of fiction and non-fiction films. You'll also benefit from filming weeks and filming live events, all of these have different demands and require flexible and organised thinking.

This degree is also offered as a four-year course, with an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

Film and television production student holding a camera and filming

Our specialisms

Buckinghamshire New University gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the specialism which leads to your chosen speciality. You can choose between BA (Hons) Film Production and BA (Hons) Film and Television Production.

These specialisms are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

Every July we hold our end of year show at the John Barry Theatre at Pinewood Studios. Professionals from the industry are invited to see students' work from their final year on the BA (Hons) Animation course, providing exciting networking opportunities. These industry experts are always very impressed with the quality of students' work.

Facilities and Equipment

Facilities

Our Green Screen studio, video studios and editing suites are all kitted out with the professional-standard equipment you need. In our individual video edit booths equipped with powerful iMac Pros and our communal editing suites and teaching rooms equipped with i9 Macs, you’ll get the chance to become skilled with post-production software solutions including:

Blackmagic Davinci Resolve
Final Cut Pro X
Avid Media Composer
Adobe Creative Cloud suite

Cameras

Our extensive range of HD cameras include:

Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
P2 series and AVCHD Panasonic cameras (AG-HPX301E, AG-HPX371E, AG-HPX171E and AG- HMC41E)
Canon XF305
Canon DSLRs, including the 90D, 5D Mark III and Canon 60D
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K DSLR
Sony A7R Mark III DSLR
Sony PXW-FS7
Sony PXW-FS5
ZCAM E2 6K
GoPro Hero 7 and GoPro Fusion 360
We also have a four-camera live broadcast set up with Grass Valley LDK6000 cameras.

Lighting and Sound

We also have an extensive lighting kit, sound studios, and sound equipment including:

Sennheiser EW 100 radio mics
Sound Devices 302 sound field mixers
Sennheiser ME66 condenser microphone
XLR microphone beach box adaptors for DSLR sound recording
Sennheiser ME64/K6 condenser
LED panels with variable colour temperature settings
Dedo lights
Arri 1K Fresnel lights
2000W blonde lights
Red head lights
Kino Flo Diva fluorescent lights.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Our hand-picked team of experienced professionals are eager to pass on their expertise to the next generation of budding filmmakers and will share insider knowledge throughout the course. The course team have a range of experience in the film and television industry. We teach in professional standard recording and filmmaking facilities. As well as lectures, we have professional masterclasses, guest speakers, and work experience opportunities designed to prepare you for a career in film and television.

Throughout your time studying you will be assessed in a range of different ways, including:

essays where you will be required to present research material in specific subjects and edit it to fit desired outcomes as well as write in depth about particular topics
reports where you will be encouraged to document your entire learning progress throughout the degree
portfolio which is an essential part of the course in order to present yourself visually to prospective employers. You will be taught on the different processes involved in producing industry-standard portfolio and assessed on the outcomes
practical skills which is one of the most important elements of the degree and you will be assessed on the quality of your finished pieces throughout the course.

Students attending a lecture at BNU based at Pinewood Studios

Teaching space at BNU based at Pinewood Studios

Group of students working together at BNU based at Pinewood Studios

Equipment at BNU based at Pinewood Studios

Teaching space at BNU based at Pinewood Studios

Male student wearing headphones while working at BNU based at Pinewood Studios

Equipment at BNU based at Pinewood Studios

BA (Hons) Film Production Programme Specification

Studying at BNU gave me the basics to succeed in the TV industry. The course taught me the practical knowledge of how to create video but also the importance of being able to work in a team. If it wasn't for the camera knowledge I gained from my education at the university, I wouldn't be working in the TV industry as a director now.

James Kayler

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

A minimum of 2 A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BA (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Introduction to Technical Skills

The module is a practical introduction to the essentials of Film and TV Production with hands-on exercises in camera, sound, lighting, and editing. You’ll master self-shooting techniques, from setting up to capturing interviews and sequences, paving the way for advanced location filming in Term 2.

