BA (Hons) Film and Television Production with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- W6PP
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Combine hands-on film and TV production workshops and projects with classes that equip you with expert knowledge about the rich history of the creative media industries. You’ll acquire a powerful mix of creative, critical, technical, and industrial skills you need to launch your career.
Our BA Film and Television Production with a Placement Year course goes beyond traditional learning, immersing you in the art of crafting narratives that captivate and visually resonate with your audience. UEA takes pride in being the ultimate hub for aspiring filmmakers and television creators. Our friendly and supportive academic team brings unparalleled expertise and groundbreaking research, offering a unique teaching approach that blends artistic expression with critical insight. We nurture your potential with skills you cannot learn on the set.
Our course is a hands-on exploration into film and television production. Dive into storytelling in workshops and state-of-the-art facilities, including our newly updated Television Studio and Media Suite. Explore critical and theoretical approaches during seminars, then apply the skills in production.
Experience film and television production in cutting-edge facilities, enriched by external partnerships that enhance your learning journey. Our dedicated resource for digital creativity, known as BLOC, offers state-of-the-art media technologies. This will support your learning and allow you to explore various media tools. You'll also will have the chance to gain real-world experience. Our internship scheme provides an opportunity to work and network with industry professionals. Previous students have interned at local media production companies as well as at the East Anglian Film Archive. We also have close links with the British Film Institute in London, and with film festivals, including the Norwich Film Festival, based in this city. In the past, our graduates have gone on to success as film industry executives, media managers, producers, creative directors, or to work in film heritage, for example. Your future in the film and television industry begins at UEA.
In BA Film and TV Production with a Placement Year, you’ll do a placement in Year 3, gaining real-world experience that connects your academic skills with employment while you gain new skills to complement your course.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you’ll have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you’ll do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you have a clearer idea of what these are, what your values are, and which career they may lead to. Film and Television Production graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries and many more. We will, however, require that the tasks you’ll conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you’ll be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
*Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this has to be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you have an idea you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your businesses in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a year-long placement in the third year of your degree. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our 'Placement Years in Arts and Humanities' page.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to a range of filmmaking skills – from scriptwriting to producing, directing, and editing – as well as the basics of both live and recorded TV studio production. These modules will make extensive use of the university’s state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll learn how to structure and manage a creative project and be introduced to the major debates in film and television studies. You’ll develop the key skills needed to analyse these media using contemporary and historical examples.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
With a creative-critical focus, this Film and Television Production with a Placement year degree provides regular access to UEA’s Television Studio and Media Suite as well as experiencing the more traditional lectures and seminars. Our facilities contain a wide variety of cutting-edge media technologies (editing suites, cameras and sound equipment, sound studio and digitisation suite) and you’ll have the opportunity to be fully trained to use all of these. You’ll acquire practical skills and deepen your understanding of how the film and television content you are studying is produced.
You’ll acquire vital skills needed for independent learning throughout your course and have access to dedicated sessions designed to help you make the most of UEA’s outstanding library facilities. Through these sessions and your academic modules, you’ll gain the vital research skills of uncovering resources and critically assessing sources. As you progress through your degree, you’ll develop as a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker.
In addition to timetabled lecture and seminar slots, each member of staff at UEA holds dedicated office hours where students can come and seek additional advice and guidance on a one-to-one basis. You’ll also be assigned an adviser who can support you through your studies by providing academic and career guidance.
The first year features a suite of modules chosen to provide the skills necessary to explore the areas that most interest you. Hands-on experience will come in the television studio and single-camera video production, as well as writing for a variety of media. Critical modules include fundamentals in looking at film and television, an introduction to the film and television industry, and a first chance to explore creative-critical filmmaking.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed via both individual assignments and group projects. Your production modules will have an emphasis on creative practice assignments, and you’ll hone your skills of critical analysis in your modules on the history and theory of film and television. You’ll have the option in some theoretical modules to be assessed through creative practice: you might be required to produce a script of your own to explore questions of film history. All your assessments will help strengthen your creative and critical thinking and give you skills that are attractive to future employers.
First year assessments will focus on basic skills and often feature group work.
Structure
Your year-long focus on film production will build new skills, with a chance to develop in the areas that interest you the most. You’ll also be able to delve further into creative producing and the film development process, television history and theory, as well as taking modules that may cover topics like scriptwriting, directing, editing and post-production, and documentary filmmaking. This year also has the option of a placement module.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The second year will feature an array of optional modules that allow every student to pursue their own path. Modules in directing, cinematography, working with actors, documentary, screenwriting, and story development will offer you a chance to build your own personal filmmaking identity
Assessment
Second year assessments will grow in length and complexity, and you’ll produce your own work more often.
Structure
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You’ll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most of your experience.
Assessment
You’ll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll be able to produce your own independent creative project, designed to deepen your creative voice. You also have the chance to explore specialized areas, such as film adaptation, digital storytelling, cinematography, and even the chance to work in a professional-style writers’ room, or to study optional topics that could cover subjects from digital media to issues in society and identity, for example.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The final year offers more options and the chance to do a creative dissertation – your own creative dissertation. The dissertation will be your chance to write, direct or produce a creative critical project. Some universities relegate students to a crew position, but at UEA, this is your project.
Assessment
The final year assessments will place more emphasis on your individual efforts, culminating in a creative-critical dissertation.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- BBB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. All subjects acceptable.
- BTEC
- Extended Diploma: DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BCC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AABBB.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBB.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 31 points.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM.
Diploma: DD plus grade B at A-level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BA Film and Television Studies with a Foundation Year.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business Economics Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with the skills to work in the film and television and media industries, both in the UK and elsewhere in the world. You’ll be prepared for roles in production, press and publicity, publishing (newspapers, books, and magazines), cultural heritage and archives, social media, and arts festivals. Alternatively, you’ll be able to continue your academic passion with postgraduate study at UEA.
As well as your subject-specific knowledge and skills, you’ll graduate with many transferable skills including high-level communication skills, team working, and self-management, all of which open a wide variety of careers. At our annual event, ‘Working with Words’, you can meet and hear from a wide variety of successful UEA alumni from across the creative industries.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Film and TV production
- Media and game production
- Event management
- Marketing and publicity
- Journalism
- Publishing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.