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BA (Hons) Independent Filmmaking
FILMMAKING
Independent Filmmaking is the future of the film industry in the UK. Every year more and more films are financed and made independently outside of the large studio systems, many of which go on to sweep the boards at awards ceremonies. Independent filmmakers are known for their creativity, technical ability, problem solving and communication skills, alongside their capacity to create thought provoking and exciting stories.
The UK is a world leader in award winning independent films and Futureworks is a frontrunner in educating passionate dedicated students in the art of filmmaking. Working with award winning professionals on industry-standard equipment and the latest software, every student has the opportunity to realise their creative potential.
Upon graduation you will achieve not only a recognised degree qualification, but will also be equipped with a strong portfolio of film productions and showreel making you ready to hit the ground running on an exciting and fulfilling career.
This course, developed in consultation with industry, is designed to equip hard working and enthusiastic individuals with the skills to succeed as independent filmmakers with the ability to create their own films or work in the rapidly growing media industry.
The first year is the foundation of the course, introducing you to the building blocks of Independent filmmaking. Building on your first year, year two is essential in establishing a career focus and shaping your final year. In the final year of study, you will be completing a professional portfolio of work and will be focussing on an area of specialism in the field of independent filmmaking.
Your final year honours project will require you to make your own film which could be a short film, or could even involve a team of students teaming up to make their first feature film together.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS PROGRAMME?
Our course focuses on the real world of filmmaking. You will be working within incredible facilities, using the exact same equipment and software that is currently used within the industry. We have a hugely impressive studio space located just ten minutes away in Media City that can be adapted for any need – whether creating a studio, building sets or using green screens – a great shooting space in which you can bring your creative vision to life.
You will work with enthusiastic and highly experienced tutors – all our tutors have worked in the industry and have a raft of big name film credits. If you have similar enthusiasm, then you will feel at home at Futureworks. Our tutors want you to succeed while you are here, but they also want to see you succeed when you leave us.
One of the bonuses of studying at Futureworks is the unique collaborative experience. Not only can you work in partnership with students on your own course, but also with students from other departments like sound, visual effect and editing – there’s a real sense of creative collaboration among like-minded people all trying to produce their very best work. This is something we encourage because it reflects the way the industry itself work.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
By the time you have completed this degree, you will have so much more than a qualification.
We aim to fully prepare you for a long-lasting and successful career in filmmaking, not just a job in the film industry. While you are with us, you will have the opportunity to make films that will be shown at film festivals – real films at real festivals. We also expect you to have professional grade work in your portfolio, together with IMDB credits.
We also want you to have your first feature film idea ready to go by the end of your course. A fully prepared proposal with everything in place, ready for you to approach investors.
In short, by the time you complete the course you will be an independent filmmaker ready for your chosen career – that could be in the world of music videos, short films, documentaries or even blockbuster feature films.
AWARDING BODY
The final qualification for this programme is awarded by the University of Central Lancashire.
Admissions
START DATES
All of our courses start in September and are full time, 3 year courses. More information on relevant dates can be found on the Term Dates page.
FEES
Tuition fees for UK and Home students who do not require a Student Visa are £9250 per year.
Tuition fees for International students who do require a Student Visa are £17000 per year. Please see International students for full details.
You may be eligible to apply for a student loan from Student Finance. Please see our Tuition Fees page for more information. You may find it beneficial to invest in additional equipment and/or study resources to support your learning. Additionally, there may be the option of attending events outside of Futureworks which would further enhance your studies. We recommend that you budget in the region of £300 to £600 over the duration of the course to cover these expenses.
ENTRY CRITERIA
To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points.
This could be gained via a number of qualifications, for example:
- BCC or above at A2 Level
- DMM or above at Extended Diploma Level
- M or above at UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Level
- A proven interest in this area
If you’re unsure how many points you have you can use the UCAS tariff calculator.
Remember that qualifications such as Graded Examinations in Music Performance and Arts Award (Gold) can also count towards your UCAS points – check the tariff calculator!
All applicants are expected to have at least a Level 4 or grade ‘C’ in GCSEs Maths and English Language or equivalent. Non-UK applicants will need to have an English Language qualification at International Level B2 or higher, such as an IELTS of 6.0 or better (with no component below 5.5). Students with equivalent qualifications will also be accepted.
Entry criteria for International students will vary. Please see International Students for full details.
Futureworks is able to accept any applications from applicants who require a Student Visa (formerly called Tier 4 Visa) to study in the UK. Please see International Students for full details.
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply for this course by submitting an application via the UCAS system. The UCAS codes for this course are as follows:-
UCAS Code: F3M6
Institution Code: F98
For information about applying in July and August, please see our Clearing page. Futureworks is currently unable to accept any applications from anyone who requires a Student Visa (formerly called Tier 4 Visa) to study in the UK.
If you have any questions about applying for a degree course please call us on 0161 214 4602, email [email protected] or look at our Admissions FAQs.
APPLICATION PROCESS
If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview where you will have the opportunity to talk about your work, influences and interests. A guide will be sent with your interview details to help you prepare for your interview. Ideal applicants will have a keen interest in film, television, and production. You are welcome to bring any relevant examples of work with you, if you have them. This is optional and a portfolio is not required for applications to be considered for this course.
Structure
AWARD: Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree
DURATION: 3 Years (Full Time)
AWARDED BY: University of Central Lancashire
MODULES:
HE LEVEL 4 (YEAR 1)
- Independent Production 1 (40 Credits)
- History of Independent Film Production (20 Credits)
- Scriptwriting 1 (20 Credits)
- Editing for Independent Film (40 Credits)
HE LEVEL 5 (YEAR 2)
- Independent Production 2 (40 Credits)
- Contemporary Independent Film Production (20 Credits)
- Scriptwriting 2 (20 Credits)
- VFX for Independent Film (20 Credits)
- Audio Production (20 Credits)
HE LEVEL 6 (YEAR 3)
- Independent Production 3 (40 Credits)
- Scriptwriting 3 (40 Credits)
- Honours Project (40 credits)
WHAT ARE CREDITS?
As a guide, 20 credits typically represents around 52 hours of tutor contact time (e.g. lectures/workshops/feedback) and 148 hours of self-study time (usually over the course of a semester). These numbers may increase or decrease depending on the nature, length and level of the module, especially towards the end of the course.