Introduction to Moving Image

Discover career opportunities within moving image-based industries. We'll help you gain a solid foundation of the knowledge and skills needed to plan, design and create moving image content. You'll also learn key industry-related words and phrases to help you understand terms used in future modules in related undergraduate programmes.

Location Filming

Advance your filmmaking skills with workshops that enhance your creative and production techniques for on-location shoots. You’ll gain the expertise to script, plan, and film a documentary, while mastering the art of storytelling through the critical stages of production.

Production Skills

Through lectures, screenings, workshops and tutorials, you’ll build upon your visual storytelling skills for narrative fiction filmmaking.Emphasis is placed on producing and directing, including conception and development of story, storyboarding, shot-by-shot scene coverage and post-production techniques.

Professional Skills Review

In this module, you’ll reflect on and develop professional skills through project production. You’ll enhance your reflective writing, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, gaining insight into your strengths and areas for growth.

Final Project

In this module, you’ll collaborate with other students on a project within your subject’s themes, honing vital professional skills like leadership, interpersonal relations, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving, essential for teamwork in real-world scenarios.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Production Skills with Analysis 1

Credits: 20

Discover the skills needed to write for film and tv. You'll look at a variety of formats and focus on the components of writing in documentary. You'll delve into scriptwriting, documentary research, proposal writing and story-telling through practical writing exercises and exploration of the work of key practitioners. You'll also look at key aspect...

Production Skills with Analysis 2

Credits: 20

Through practical workshops and study, you'll look at the skills needed to write for film and TV, with a focus on fiction, in a variety of genres. You'll study some of the critical approaches that relate screen fiction to society, such as feminist criticism, masculinity studies, race and intersectionality and disability studies.

Filmmaking 1

Credits: 20

This is a practical introduction to film and TV production equipment, including technical and creative uses of camera, sound, lighting and editing. You'll also work on your creative and storytelling abilities and study concepts such as framing, interview setups and shooting for the edit.

Filmmaking 2

Credits: 20

You'll build on technical skills acquired in Filmmaking 1, and study the direction skills required for pre-production and production in the field of documentary, such as crewing, direction, use of camera, sound, editing and lighting. You'll look at researching, arguments of objectivity and advocacy and investigative skills for factual productions.

Filmmaking 3

Credits: 20

An introduction to direction skills required in the field of fiction. You'll study narrative continuity, work with actors in short films and look at fantasy franchises and screen drama. You'll analyse depictions of the virtual onscreen and ways transmedia narratives expand films and small screen franchises within the industry and as fan fiction.

Filming Society: current affairs and fiction

Credits: 20

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Advanced Single Camera with Analysis

Credits: 20

Enhance your filming skills with advanced camera techniques, including grading and using LUTs, interchangeable lenses, and variable frame rates. Learn studio and free-standing lighting setups for interviews and documentaries, both in-studio and on location. Study various film and TV styles to understand how camera and lighting create meaning.

Advanced Post-Production Skills

Credits: 20

You'll study more advanced techniques using industry standard editing systems and be introduced to external effects software like Adobe After Effects. You'll also look at aesthetical uses of post-production and how to achieve a balanced result that serves the purpose of each specific film. You'll be able to focus on key skills relevant to your degr...

Virtual Film Production

Credits: 20

This module aims to give a comprehensive grounding and understanding of virtual production, a multidiscipline technology involving collaboration from many diverse areas, such as animation, computing and design. You'll study aspects such as Unreal Engine, coding and set design and will collaborate with students from other courses.

Optional Modules

Credits

Film: Advanced Technical Skills with Virtual Production

Credits: 20

You'll practice camera skills including: advanced use of white balance; exposure; shutter speeds; use of jibs, glidecam, tracks and fixed rigs; creating mood with technical lighting; patterns of light; use of gels and gobos; external camera filters; use of a studio grid and free standing lamps; fundamentals of specialised practice in virtual produc...

