Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The course is designed to offer you a choice of career paths. You will start by studying a broad range of media, before specialising in your desired area of interest over the final two years, which will involve learning how to critically analyse your own work.  Although there is a practical emphasis for this course, you will also learn critical analysis of contemporary theories and approaches to media forms, audiences and industries.

  Studies focus on how media content is conceptually conceived, technically produced, edited, distributed and disseminated. Throughout the course, your knowledge of media production, its practices and processes, will grow through learning experiences where creative, technical and professional skills are developed in different contexts and environments.

  Whilst learning the values of traditional craft skills are crucial, so is the ability to recognise the potential opportunities offered by new and emerging technologies. The course will encourage you to be aware of these.

  The material produced on the degree will be diverse, varying from short films to documentary dramas – much of which will be distributed through the Internet. To enhance this sense of realism many of your modules will require you to fulfill briefs to deadlines; some of these will be assessed, some will just need to be completed. Projects, especially in the third year, may come direct from organisations requiring media content or productions. These ‘live briefs’ may be requests to produce a multimedia website, make a documentary film or simply record, in a variety of ways, a particular event.

  Changing Futures Week

  Our annual Changing Futures Week is an exciting event and an excellent opportunity for our students to explore the potential of their course and understand where their university experience can lead them beyond graduation. It offers a unique chance to network with high profile industry professionals from the arts, TV, film, fashion and more.

  • Stage 1
    • Multi Camera TV Studio Production (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED1067

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to allow students to explore the following editorial technical and production roles and processes: Studio Directing Vision Mixing Floor management Studio Camera Operation Audio Supervision Autocue Operation Presenting Script Supervision and the role of the Producer.
    • Single Camera Production (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED1081

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to gain basic skills and an understanding of single camera production. The module will consider how these techniques have developed in relation to cinematic story-telling. The latter half of the module will concentrate on managing sound acquisition for in-the-field sound recordings.
    • Digital and Social Media Production (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED1082

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the importance of digital and social media platforms and the relationship to audiences as well as making considerations of regulations in this area. Students will explore key concepts underpinning digital content while developing creative industry skills.
    • Film and TV Drama (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED1083

      Status: Compulsory
      This module concentrates on single/multi camera production techniques exploring industry best practice as applied to the production of location/studio based Film/Television Drama Series. Students will work as film crews producing a series written by the students.
    • Media and Creative Industries (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED1084

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to examine how media products are created delivered promoted and received across a range of increasingly convergent formats (TV Film Online Video-games) thereby encouraging students to consider the numerous factors that influence the media with which they engage on a day-to-day basis.
    • Writing the Media (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED1085

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to key debates around creative thinking and production and examine writing about media within the context of production and reception.
  • Stage 2
    • Television Drama (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2054

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to examine and analyse the technical and aesthetic aspects of UK and US TV drama e.g. narrative mise-en-scene sound and lighting performance shot construction.
    • Scriptwriting (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2056

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the working practices of writing scripts for media fiction via the development of a series of scripts and related artifacts relevant to the contemporary media fiction landscape.
    • Researching for the Media (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2078

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to prepare for the dissertation and/or practical dissertation at Level 6 and to aid professional development and employability by familiarising students with a range of research in academic and professional environments.
    • Short Film Production (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2092

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will allow students to apply the technical and creative skills acquired in year one in creating an independent piece of work culminating in a short film production. Outlines will be assessed for viability both creatively and practically. The most successful ideas will then be produced into short films.
    • Creative Video (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2094

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to create a mutually supportive space?a community of practitioners?for exploring and engaging with creative conceptual and experimental film forms that are primarily made for artistic rather than commercial reasons.
    • Screen Storytelling (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2107

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide a broad survey of key developments in the analysis of moving image media principally via the examination of different approaches to visual narrative the artistic cultural and ideological implications of particular styles and structures and modes of production.
    • TV Studio Broadcasting (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2108

      Status: Designate
      This module provides an opportunity for students to research plan produce negotiate and stream agreed studio project. Legal and copyright issues will form an essential part of critical and practical understanding of new methods of production and distribution via internet technologies.
    • Documentary Video (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2109

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to engage students in understanding and critically analysing the work of independent single-camera documentary video makers and exploring non-fiction video-making through their own practice.
    • Global Cinemas (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2111

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to investigate the main critical themes and issues that arise from the study of international cinema and screen cultures regarded in terms of representation as well as the political and economic contexts of film production.
    • Advanced Production Techniques (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED2115

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is primarily to make students skilled in the application of non-linear editing and enhancement software(s) encouraging them to consider how such techniques and effects can be utilised in both the creative planning of productions as well as in post-production refinement and delivery.
  • Stage 3
    • Global Television (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED3017

      Status: Designate
      This module examines the role of television within an increasingly globalised media economy analysing the relationship between television production marketing and distribution on one hand and the rise of global media conglomerates seeking international audiences on the other.
    • Advertising and Commercial Film Production (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED3046

      Status: Designate
      Students are encouraged to engage with the commercial world and to work in teams that replicate industrial practice for the production of 'promotional' material. The emphasis is on group development of ideas and working in groups creating TV commercials and longer short form promotional films for the industry.
    • Live TV Production (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED3047

      Status: Designate
      This module provides an opportunity for students to research plan produce negotiate and stream `live? an agreed major project with a particular focus on legislation copyright production and distribution. Students will develop their portfolio of work and `showcase? a project as part of a studio based production group.
    • Community Impact Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED3052

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to form a small production team research an appropriate Northamptonshire based community project in need of Media Production or Creative Industry support then negotiate document and deliver a Community Impact Initiative.
    • Hollywood and Beyond (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED3053

      Status: Designate
      Under the guise of `entertainment? Hollywood films reflect comment upon and actively help shape our understanding of wider social and cultural realities. The purpose of this module is hence to examine Hollywood filmmaking since the 1980s to present day as a response to these changing social and cultural realities.
    • Working in the Creative Industries (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED3054

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop a Business Model Canvas and seek funding for either a Company Ltd. Social Enterprise or Freelance worker within the Creative Industries. Students will also have an opportunity to undertake a one-week self-organised work placement while producing a website.
    • Cult Media (20 Credits)
      Module code: MED3056

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to examine conventions structures and cycles of `cult? media and how such media relates to social and cultural concerns and contexts.
    • Media Project and Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: MED4031

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to allow students to develop at length a particular interest from the area of media production and screen studies resulting in a practical production and a written dissertation.

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• Accreditation

  This course is Industry Accredited by JAMES representing APRS, MPG and associate industry bodies. Accreditation of a course by relevant industry bodies provides assurance to students and employers of its potential and value.

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• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  How will I be taught?

  For this course your taught study will be a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, both face to face and online through blended learning, for at least 12 contact hours per week. We recommend you also spend at least 12 hours per week in self-directed study time.

  How will I be assessed?

  You will be assessed through practical projects, essays and other written assignments, seminar presentations, pitches, and some examinations.

  Are there any specialist facilities?

  • fully-equipped television studios
  • fully-equipped photography studios
  • emphasis on convergent digital media production
  • specialist soundproof editing suites
  • practical production course informed by media theory
  • specialist industry speakers

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time degree at Northampton you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Entry Requirements

  General entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be BCC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC. We welcome international applications and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation programme is normally DEE at A-Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  UK & EU

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  Foundation: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Additional costs

  • Printing costs: £50+ per year
  • External hard drive to store material: £50
  • Travel to film shoots:  no more than £50 over the three years

  Optional

  You may find it useful to set up a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. This will give you access to creative tools at home and costs £15 per month.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module
  Foundation: £6,600 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900
  Foundation: £12,900

  For information on the scholarships available to you as an international student, please see our International scholarships page.

  Additional costs

  • Printing costs: £50+ per year
  • External hard drive to store material: £50
  • Travel to film shoots:  no more than £50 over the three years

  Optional

  You may find it useful to set up a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. This will give you access to creative tools at home and costs £15 per month.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500
  Foundation: £9,800

  For information on the scholarships available to you as an international student, please see our International scholarships page.

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• Adobe Creative Suite

  Access to Adobe Creative Suite for the duration of your course, studio and filming event trips where available, fully staffed technician’s office where you can utilise camera, sound and other recording equipment and accessories.

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Careers and Employability

This course will open up a range of career opportunities, including…

Director, scriptwriter, producer, studio manager, social media executive, cinematography, sound technician, lighting technician, editor, marketing manager, director of photography, grip, visual effects producer, location manager, colourist, web content creator, music/sound editor, floor manager, artist liaison and media PR, production designer, online digital content producer…