Film Practices BA Honours
- UCAS code: P313
- Full time
- 3 years
Explore the world of creative documentary film and become a highly skilled, imaginative and resourceful independent film-maker.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This degree allows you to develop an advanced level of knowledge and skills in film-making. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the relationship between documentary practice, film theory and the film industry.
You’ll work on a range of individual and crew-based film projects, and develop sophisticated camera, sound, editing and storytelling skills.
Your studies are set in the context of world cinema and the international history of the cinematic documentary. You'll graduate with a portfolio of creative documentary and experimental non-fiction films.
You will learn from scholar film-makers in our state-of-the-art facilities and develop a range of professional skills to prepare you for your future.
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Featured Module
Filmmaking: Ideas to ScreenThis module encourages students to draw on their knowledge of World Cinema and film theory to produce a short experimental film.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
You'll learn the essential skills of film-making and be introduced to film-making as a field of academic study. You'll be taught camera, audio and editing skills and will undertake a range of documentary film-making exercises.
This is complemented by screening-based modules exploring world cinema, both fiction and non-fiction as well as an introduction to film theory for practice.
Screening modules develop your ability to critically watch films as a scholar and film-maker. You'll be given a solid foundation from which to develop your critical appreciation of film as well as your own film-making.
Modules
You'll build your film-making and storytelling skills by undertaking more complex and advanced projects including a series of independent creative microfilms. You'll also complete a crew-based experimental non-fiction film.
You'll continue exploring film theory for practice by learning about the works of filmmaker-theorists from around the world, giving you the chance to build on your learning from Year 1.
You'll also learn about the structures of the UK film industry from the point of view of an independent filmmaker, preparing you to start considering career options.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Filmmaking: Ideas to Screen | 20 |
| Film Industry and Alternative Practices | 20 |
| Making a Short Documentary | 20 |
| Creative Documentary Practices | 20 |
You only take the following modules if you are studying abroad:
You make two films: a self-shot short observational documentary film and a crew-based documentary film (the equivalent of a written dissertation). You can also choose optional modules in media and cultural studies.
You will also have a chance to take an employability module on navigating film industry upon graduation. This module is built around industry guest speakers and field trips to film festivals.
You can also explore other academic interests in the School of Arts and Cultures or from across the University.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Observational Filmmaking | 20 |
| Film Practice Project | 60 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2024-25.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Teaching methods range from lectures, seminars and workshops to screening-based classes. However, you learn film-making skills through doing, undertaking a variety of practical exercises, and film-making tasks. You're encouraged to learn from any mistakes, and are given creative freedom to explore, try, and experiment with your own film-making ideas.
Film practice modules will be delivered in purpose-built facilities with access to the latest industry-standard film-making equipment.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
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Assessments
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Assignments – written or fieldwork
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Coursework
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Degree show
-
Dissertation or research project
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Essays
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Examinations – practical or online
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Group work
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Practical sessions
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Presentations
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Projects
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Reflective report/journal
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Seminar tasks/exercises
Skills and experience
Practical skills
You will have the opportunity to experience all key aspects of film-making and of working as solo film-makers and in crews.
Through a diverse range of structured learning opportunities, you will develop both the craft skills and the creative sensibility required to work as a director, editor, soundperson, producer and cinematographer in the film industry.
Business skills
You get the chance to attend field trips to film festivals such as Aesthetica Film Festival in York, Glasgow Short Film Festival, and Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival. You'll engage with the local North East film industry through field trips, cinema events, and guest sessions.
Research skills
You will learn a variety of research skills, including traditional essay writing as well as critical reflection on your film practice. You will develop film-based research skills through a variety of film-making experiences and by screening your work to a public audience.
These skills culminate in a film-based dissertation, where you work in crews to create a festival-ready creative documentary film – a great calling card for you take into the industry or postgraduate study.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose the student exchange module in your second year. This will allow you to spend the first semester of second year on a student exchange.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Apply your practical skills, increase your confidence and gain real-life work experience to accelerate your career. Take a 9-12-month industrial placement in the UK or abroad. Work placements usually take place in stage 3 of your studies and extend your degree by one year.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a student of Media, Journalism and Film Practice at Newcastle University, you will join a vibrant community in the School of Arts and Cultures' Media, Culture, Heritage department.
You will be based in the Armstrong Building and Film@CultureLab, right at the heart of our city-centre campus. You'll be close to all of Newcastle University's amenities, as well as being just a five-minute walk to Newcastle's main street, Northumberland Street.
You'll have access to:
- professional-standard video and audio equipment, studio space and AV-editing facilities
- specialist computing facilities, including industry-standard software, such as Adobe Creative Suite
- a mobile studio suite
A student-led tour of our film facilities.
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
You will also benefit from the expert knowledge and skills of our dedicated team of technicians.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Our graduates are equipped with the practical and transferable skills needed to pursue careers across the film, media and creative industries. For example in production, post-production, creative, marketing, distribution and film exhibition sectors.
The first cohort of graduates completed their degree in 2019. Many have gained employment in areas of the film industry, including within major UK post-production studios and commercial video production.
Some have begun careers as independent film-makers or cinematographers, while others are continuing their education at postgraduate level.
Where a film degree could take you
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Careers support
Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for academic year 2025-2026
See our ‘Home Fee Students’ and ‘International Fee Students’ information below for more information on tuition fee levels, fee status and inflationary fee increases.
| Qualification: BA Honours | |
|---|---|
|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
£9,535 |
|
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
23800 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
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- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
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How to apply
Apply through UCAS
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- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
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