BA (Hons) Filmmaking

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Leeds Beckett University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Filmmaking at Leeds Beckett University gives you the space to develop your own storytelling voice while mastering the practical and creative skills that bring ideas to life on screen. You’ll explore everything from drama and documentary to experimental filmmaking — ideal if you’re passionate about cinema, enjoy working collaboratively, and want to get hands-on with every stage of production, from camera and sound to editing and audience engagement.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in film language and media practice. Through modules such as Contextualising Practice 1, Making Stories 1: Hearing, Listening, Seeing – Introduction to Moving Image & Sound, Creating Documentary: Observed Realities and Creating Fiction: Imagined Realities, you’ll learn the essentials of moving image and sound. This year focuses on developing your technical understanding while producing short films in teams and exploring how creative ideas meet theoretical concepts in filmmaking.

Year 2:
Your second year encourages deeper experimentation and collaboration. You’ll take on modules like Contextualising Practice 2: Experimental Film, Making Stories 2: Experiments with Form & Narrative, and Collaborative Practice 1: Research & Development, with the option for some students to join Filmmaking 1: Production. Here you’ll push creative boundaries, experiment with form and narrative, and begin developing and producing more ambitious projects that reflect your growing confidence as a filmmaker.

Year 3:
In your final year, the focus shifts towards professional practice and independence. You’ll undertake Contextualising Practice 3: Dissertation/Independent Project, Collaborative Practice 2: Professional Futures, and a Major Project. This is your opportunity to lead a substantial film or equivalent creative project, build your professional portfolio, and prepare for the realities of working in the screen industries.

Focus Areas

Creative filmmaking practice, narrative and documentary production, experimental film form, technical craft (camera, editing, sound), audience engagement, and professional collaboration.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate able to:

Develop and communicate original film ideas
Apply technical and creative skills across all stages of production
Think critically about your own work and the wider film industry
Collaborate effectively within production teams
Understand the professional, ethical and commercial aspects of filmmaking

Professional Recognition

This course is recognised by ScreenSkills and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality mark — a sign that it meets industry standards and prepares you for success in the screen-based professions.

Reputation & Employability

Leeds Beckett University is known for its strong production and post-production facilities, and this programme has a reputation for nurturing practical, creative talent. Many graduates have gone on to work across major film and television productions, reflecting the course’s strong professional focus and supportive creative environment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you choose this programme, you’re diving straight into real, hands-on filmmaking. You won’t just sit in lecture theatres—you’ll be out in film studios, handling professional equipment, collaborating with other creatives, and producing work that could become part of your portfolio from day one.

At the heart of your learning is the Northern Film School at Leeds Beckett University, one of the most respected film schools in the UK. Here, you’ll train with professional-grade facilities: ARRI ALEXA cameras, full lighting rigs, green-screen studios, Foley and ADR recording rooms, immersive sound mixing suites, and even a 220-seat Dolby Atmos cinema for screenings and critiques.

You’ll be working in a real production-style environment, which means you don’t just study filmmaking—you make films, taking each project from story concept through to final edit.

Experiential Learning Highlights

Specialised film studios: Work across four dedicated studios, including a green-screen studio, and use the university’s own Dolby Atmos cinema to showcase and review your work.
Industry-standard equipment: Get hands-on experience with professional-grade cameras, lighting kits, sound gear, editing suites, grading suites, and 5.1 sound edit suites—just like those used in real film production.
Collaborative group projects: Take on different roles in a film crew—directing, producing, cinematography, editing—through structured teamwork that mirrors industry practice.
Diverse production opportunities: Explore drama, documentary, and experimental filmmaking while gaining experience in on-location shoots and post-production sound.
Full production workflow: Access film and script archives, production offices, prop rooms, design spaces, and costume stores, allowing you to experience every stage of the filmmaking process.
Independent final project: In your final year, bring your personal filmmaking vision to life through a major independent project, guided by expert staff and supported by research and professional practice.
Creative facilities: Work within the Leeds School of Arts—a purpose-built creative hub equipped with Macs, PCs, creative software, motion-capture technology, and the latest video tools to keep your skills industry-ready.
Comprehensive academic support: The university library network and subject-specific resources will support your creative and theoretical research throughout your degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme often go on to exciting creative careers across film, television, and media production. Many develop their own independent projects or join established production companies and creative studios. Common roles include:

Film Director – leading creative teams and guiding a project from the first idea through to the final cut.
Cinematographer / Director of Photography – shaping the visual identity and lighting of films and video productions.
Producer – managing budgets, schedules, and teams to bring film projects to life.
Screenwriter / Story Editor – crafting scripts, shaping storylines, and developing narratives for the screen.

Why This Degree Sets You Up for Success

At Leeds Beckett University, you’ll be supported every step of the way by the Careers and Employability Service. They offer tailored help for film and media students — from CV and portfolio reviews to industry networking events, internship placements, and one-to-one career coaching.

Employment outcomes speak for themselves:

91% of graduates were in work or further study within 15 months of finishing the course.
Graduates working in cinematics and photography roles reported average earnings of around £23,000, typically ranging between £21,000 and £25,000.

This course also carries ScreenSkills Select accreditation, the industry-recognised quality mark that confirms it meets the professional standards of the UK screen industries.

Industry Connections and Facilities

Based within the Leeds School of Arts, home to the renowned Northern Film School, you’ll study in an environment built for creative professionals. Students have access to industry-standard resources — including a Dolby Atmos cinema, green screen studio, professional editing suites, and high-end filming equipment — all fully integrated into the curriculum.

Because of its industry recognition and hands-on production training, this degree holds strong professional value as you move into your career in the screen industries.

Graduate Profile

You’ll graduate as a versatile, imaginative filmmaker — confident in directing, cinematography, editing, sound, producing, and storytelling — ready to collaborate or take the lead on creative projects.

Further Academic Progression

After completing your BA (Hons) Filmmaking, you could choose to:

Continue into a specialised Master’s degree in areas such as film production, directing, cinematography, screenwriting, or related creative technologies.
Pursue postgraduate research (MPhil/PhD) in film, media practice, or creative arts if you’re drawn to academia or advanced creative exploration.
Take short professional courses or certifications — for example in VFX, immersive media, game cinematics, or advanced editing — to refine technical expertise and expand your creative toolkit.