Researching University courses

1. Academic Research
Leeds University
Although I need at most five universities and courses in mind to apply for, the only one I have been
set on going for was and is Leeds. By the end of this document, that might change it might not.
My main intentions for going for this university is because I have family in Leeds, it’s a nice area and I
have a rough idea of the place itself due to going through multiple times every year. Another point
that had helped grab my attention was the fact it is one of the best universities in the whole of the
United Kingdom. I am pretty sure as well I read somewhere that Leeds University has the third best
education system in the country.
Knowing which University I currently have in mind to apply to, I also know which course I would like
to sign on to. ‘Film, Photography and Media BA’. A course providing an academic degree.
And I do get that just because the university is great doesn’t mean it has the best course relating to
what I am wanting to go on to study. But I had recently gone to an opening event at the campus for
that course I am interested in moving onto. And at the event, I had learnt that the professors who
teach in the film and media field are all ongoing, expert researchers in that area. Providing their
experiences and knowledge, this had only evolved my interest in joining the course.
The only thing that throws me off really, is having to do photography as well as the other two. I
wouldn’t mind doing it, but photography isn’t really in my interest. And unfortunately, participating
in photography is my only option here as there are no alternative courses I want to do.
Although, as it was explained during the opening day, what we as the students choose to do
becomes more and more optional as the years go on. With a limited set of modules for the first year,
more are added to the list in the following years allowing those studying to get to know all aspects
within the film and media field whilst also giving them a chance to focus more on their interests as
the years progress.
From what I can find on the Universities website about the course as mentioned, the course has a lot
to do with both practical and theory with all film, photography, and media. It also promises that by
the final year, students are guaranteed to have the specialist knowledge and research skills prepared
for any communication/media related topic the student chooses.
They also offer workshops and talks led by industry professionals followed by the opportunity to
spend a year in placement for students helping them gain work experience within the industry.
The course would go on for three years being full time, as for the entry requirements that includes:
A level: AAB to get a place.
A portfolio isn’t needed, but links to examples of work should be sent over.
An alternative grade to get in is BBB in A level and an access pass for Leeds Uni.
The UK fee for this course is £9,250. Luckily for me there though, the university offers a tuition loan
as well as scholarships I could attempt to apply for.
Another thing the university offers, is a chance for students to study abroad. Usually classed as
academic year, this involves countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore,
Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

2. Looking beyond what the webpage says now, apparently the acceptance rate to get into this
university is 22%.
According to a ranking on ‘TheGuardian.com’, Leed’s university has been placed tenth for having the
greatest ‘film production and photography’ related subject field being scored 86.7% with rates on
satisfaction with the course and the teaching, as well as numbers provided on those who had
continued the course after the first year and how many had progressed into the industry afterwards.
With Leeds, according to this source, the numbers aren’t the best.
Last thing to think about, accommodation. With me being eligible for the help in funding, I should be
pretty much sorted for the option of living on campus. Having it in mind though, I do have relatives
who live in Leeds so if it comes to going ahead with that option I might not need a place on campus
at all as it has been offered for me to spend my academic years living with them.
Film, Photography and Media BA | University of Leeds
University of Leeds [Acceptance Rate + Statistics + Tuition] (edurank.org)
Best UK universities for film production & photography – league table | University guide | The
Guardian
As I had mentioned, I don’t have any other university in mind that I would like to attend or even look
in to. So, to help that in a way, a google search will be made to help round up my options.
Instead of browsing a list of undergraduate education systems one by one, a hunt for the suggested
unis has been made searching for the ones with a promising course close enough to what I would
like to study. Mostly because, I would like to apply for the ones that sound promising, allowing me to
progress further in life. Just got to hope that if any of these do decide to accept me, my expectations
are met from what has been researched.
Glasgow University
According to the Guardian webpage, Glasgow is number one in the list for the related courses and is
also the only one that was given a score of 100%.
The first concern I had with this, is the distance. I have never been to Glasgow so found myself
unsure of how I would even get there. Looking at the distance between my location and Glasgow, I
suppose it isn’t too far so I would be up for that. It is just getting there I will have to investigate.
Looking at the courses they do offer, there is only one course that links closest to what I would be
interested in studying. ‘Film and Television Studies MA’. Although, by the title it doesn’t sound to be
that practical.
Looking at the ‘programme’ structure’, the course claims to provide a theoretical, critical and history
dig into the topic of film and television. Going through and analysing the techniques used in cinema,
there is also a dig that goes into what happens around cinema. Basically, just analysing the whole of
the film industry with the depth increasing as the years progress.
Although I would find this interesting to be a part of, I would prefer to be a part of something that
has both theory and practical as I am doing right now in college. Mostly because of the pre-
production work that goes into the making of a film and with the Glasgow University I wouldn’t
really be getting much from there.

3. With this, there is no real point in me looking more into the Glasgow University. Now to find
another.
https://www.gla.ac.uk/
University of Bedfordshire
Looking at the UCAS website for suggestions, Bedfordshire was the first one to be recommended so
that will be the next one I research.
Looking at the courses before anything else to make sure this university has something I would be
interested in, three ‘film’ related courses that all offer a BA (Hons) degree have surfaced for me to
look in to.
First course:
‘Film and Television Production’
On this course, a “business-based approach to TV and film production” is offered allowing students
to gain the right knowledge and expertise going towards a successful career in the industry. In the
first year, content related to the production stage for film and TV are explored whilst in later units a
dig is made into freelancing, fiction filmmaking and screenwriting. Apparently as well students are
given the opportunity to work on a film project of their own choosing.
To list what this course offers, that includes:
 Producing a product with industry-standard production and post-production studio facilities.
 Networking opportunities with industry professionals.
 Broadcast your work and assist in running the university's student-run online television
channel.
 Practice with key transferable skills such as communication, team working, critical
evaluation and analysis.
Looking more into it, a section has been found telling those interested in what they would be
involved with exactly. All being compulsory to the course, the list includes:
 Content and creation
 Film production
 Making images
 Making sound
 Reading the screen
 Becoming a freelancer
 Cinema and narrative
 Fiction filmmaking
 TV studio music
 Writing for the screen
 Bedstv: Studio
 Major project: Film and TV production
 Postproduction for sound and image
 Research, development and industry.

4. I quite like that the webpage included this as I am finding it very informative about what to expect.
And from what I have read so far, I am finding myself interested in looking more into the
Bedfordshire University and might even add this as one of my backup courses.
Not done reading about the film and tv production course, it is shared how assessments would get
processed. As explained, students are assessed on the process revealing the development of the
production and writing as well as the quality of one's overall work.
Not being all, but the website even says of how students are given regular feedback from their tutors
and peers making it more comforting giving a better idea of the environment attending there.
Finally, it is also noted that not just individual projects are set, but group projects are also set where
based on your skills you are assessed based off of your contribution to the product.
Liking the sound of this course, I have found that to be enrolled it would take either:
 At least 112 points with 96 points from two A level passes
 At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction**
in BTEC Diploma.
 12 merits and 12 distinctions at a level 3 Higher Education Diploma.
 Equivalent qualifications.
With this, I don’t believe it would be too much of a difficult attempt for me when it comes to
applying, especially as they do mention how they are more interested in considering possible
students as individuals looking more into the elements of one's application rather than the
qualifications alone.
But, the only thing throwing my off here, is that fact that I am not all that interested in the television
side. Luckily for me there though, is my second option…
‘Film Production’
Another BA (Hons) course, this one basically sounds the same as the film and TV course I was just
looking at for the same university, happy with what I have read so far, I am starting to want this
university to be my second option for when I apply.
For the first year’s, the site intel’s about what I would get up to as a student there. Exploring the
practical side with the film production, creating images and sound, there is also the theory side with
the balance being 70/30 for both practice and theory. With this, the students go on to study
freelancing, fiction and non-fiction filmmaking as well as writing for the screen learning of all the
essential skills for this. And to top the course, you are given the chance to work independently on a
film project of the students own choosing.
To pull the students in, the course notes a few key pointers as to why that course should be chosen.
Promising the students would get the opportunity to work in their industry-standard production and
post-production studio facilities, skills needed for digital technology are gained as you get to
produce low-budget projects, corporate promotions, event profiles alongside many more given
opportunities.
The last few pointers include:
 Learning from an academic team who all have key roles in the film industry.

5.  Students create their projects based off of real-work creative briefs from the local film
community.
 Key transferable skills are developed including critical and analytical thinking.
The unit information is pretty much the same as the course mentioned above, only a few are
switched out of course so the information relates more to film alone rather than television. All of
which, I like the sound of.
As well, the assessment criteria is again the same so no need to repeat myself there.
Getting onto the requirements to study there now, the ‘seeing you as an individual’ concept is
mentioned giving the same guarantee there pretty much.
Tariff points:
 At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
 At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction*
Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
 A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level
3)
 Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International
Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
That one might be difficult? Maybe not but it doesn’t hurt to try and apply, see if it works out.
Thinking about life after University, it is promised that the degree will work to emphasise the
development of key employability skills in order to get you ready for adapting to change ready to
grasp any given opportunity helping you move forward in life.
Going to need that support with funds, the student finance can be provided with the tuition fee
being £9,250 for the years 2022/23.
Money and accommodation things I might just have to leave for now and figure that one out further
along the line as that can be done later I’m sure.
Before moving on, I am going to have to figure out how I would travel there as I have no clue at this
moment in time.
Looking into that, travel there would roughly be three and a half to four hours. There is a train that
goes there from Durham, bit expensive but if it does it, it does it. Seeing the price difference for a
train from London to Bedfordshire, the number is a lot lower so that does sound more doable
considering I could easily get the Megabus or Flixbus as such from Sunderland…
So there is a lot to think about there, but would still like to apply and see where that goes.
Quickly looking into whether or not Bedfordshire would be a good place to study, all reviews and
answers point to yes claiming the place to be well organised with “excellent facilities”. Finding as
well, I might not be that lucky to get into that university as I have found on a student review page
that their acceptance rate is 13.9%... Again though, it doesn’t hurt to try.
As for the last course option, ‘Media Performance for Film TV and Theatre’, I don’t actually see the
point in looking into that one now considering the TV and Theatre factor. Not going to bother
looking into it, I will be moving onto the next University I have in mind…

6. https://www.beds.ac.uk/
https://www.studentcrowd.com/university-l1003966-s1008555-university_of_bedfordshire-luton
Newcastle University
With this one to be honest, I didn’t even want to consider it alongside Sunderland University. But
being told from a friend a little about the film and media course, it actually started to spike an
interest for me, so I figured why not do a little research. I still stand on the Sunderland one though
so will not be bothering there.
Coming across two similar courses, I will be looking into both as one claim’s to be for film practice
with the other having both media and film.
Film and Media
Straight after clicking on the course, details on the fees and entry requirements are shared.
Per year, the tuition fee would be £9,250 which I am sure will work out alright. As for the entry
requirements, a result of an A-level ABB is needed followed by a tariff of 32 points. sSo really, I guess
I can see Newcastle University as my safe option.
It is also noted that the course offers a work placement opportunity within the field of film and
media. Being able to apply for up to nine to twelve months of work, the university would continue to
help and support the student in securing the role they are after. Promising you would gain that first-
hand experience; your degree would be extended by a year and the placement would be added on
to the student’s degree title.
Getting onto the actual course now, it is explained that whilst on the three-year course, practical
skills would be developed in documentary filmmaking and a better understanding of journalism will
be made as media and cultural studies are explored.
Like the previous universities, it is said that the lecturers on the course are all experienced
academics and award-winning filmmakers.
Wanting to help the students become "sophisticated, creative and confident documentary
filmmakers", it is shared that the skills they help develop on the course include:
 documentary film-making skills
 writing and multimedia practice for journalism
 critical reflection and essay-writing skills
 online communication and media analysis
Getting this far though to be fair, I am going to stop as the course seems to be more for media than
film when my interest lies more with film as much as I do enjoy the media aspect.
Film Practices
As mentioned for the other course, the fees, work placement and entry requirements all rest the
same so I’m not going to bother repeating what has already been shared.
Explaining what the course is about, the page mentions of how, as a student, they aim develop and
advance ones knowledge and skills in filmmaking making the promise of a deeper understanding
being gained for the relationship between documentary practice, film theory and the film industry.
This, I like the sound of.

7. During the course, a range of both individual-based and group projects will be worked on as
“sophisticated” camera techniques, sound, editing and storytelling skills will be worked on.
And again, I would be taught by industry professionals who have a scholar in filmmaking which
sounds great.
On the website, they have a section listing their ranks for the course and the university itself.
Claiming to be 17th
in the UK for their film and media category, I guess that isn’t the best but like I
said, I am seeing this university as a safe place to apply to kind of expecting to get in easy.
Providing an exampled module to give the undergraduates an idea as to what they would be getting
into, it all sounds pretty close to what I already get on with in college as the aims are shared,
teaching methods and even the assessment criteria. So with all of that, I’d be quite happy to move
forward there.
Finding a student review mentioning the provided facilities being the best part of the course, the site
shares that professional-standard production and post-production equipment is provided, there’s
specialist computing facilities with industry-standard software as well as there being a mobile studio
suite.
Making an example of their graduates when it comes to the student’s future section, they have
managed to leave their studies equipped with the practical and transferable skills handy for the film,
media and creative industries as students have moved on to become mostly either professional
filmmakers or cinematographers for example.
Seeing what others have said about the university, it is claimed that Newcastle University is a good
one to study at as it is also ranked one of the best places to live. And since I live close in anyways,
travel and living arrangements shouldn’t be an issue.
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/
https://www.studentcrowd.com/university-l1004493-s1008353-newcastle_university-
newcastle_upon_tyne
Durham University
Moving on, Durham University. Since I pretty much live in the area, I figured why not have a look at
this one.
Only finding one relevant course though, I don’t think I will be doing much research for this one as
the title alone doesn’t sound like it’s for me.
‘Visual Arts and Film’.
Finding what the course is about, a lot of theory would be involved as it combines still and moving
images as research digs into the historical and geographics of western art, film and visual culture.
On the first year, three core modules are to be studied that study the visual arts and film alongside
an additional two modules that can either be linked to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities or
something else.
Yeah, not the course for me.
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/va01/

8. Nottingham University
Not really knowing much about this university, I figured I may as well have a look as I do know a few
people who had gone here.
‘Film and Television Studies BA’ is the only option I have with this university, as much as I would
prefer to do film on its own it wouldn’t hurt to look more into the course.
Reading the overview, this course does appear to be more for the theory side of the industry. Even
stating that they use practical work to help students understand the theory side of film. Although
that does sound quite interesting, will definitely have to look into this a bit more before as I am
finding myself unsure of whether the course is for me or not.
According to the Universities website, on the course they use theory to teach what goes on beyond
the film and TV sets by exploring:
 How the media industry has developed and affects the world.
 Who the audience is and how they continue to change.
 How media reflects and influences diversity.
 Who is it that makes the big decisions in the industry.
 How newer platforms and technology impacts the world.
Then as you begin to develop your own ideas on what you learn, tasks can include:
 developing your own movie franchise to pitch to a studio to help understand globalisation,
ethics and financing
 film and edit a short to appreciate storytelling and production roles
 create and carry out your own audience surveys to assess reactions and product
developments
A quote on the page said by a student who had graduated from the course had caught my attention
on what it would be like to study there.
"This degree made me rethink what I thought I knew about cinema, and certainly changed the way I
look at films and television. I saw new techniques, and rules get broken, and felt emotions I did not
know I could feel." – Carolina Avraamidou (2020)
The more I am looking into the course the more conflicted I am on applying as it does sound really
interesting the topics you dive into. But it doesn’t really seem to have much of that filmmaking
aspect I want to do.
To get onto the course, I would need an A level ABB grade with a score of 32 points.
According to the ‘Learning and Assessment’ slide, the course would include being apart of large
lectures, small seminars and individual tutorials that will take place both online and in person.
Although most of the studying would be individual work, there are group projects and presentations
for the students to be a part of.
As for being assessed on the produced work, that would vary depending on the topic studied as you
would take part in traditional and video essays, exams, presentations, pitches and creating your own
film reviews.

9. Coming across the module section, I believe I may leave Nottingham as a course to fall back on if I
can’t find another in a different University I would consider applying to.
For the first years, students are introduced to how films and series are created, received and
analysed. Then with the following years it seems to include diving in deeper into the history of film
and topics surrounding that.
The cost of the course would once again be another £9,250 per year. With a range of bursary
options, I will save that for if I was to go through with going there.
For now though, I am going to move on to the next possible option.
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/course/Film-and-Television-Studies-BA
London University
With a number of options here, most of them do appear to be for the theory side as they are all
‘Film Studies’ only for different aspects it appears.
The website for this is confusing me with the courses so I might just have to pass up on the London
University.
https://www.london.ac.uk/on-campus-courses?search=film
Teesside University
Finding one course option for me here, ‘Film and Television Production’ is the one I will be looking
into.
Being another that provides industry-standard equipment, the course includes working on live briefs
for clients from within the industry, including the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV Signpost.
Taught by lecturers who have professional experience with the industry, year one introduces you to
the world of filmmaking as both research and technical skills are developed through each product
made. Learning to critically analyse and evaluate, develop professionally and peer assess, the
following year becomes more ambitious with larger-scale productions as students start to develop
their independent learning skills engaging with the research at a deeper level.
As for the final year, a professional portfolio is focussed on as “artistic and technical challenges” are
met throughout the module. The course also actively encourages the students to take advantage of
any industry placement opportunity.
To get a place on the course, a tariff result of 96-112 points is required from those with recognised
Level 3 qualifications. And for those who do plan on applying, they course allows for those with a
portfolio to share it where applicable. If you are unable to meet those requirements, the university
offers a Summer University module where students can still join the course as wanted if offered.
At the moment, the fee for applicants on this course is £9,250 a year.
Being another university that offers a work placement year, they do make it clear that this would
come at no additional cost for those who find themselves interested in gaining that extra
experience.

10. Moving onto the living arrangements, the website does claim that their accommodation is
affordable going at a price of £75 a week. Listing a few additional perks, the website notes that they
offer fast wi-fi, help with quarantining and 24/7 on-site support.
Although it is not the closest university, the travel would be simple, and I could easily be back and
forth when needs be.
I’m not really finding this one to be that informative really, but I like the sound of what I have read
so far so will go ahead and add this course onto my list of five.
Film and Television Production BA (Hons) course | Teesside University
York University
Located somewhat close to Leeds, York will be the final University I look into.
Offering one relevant course, ‘Film and Television Production’, a strange key part has both caught
my attention and confused me.
With the previous courses being a BA (Hons) degree, this one is instead a BSc (Hons) degree. Unsure
of what to think of this, the description of the course sounds normal stating that students get to
develop their creative, production and analytic skills whilst also learning how to tell great stories
through film and television.
What is impressing, is the fact that this university has been placed 3rd
in the UK for their cinematics
by the Complete University Guide of 2023. Not just that, but they are also rated 5th
in the UK by the
Guardian University Guide 2023 for their Film Production and Photography. This definitely sounds
like something I would like to get to be a part of.
And again, with the professional-standard equipment facilities and staff who have expertise within
the industry, the course also promises to those looking to study that if we do choose to go there,
that is an opportunity for us to follow past graduates who are finding themselves successful within
the industry.
Being recognised by ScreenSkills, York University is able to help shape students for when it comes to
entering the industry after their studies as mentioned about the past graduates. With the support,
students are given the chance to get access to such things as internships and traineeships with
independent production companies and broadcasters including the BBC and ITV.
With what I have read so far, I am actually considering letting York be my number one university I
am hoping to go to. Doesn’t mean the digging is going to stop now though as there are still bits I
need to uncover.
Reading into the “Typical offer” for the entry requirements, I would need a grade of AAB to get in. If I
wasn’t to achieve that, the university has an alternative offer for those who fit in a certain criterion.
Students who complete a programme hosted by the university are eligible, as are people who live in
an area with a low progression to university. You can also receive an offer if you achieve a C or
higher at EPQ. The final offer is for those who have passed maths reaching a grade B or higher.
When applying, the website makes it clear with what they are looking for as it states that all
personal statements are read very closely by the admissions tutor who are looking for a range of
interests and extra-curricular activities within the students. Although previous experience within the
industry is not a requirement to get it.

11. It is also said that they do not require a portfolio to be sent in, but if an interview were to happen, I
would be asked to prepare a short “exercise” to present within the interview.
Getting back onto the topic of the course itself now, when studying there half of your time would be
spent getting on with hands-on activities and practical projects as the course also explores the key
areas with the theory and history of the industry as they want their students to realise their
potentials whilst also having an understanding of how film and television have influenced the world.
In the first year, you are introduced to the key technologies, core production processes and learn of
the major ideas and theories that drive both film and programme-making. The core modules are:
 The Art and Science of Film and Television Production
 Story
 Film and Television Analysis
 Moving Image Texts and Contexts
 Content Development
Not just this, but an online ‘Academic Integrity module’ will also be in need of completing.
Year 2 is where you get a better idea of managing your own projects. Working on development,
writing, casting and the budgeting of your own either short film, drama or documentary. Having four
required modules, you also get an additional, optional two modules to study.
Then in the final year, this is where you start to get ready and prepared for where it is in the film
world you are aiming to be. The modules with this one are:
 Individual Research Project
 Film and Television Group Projects – Pre-Production
 Film and Television Group Projects – Production and Delivery
 Current Issues in the Film and Television
Optional modules include:
 Advanced audio
 Advanced Cinematography
 Directing for Theatre, Film and Television
 Advanced Studio Techniques
 Esports Content Production
 TV Research Skills
 The Future of Story
Moving on, again the fees for this course are £9,250. On the site, the university offers a living costs
guide that are to help students plan out their budget and even covers the additional costs of
accommodation and study materials. With funding opportunities though, that topic I will just leave
till later.
Looking into how coursework is assessed, a table has been found showing that in the first year, 17%
of it will be over writing exams, moving down to zero percent for the following years. 83% is
coursework itself in the first year, 74% in the next and 73% in the last. Then with practical exams, 0%
in the first year, 26% in the second and 27% in the third.
Film and Television Production (BSc) - Undergraduate, University of York

12. Chosen courses:
1. York: Film and Television Production’.
2. Leeds: ‘Film, Photography and Media’
3. Bedfordshire: ‘Film Production’
4. Teesside: ‘Film and Television Production’
5. Newcastle: ‘Film Practices’