Film (Extended Degree) BA (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Film (Extended Degree) at Northumbria University is designed for students who are passionate about cinema and storytelling, offering a creative route into the world of film production and criticism. The course blends hands-on filmmaking with deep academic insight, helping students develop both the technical and theoretical skills needed to thrive in the screen industries.

Curriculum Structure

Year 0 (Foundation Year)
This introductory year builds confidence in academic study and creative exploration. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of storytelling, media production, and visual culture through modules like Foundation in Media Production, Media and Society, and Academic Skills for Arts. It provides a supportive transition into degree-level study, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.

Year 1
Students begin their formal film education by engaging with the foundations of filmmaking and screen analysis. Modules such as Introduction to Filmmaking, Film History and Theory, and Production Skills immerse students in both practical and critical approaches, from shooting short films to studying global cinema movements.

Year 2
In the second year, students refine their production abilities while exploring specialist roles within the industry. Courses like Cinematography and Editing, Screenwriting, and Film Production Project develop advanced storytelling techniques, visual composition, and post-production skills. This stage encourages teamwork and professional discipline, preparing students for larger-scale creative work.

Year 3
The final year focuses on independent practice and professional readiness. Students undertake a Final Film Project or Dissertation, showcasing their creative vision and critical insight. Modules like Professional Practice and Film, Culture and Identity help students connect their work to industry contexts, global issues, and future career paths.

Focus Areas: Film production, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, film analysis, professional practice, critical theory, and creative collaboration.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates gain expertise in film creation and analysis, develop advanced storytelling and technical production skills, and build a professional portfolio demonstrating creative and critical excellence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Designed in line with industry expectations and supported by Northumbria’s partnerships with leading film and media organisations, ensuring graduates are career-ready for the screen industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Northumbria University ranks among the Top 25 UK universities for graduate employability (Guardian University Guide) and is recognised for its strong links with the creative and cultural industries, helping students transition successfully into professional film roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Northumbria, film students don’t just learn about cinema — they live it. The BA (Hons) Film (Extended Degree) immerses you in every stage of film production, from concept to screen, so you can graduate with both creative confidence and hands-on technical ability. Through a combination of practical workshops, industry-style projects, and access to professional-grade facilities, you’ll gain real-world experience that mirrors how the film and media industries operate today.

Here’s how Northumbria helps you turn theory into practice:

Professional Film Production Facilities: Access dedicated studios, editing suites, and production labs equipped with industry-standard hardware and software.
Digital Tools and Software: Learn to use Adobe Creative Cloud (including Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop) and other specialist editing and production tools used widely in film and post-production.
Practical Workshops: Participate in workshops that focus on cinematography, directing, scriptwriting, sound design, and post-production editing — developing a full spectrum of filmmaking skills.
Collaborative Group Projects: Work as part of a film crew on projects that simulate professional production environments, helping you build teamwork and leadership skills.
Location Filming and On-Campus Shoots: Gain experience shooting on location and in the university’s controlled studio settings, supported by technical staff.
Access to the Institute of the Arts: Benefit from collaboration and networking within Northumbria’s vibrant creative community, where Film students often work alongside peers from Design, Animation, and Media disciplines.
Library and Research Resources: Make use of the award-winning University Library, which offers an extensive collection of screen studies materials, film journals, and digital archives to support your creative and critical work.
Industry Engagement: Take part in guest lectures and masterclasses from filmmakers, producers, and screen professionals who share current insights from the industry.

This hands-on, collaborative environment ensures that by the time you graduate, you’ll have a strong creative portfolio and the professional experience to confidently step into roles across the film and screen sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Northumbria’s film programmes step confidently into the screen and media world, combining creative flair with strong technical know-how. Many go on to roles such as film director, editor, content producer, festival programmer, and other positions across film, television, and digital media.

Because this is an extended-degree programme, you’ll have extra time to develop your creative voice, strengthen your portfolio, and refine your practical skills before entering the industry — giving you a real advantage.

University Support for Your Career

Northumbria provides a wide range of resources to help you launch your career:

Graduate Futures / Student Futures & Careers Team offers personal guidance, portfolio and CV support, interview workshops, and access to employer fairs and recruitment events.
JobsOnline connects you to internships, part-time opportunities, and graduate roles across media and creative industries.
You’ll meet real employers through guest lectures, campus visits, and industry sessions with companies like Turner & Townsend, Procter & Gamble, and EY.
There’s also strong support for placements and live projects, giving you valuable industry experience to enhance your CV.

Employment Outcomes & Salary Insights

Northumbria graduates in media, journalism, and communications typically earn around £21,500 three years after graduation, with earnings often rising to about £24,500 after five years.
The university’s overall employability record is impressive — 94% of graduates are in work or further study within six months.
Northumbria is consistently ranked among the top 30 UK universities for graduates in highly skilled employment.

Industry Connections & Real-World Experience

Your studies are guided by award-winning professionals such as Len Collin and Johnny Walker, who bring real industry insight into the classroom.
Placement modules are built into the course, immersing you in professional environments where you can gain first-hand experience.
Northumbria’s film alumni have worked with companies like Third Films, Arcus Animations, Twenty Six 03, and Candle & Bell Productions.
The university also collaborates with key cultural institutions such as the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the British Film Institute, offering exciting live project and exhibition opportunities.

Recognition & Lasting Value

After completing the foundation year, your higher-level study is fully accredited, ensuring your qualification is well respected in the creative industries.
Northumbria’s strong reputation in research — with Arts & Design ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF) — adds further prestige to your degree.
Together, the university’s industry links, employability success, and academic excellence make your qualification a long-term asset in your creative career.

Graduation Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll have built an impressive portfolio of work — from narrative films and documentaries to experimental and digital media projects — showcasing your storytelling, production, sound, and editing abilities.
Your industry placements and live project experience will give you a professional edge when applying for roles.
You’ll be ready for careers across multiple fields, including film and TV production, post-production, digital content, programming, festivals, exhibitions, and archival work.

Further Academic Progression

Completing this degree opens up exciting academic and professional pathways:

Continue with a Master’s in Film, Screen Studies, or Film Production, focusing on areas like directing, cinematography, editing, or film theory.
Broaden your skillset with an MA or MSc in Media, Digital Media, or Creative Industries, ideal for roles involving management, digital strategy, or content innovation.
Pursue a PhD in Film Studies, Media Culture, or Critical Theory if you’re drawn toward research or academia.
Explore cross-disciplinary postgraduate options such as Film & Cultural Policy, Arts Management, or Film & Education, combining creativity with leadership, curation, or teaching.