Client Video Production

Credits: 20

You'll work in groups to respond to a client brief, creating a production of 1 to 5 minutes long. This provides the opportunity to gain confidence in pitching and presenting ideas from in-class work, develop interpersonal skills through group work, and continue to develop your technical skills and creative understanding of film and TV production.

The City in American Cinema

Credits: 20

This module aims to use the city in American films as a focus to explore examples of work by selected directors in a range of genres and styles. It will position films about the city in specific production contexts and considers the issues that films raise, from the classical Hollywood era to the present.

Art Film and Music Video

Credits: 20

Using a range of production techniques and practices, you'll look at a variety of approaches to and distinct styles of both art films and music videos. Practical work will be supported by screenings linked to workshops, which will provide a critical context for the module. You'll then create both an art film and music video of your own.

Advanced Screenwriting and Pitching

Credits: 20

Study strategies for writing both fiction and documentary scripts. The programme will include advanced exercises in writing genre pieces, advanced narrative models and techniques for character development and how to combat writer's block. It will also introduce you to the skills and techniques of pitching your ideas and scripts.

Film Drama: Production and Analysis

Credits: 20

Learn to interpret scripts and tell compelling visual stories. You'll enhance your directing skills for fiction, focusing on narrative continuity and working with actors. Produce a short fiction film, choosing your style and genre. Analyse genre developments in film, TV, and streaming, understanding social, cultural, and technological impacts

Commercial Short Form Production

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Creative Skills with Applied Virtual Production AND

Credits: 20

You'll look at the fundamentals of virtual production (VP), including creative aspects and how it factors into studio productions. You'll write and produce a virtual production from scratch and study areas such as unreal engine, designing backgrounds and virtual environments and setting and configuring up cameras and studio equipment ready for a VP...

Independent Production Project OR

Credits: 40

You'll produce a piece of work that demonstrates your creative thinking and craftsmanship in either film or television production work in its broadest scope, which can then head up your portfolio. You will need to negotiate your intended project through an academic process and to work with professionals from the media industries and elsewhere.

Independent Script Project OR

Credits: 40

You'll undertake a major film or television writing project with the aim of demonstrating and developing your skills. The project format will be agreed with your tutor and you'll receive guidance and support from your peers and tutor. You will have the opportunity to have your work assessed by industry professionals.

Industry Practice Research Project

Credits: 40

You'll produce a dissertation centred on professional working practice in your chosen area of the media industry, picked in negotiation with your tutor. Initial research will be based on a series of interviews with appropriate media production industry personnel and you'll be supported with secondary research including studying critical approaches.

Optional Modules

Credits

World Cinema: Styles and Identities

Credits: 20

You'll look at the ways identities are creatively conveyed in contemporary world cinema. Topics may include Spanish horror and fantasy, Bollywood musicals, documentary, science fiction and girlhood in the work of Iranian and African female directors. You'll consider the role of festivals and streaming in funding, distribution, exhibition and audien...

Film Directing and Producing

Credits: 20

You'll look at some of the challenges of film directing and producing. In response to a set brief, you'll produce a short drama sequence. You'll think about how a director and producer prepare before they arrive on set, and the importance of location scouting, blocking, working with actors, rehearsing and how choices impact on the meanings generate...

Individual Microfilm and Creative Group Production

Credits: 20

Creative group production: in small groups you'll produce a 5-7 minute moving image film. Individual micro film: you'll write, direct and edit a one minute film with the help of a small crew in any genre, and work as part of a crew on 2 other films in your class. The projects will be supported by a series of screenings, tutorials and discussions.

Non-Fiction and Factual Storytelling

Credits: 20

You'll consider documentary techniques and what makes ‘a story’. You'll look at how to research subject material, arguments of objectivity and advocacy and the investigative skills required to make factual productions. There will also be screenings and discussions of documentary productions that will provide additional context for this module.

Professional Preparation

Credits: 20

During this module you will negotiate a project with your tutor to prepare yourself for the workplace, with due emphasis being placed on the working practice of the production freelancer.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 *
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

What are my career prospects?

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. beyond help you to develop crucial skills, we also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Examples of where our alumni have been employed include: