Filmmaking BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The Filmmaking BA (Hons) at the University of Sussex is a dynamic and creative degree designed for aspiring filmmakers who want to combine hands-on production experience with critical understanding of cinema. This program suits students passionate about storytelling, visual creativity, and film production, offering the perfect balance of technical skill-building and academic exploration.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in the art and craft of filmmaking. Through modules such as Filmmaking Practices I, The Art of Storytelling, and Reading Film: Form, Style and Representation, you’ll learn essential techniques in camera work, editing, and narrative construction. You’ll also develop a critical understanding of how films communicate ideas and emotions across different genres and cultures.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on advancing your production skills and deepening your creative vision. Modules like Filmmaking Practices II, Sound and Vision, and Producing Film will help you refine your technical abilities while exploring new approaches to visual storytelling. You’ll also collaborate on group projects, taking on professional roles in production teams and learning how to bring creative concepts to life under real-world conditions.

Year 3:
Your final year is where you put everything into practice through ambitious independent projects. You’ll work on a major production in Filmmaking Final Project, supported by modules like Advanced Postproduction and Film Industry Practices, which prepare you for life beyond university. This year encourages you to develop a distinctive creative identity and professional portfolio ready for industry or postgraduate study.


Focus Areas:
Film production, directing, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, sound design, and film analysis.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will gain advanced technical filmmaking skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of visual storytelling and film theory, preparing them for diverse roles in the screen industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
While the program is not formally accredited by a professional body, it is designed in close alignment with industry expectations and equips students with practical, portfolio-based experience highly valued in film and media sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Sussex is ranked among the top 50 in the UK for Film Production & Photography (Guardian University Guide 2025) and is internationally recognised for its creative arts and media programs, ensuring strong employability outcomes for graduates entering the film and creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Sussex, the Filmmaking BA (Hons) is designed to immerse you in the full creative process of film production — from idea to screen. You’ll gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment, editing suites, and production facilities while working alongside experienced filmmakers and technicians. The course encourages you to experiment with storytelling, cinematography, and sound, giving you the practical skills and confidence needed to enter the film industry.

Through workshops, collaborative projects, and real-world production experiences, you’ll develop the creative and technical expertise that employers value. You’ll learn to manage projects from concept to completion and gain a deep understanding of the professional practices behind successful film production.

Here’s how the program brings learning to life:

  • Professional Production Facilities – Access to the university’s purpose-built filmmaking spaces, including editing suites, sound studios, and film production equipment comparable to what’s used in the industry.

  • Industry-Standard Software – Training in tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, and DaVinci Resolve for professional video editing and post-production.

  • Collaborative Film Projects – Opportunities to work on multiple short films and group productions throughout your degree, mirroring real-world creative teamwork.

  • Practical Workshops – Regular hands-on workshops in camera operation, lighting, sound design, and directing led by experienced practitioners.

  • Field and Location Shoots – Experience filming on location in Brighton and surrounding areas, developing your skills in managing diverse production environments.

  • Access to the School of Media, Arts and Humanities Resources – Benefit from the Sussex Media Technology Lab and a wide range of professional-grade equipment.

  • Screenings and Festivals – Participate in public screenings and the Sussex Film Festival, showcasing your work to peers, professionals, and the wider community.

  • Career and Industry Connections – Engage with visiting filmmakers, industry talks, and potential internships supported by the university’s careers and placements team.

  • Library and Archive Resources – The Sussex Library’s extensive film archives and digital resources support your research and creative development.

Through this blend of creative practice and technical mastery, Sussex ensures that every filmmaking student graduates with not just a degree—but a professional portfolio and the experience to thrive in the film and media industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Filmmaking BA (Hons) at the University of Sussex are well-prepared to enter the creative industries with confidence and versatility. Many go on to build successful careers across film, television, and digital media — whether working independently or within major production companies. Typical graduate roles include Film Director, Producer, Cinematographer, and Editor.

Thanks to Sussex’s strong industry links and career-focused support, students gain the tools and connections needed to thrive in competitive creative environments:

  • Careers and Entrepreneurship Support: The Careers and Entrepreneurship team provides tailored guidance, helping students find placements, internships, and freelance opportunities in the screen industries.

  • Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with Brighton’s international film festivals, local production houses, and creative hubs offer students hands-on industry exposure.

  • Employment Outcomes: Sussex graduates are in high demand — the university ranks highly for graduate employability, with many alumni working for leading production studios, media companies, and streaming platforms.

  • Accreditation Value: The degree’s academic credibility and practical emphasis ensure long-term professional recognition within the global film community.

  • Graduate Success: Alumni have gone on to work on feature films, television series, and digital content projects showcased at major festivals and broadcast networks.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Filmmaking BA (Hons), students can continue their academic journey by pursuing postgraduate study, such as the MA in Filmmaking, MA in Film Studies, or related programs in Media Production and Screenwriting at the University of Sussex or other leading institutions — deepening their expertise and preparing for advanced creative or academic careers.

Program Key Stats

£27,300
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

ABB
3.0
32
70

N/A
N/A
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Film Director
  • Producer
  • Screenwriter
  • Cinematographer
  • Film Editor
  • Production Designer
  • Sound Designer
  • Casting Director
  • Script Supervisor
  • Location Manager
  • Film Critic
  • Documentary Filmmaker
  • Visual Effects Artist
  • Assistant Director
  • Post-Production Coordinator

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts