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

Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    BA: P390
    BA with Foundation: P391

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Duration

    Full Time: 3 years
    Full Time Foundation: 4 years
    Part Time: 4 - 6 years

  • Starting

    September

  • BCC at A-Level or
    DMM at BTEC

  • Fees UK 24/25

    Full Time: £9,250
    Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250

  • Fees International 24/25

    Full Time: £15,200
    Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200

  • Location

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview


Our Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production BA degree is designed to prepare you to play an integral role in the digital media and wider creative industries through the experience you will gain and the portfolio of work you will produce. The film production course includes a series of practice-based models including short film, TV studio broadcasting, documentary-making and creative video production. Students will then gain wider knowledge of the industry etiquettes and inner workings of the contemporary media industry in a host of theoretical modules.

On the programme, you will develop production skills in editing, directing, script writing, camera work and sound as well as sector-based skills around networking, portfolio-building and pitching ideas. We offer opportunities for students to engage in live client-based productions, enabling them to build on skills, understanding and experience to enhance their employability and enable them to develop as independent and informed creative professionals. You will also have an opportunity to produce work for clients, undertake work experience, produce a major media project or develop a script for potential funding.

Our Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production BA 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.

James logo

Updated 18/03/2024

Highlights


    • Tailor your creative film degree to your individual needs and interests – from directing and script writing to music videos and studio producers.
    • Course accredited by JAMES.
    • Self-identified pathways.
    • Industry engagement embedded within the programme
    • Use broadcast recording equipment, studios and editing facilities while learning from practising industry professionals and researchers – view our TV Studio tours.
    • Masterclasses with industry practitioners.
    • Hands-on, practice-based study reinforced by media theory.
    • Access to Adobe Creative Suite for the duration of your course
    • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.
    • HP Laptop and software included with this course. Terms and Conditions apply

Course Content


  • This digital media production course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

    SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

    The Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production BA degree 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 film and TV 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.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • Module code: MED1087
        Status: Compulsory
        This module concentrates on production techniques exploring industry best practice as applied to the production of location/studio based Television Drama Series. Students will work as production crews, producing a series written by the students. The purpose of this module is to develop student?s understanding of the production of Television Drama through the analysis and creation of an original drama production. They will gain experience in a range of roles and stages required to bring a production to life.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • Module code: MED2109
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to engage students in understanding and critically analysing the work of a range of documentary film-makers and exploring non-fiction video-making through their own practice.
      • 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.
      • Module code: MED2117
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the working practices of writing scripts for television, streaming platforms and radio, through the development of projects and supporting materials informed with insight into the requirements of the industry.
      • Module code: MED2122
        Status: Designate
        Students will examine key developments in critical and cultural theory in terms of how these have been/can be applied to the analysis of moving image media. The historical trajectory of these theories is considered, as well as how these conceptual frameworks inform contemporary scholarship.
      • Module code: MED2123
        Status: Designate
        This module provides the historical, cultural and industrial contexts that will allow students to view, discuss and interpret film and other screen media from a number of European movements and national cultures.
      • Module code: MED2124
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to familiarise students with a range of research methods and approaches in both professional and academic environments, encouraging development and employability. It also prepares students for the dissertation at Level 6.
      • Module code: MED2125
        Status: Designate
        This module will introduce students to a diverse range of contemporary identity theory and encourage them to consider how these ideas might be applied to a range of screen media including (but not limited to) film, television, music video and videogames.
      • Module code: MED2126
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is for students to develop an understanding of the working practices of writing scripts for film, covering aspects of short form and feature writing, via the practical development of a series of scripts and related materials following industry practice and to a professional standard.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • Module code: MED3052
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to experience small production teamworking, through researching an appropriate community project (charity, voluntary project or social enterprise) requiring Media Production or Creative Industry support in the delivery of a media related Community Impact Initiative with measurable results related to the changemaker ethos.
      • Module code: MED3054
        Status: Designate
        This module explores the routes to gainful employment opportunities available within the creative sector through setting up or working in a limited company, Social Enterprise, or as a Freelancer. Students will develop and reflect on their professional identity and transferable skills supporting their chosen career path.
      • Module code: MED3062
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to enable students to critically examine and evaluate conventions, structures and cycles of `cult? media and how such media relates to wider social and cultural concerns and contexts.
      • Module code: MED3063
        Status: Designate
        Building on the level 4 Introduction to Hollywood module, in this module students will extend their understanding of Hollywood filmmaking from the mid-1970s to present day. Through close analysis and specific case studies, students will critically examine how Hollywood reflects, comments upon, and actively helps shape our understanding of contemporary social and cultural realities.
      • Module code: MED4037
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to allow students to develop a progressive and impactful media artefact and writing, based on thorough critical research into an area of personal interest within creative film, television and digital media production.
  • A typical offer for Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production would be:

    • BCC at A-Level or
    • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or
    • Pass (C and above) at T Level

    We welcome international applications and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications, and also applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualification.

    For 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 or
    • Pass (D or E) at T Level

    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.

  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted for the digital media production degree relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
    • International – Full Time: £15,200
    • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200
    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.

    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
    • International – Full Time: £14,750
    • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750
    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.

    For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • 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 digital media production degree at the University of 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 or dedicated International Perks page.

    *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

  • The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a TV and Digital Media Production 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.

    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.

  • How will I be taught on the Creative Film and TV degree?

    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.

    Find out more about Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production BA at UON:

     

    How will I be assessed?

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

Staff


Tim Coley, Senior Lecturer in Media Production
Tim Coley

Senior Lecturer in Media Production


Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

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Roy Wallace, Senior Lecturer in Media Production
Roy Wallace

Senior Lecturer in Media Production


Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

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Nathan Dodzo, Senior Lecturer in Journalism & Media
Nathan Dodzo

Senior Lecturer in Journalism & Media


Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

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Jez Alsop, Lecturer in Creative Film, TV & Digital Media Production
Jez Alsop

Lecturer in Creative Film, TV & Digital Media Production


Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

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Tom Brassington, Lecturer in Screen Studies
Tom Brassington

Lecturer in Screen Studies


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

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Careers and Employability


This Creative Film Television and Digital Media Production 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

Facilities and special features


Specialist facilities include:

  • 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