Film BA(Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Brighton

Program Overview

The Film BA (Hons) at the University of Brighton is designed for students who are passionate about exploring the art, history, and production of film. Combining creative practice with critical study, the course suits aspiring filmmakers, critics, and researchers who want to understand cinema’s cultural power while developing their own unique creative voice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students are introduced to the foundations of film analysis and production. Modules such as Film and Screen Language, Film Theory in Practice, and Introduction to Filmmaking help students understand cinematic form, storytelling, and visual style. This year builds essential academic and creative skills, preparing students to think critically and produce work confidently in different film genres and contexts.

Year 2:
The second year deepens both theoretical and technical understanding. Students explore modules like Screening World Cinema, The Politics of Film, and Creative Production. Through these, they examine global film cultures, experiment with visual storytelling, and engage with contemporary debates around representation, ethics, and identity in cinema. Students also begin developing more independent projects and exploring their personal filmmaking interests.

Year 3:
The final year focuses on professional preparation and creative independence. Modules such as Independent Research Project, Advanced Creative Practice, and Film Futures allow students to specialize in their chosen area—whether film production, research, or criticism. Students create a final film or written dissertation, refining their creative and analytical voice while preparing for future careers or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas: film theory, film production, screenwriting, global cinema, visual storytelling, film criticism

Learning Outcomes: graduates gain strong analytical, creative, and technical skills; develop critical understanding of film cultures and industries; produce original short films or research projects demonstrating professional-level competence

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The course is informed by industry standards and supported by strong professional networks within Brighton’s creative sector, giving students access to practical experience and expert guidance from active filmmakers and researchers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Brighton is well-regarded for its focus on creative industries, with strong graduate outcomes in media and film-related fields. Brighton’s School of Art and Media holds an excellent reputation for combining academic rigor with hands-on creative learning, contributing to consistently high employability among its graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re passionate about filmmaking and want to gain practical, real-world experience, the BA (Hons) Film at the University of Brighton is an excellent choice. From your very first day, you’ll be immersed in hands-on learning — using professional cameras, lighting, and editing software while collaborating with classmates to plan, shoot, and edit your own films. You’ll have access to fully equipped editing suites, sound and lighting gear, production workshops, and a supportive creative community — all set in the inspiring and vibrant city of Brighton.

Here’s what makes the experiential learning on this course truly stand out:

Practical filmmaking from day one: In modules like Introduction to Filmmaking, you’ll get hands-on experience in camera operation, lighting, sound recording, and offline editing — learning by actually doing.
Master industry-standard tools: You’ll work with professional non-linear editing software and explore post-production processes including file management, colour correction, and sound design — building the technical expertise the film industry demands.
Collaborative production work: Teamwork is at the heart of the course. For instance, the Film Production Management module has you working in groups to manage locations, cast actors, and bring scenes to life — just like in a real production environment.
Professional experience through live briefs and placements: You’ll take part in modules that connect you with real clients and projects, gaining valuable insight into how the film and media industries operate.
A balance of practice and theory: Alongside production work, you’ll study film theory and analysis — exploring genres, cinematography, editing, and sound. This helps you not only make films but also think critically about what makes them powerful and effective.
A creative city that fuels opportunity: Brighton is known for its thriving creative scene, full of digital media companies, studios, and start-ups. Studying here means you’re surrounded by opportunities for networking, internships, and collaboration with industry professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Film at the University of Brighton leave with a powerful mix of creative, technical, and analytical skills that open doors across the film, media, and creative industries. Many go on to successful careers in film production, editing, and media communications — equipped with both the practical experience and critical insight employers value.

Typical career paths include: film producer, editor, cinematographer, and media researcher.

Here’s how Brighton helps you get there:

Career Development Support: The university’s Careers and Employability team provides one-to-one guidance, networking opportunities, and access to exclusive job boards to help students transition confidently into creative roles.
Industry Experience: Students gain hands-on experience through placements and collaborations with local film and media organisations — Brighton has strong ties with the city’s vibrant creative community and the wider UK film industry.
Graduate Success: Brighton film graduates have gone on to work in production companies, television studios, and digital media firms across the UK and internationally.
Professional Value: The degree’s emphasis on both creative practice and critical study gives graduates lasting credibility within the media and cultural sectors — a combination that remains valuable throughout a long-term career.
Facilities & Partnerships: Students benefit from access to professional-standard production and editing facilities, and opportunities to connect with visiting industry professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and events.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies at postgraduate level — many pursue MA courses in Filmmaking, Media Production, or Screen Studies, while others choose research-based MPhil or PhD programmes to deepen their expertise and expand their creative practice.