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Film Production

Course Code: UFM0006
  • Level: 5
  • Qualification: Foundation Degree
  • Awarding body: Plymouth Marjon University
  • Duration: Two years
  • Course type: Full-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: First year: Mondays, 9.00am - 5.00pm Tuesdays, 9.00am - 5.00pm Wednesdays, 9.00am - 5.00pm Second year: Tuesdays, 9.00am - 5.00pm Wednesdays, 9.00am - 5.00pm Thursdays, 9.00am - 5.00pm

What's it all about?

Armed with a ‘learn through doing’ approach, the Foundation Degree offers you the opportunity to produce your own films, developing both theoretical and technical understanding on your journey.

Specific training in television and film production techniques, alongside advanced theory, will support your development and generate material for a solid portfolio.

Our aim is to inspire the next generation by developing and nurturing talent as well as supporting a thorough understanding of how the industry works.

You will be able to gain experience working within a student-led production company with live client briefs.

The course offers strong industry links and the College has benefitted from working with the BBC, Twofour, Eddystone Media, and Radio Plymouth.

Course information

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.

We welcome applications from those who have all of the following:

  • 64 UCAS tariff points (to include a full level 3 qualification)
  • five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, to include English and maths.
  • or alternatively:

  • equivalent qualifications
  • relevant work experience.
  • Should entry requirements not be met then individual cases will be considered.

    You will be interviewed before an offer is made.

    International students will be expected to meet the English language requirements of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent and have the equivalent of the above level 3 qualifications or professional experience.

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

    Upon successful completion you may progress to the BA (Hons) Film and Creative Media top-up degree at the College.

    You will graduate from the course with the requisite skills to be able to work as an independent filmmaker and with a film portfolio to support future applications for industry employment.

    Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

    Download course PDF

    Future careers

    What you could earn:

    Actors, Entertainers and Presenters

    £50,363.41

    Potential salary

    £14,158.93

    Entry level salary

    £27,732.17

    Average salary

    1

    Annual openings in Plymouth

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