BA Film and Television

Year 1

In Year 1, you will:

• work on different film exercises
• attend masterclasses and workshops on various practical aspects of film-making

In Design and Screen Cultures, you will address the key histories and theories of design and screen studies.

Option courses

You can take 60 credits of option courses from:

• Film and Television
• the wider College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Your choices will be subject to availability and will require discussions with the relevant course organisers.

These options offer you the flexibility to construct a suite of courses that reflects your interests and enhances your main study.

Year 2

Projects and exercises will cover various aspects of film, including:

• basic principles of film
• theories
• working practices
• technical instruction

In practical workshops you will learn to use:

• cameras
• lighting
• sound
• editing

You will continue studying Design and Screen Cultures courses.

Like Year 1, you can choose option courses from the wider College.

Year 3

This is an externally facing professional practice year. You will have opportunities for:

• exchange
• competitions
• live projects

In the first semester, you will work on hothousing a short film project. In the second semester, you will collaborate on senior projects within the department.

In Year 3, you will also:

• take a further Design and Screen Cultures course
• have the opportunity to study abroad, which can help broaden your understanding of the discipline

Year 4

Developing film projects

In the first semester, you will develop and present a film project.

You will also benefit from:

• workshops that support you to develop your ideas
• guest lectures from industry professionals who will help you hone the skills needed to write a professional film project

Up to ten of these student projects will be selected to be produced in the second semester.

Producing film projects

You and your fellow students will produce the selected film projects.

For this, you will take on head of department roles, such as:

• producer
• director
• editor
• cinematographer
• sound designer

You will also produce a written dissertation.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2022/23)

Our facilities

Design students benefit from studio-based learning at our Lauriston Place campus. You will also be exposed to the exhibitions and events associated with our vibrant art college.

Some Design and Screen Cultures teaching takes place in the University Central Area, where you will also have access to:

• extensive libraries
• computing facilities
• technical facilities

Option courses are usually taught outside the ECA, across the wider University campus.

Investing in our learning environment

The University is investing in the Edinburgh College of Art estate and facilities. This will further develop our supportive, stimulating and sustainable learning and research environment.

You can find out more on the ECA website.

Facilities and resources at ECA

Placements

You will be supported and encouraged to explore internships during your holiday period or in Year 3.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad in Year 3.

What are my options for going abroad?

How will I learn?

Most design teaching and learning is through involvement in a range of experiential courses situated in a studio environment.

Conceptual, material and technical issues are explored through:

• seminars
• workshops
• lectures
• tutorials
• critiques

Your development

Your development is influenced by research and critical thinking, as well as the following contexts that shape creative design practice:

• visual
• intellectual
• social
• professional

These elements are taught through Design and Screen Cultures courses and involve participation in:

• exhibitions
• competitions
• collaborations
• live industry projects

How will I be assessed?

We use continuous formative assessment throughout your study. This helps give meaningful feedback and encourages experimentation in the studio and beyond.

Formative assessment for compulsory courses can include:

• portfolio
• presentations
• essays against course learning outcomes

There is a mid-session review, usually at the mid-point of any course you study.

Summative assessment at the end of all courses is informed by your:

• your academic progress
• creative progress
• performance throughout

Your course grades are calculated through this summative assessment plus a moderation process.

Our programmes have strong industrial pathways to ensure the most successful and meaningful careers for graduates.

We boast a vibrant alumni network and strong links with the cultural and creative sector across Scotland and beyond.

The University Careers Service offers exceptional support throughout your time with us.

Careers Service

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.

Additional requirements

Mini-portfolio

Applicants will be asked to submit a digital mini-portfolio to provide evidence of artistic aptitude and potential, this will form an important part of the selection process.

Portfolio guidance

Important dates

• 1 December 2022: mini-portfolio submission site opens.
• 25 January 2023: Deadline for all applicants (including international applicants).
• 7 February 2023 at 12 pm (midday) GMT: mini-portfolio submission deadline.

BTEC/UAL Diplomas

Applicants studying Pearson BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Art and Design will be considered for entry with the following:

• Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma with DMM.
• Pearson BTEC Diploma with MM plus one A Level at A (or DM plus B at A Level).
• Pearson BTEC Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma with D plus two A Levels at B (or M plus AB at A Level).

Applicants studying the University of the Arts London Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design will be considered with Merit.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Entry to the second year is available. Successful completion of a Foundation Diploma (at Merit grade), a relevant HND or equivalent is required. Applicants with a Foundation Diploma will normally be expected to have undertaken these qualifications in addition to having met the first year entry requirements (Highers, A Levels, IB, relevant HNC, etc). In some of our less competitive degrees it may be possible to consider applicants presenting ABC (or equivalent) or above at A Level. These must have been achieved in one set of exams, at first attempt.

A list of accepted HNDs, along with further information for adult returners, can be found on our adult returner page:

Adult returner applicants

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• SQA Standard Grade at 3
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 54 in each component.

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

English language requirements

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for BA Film and Television

Additional costs

There are likely to be additional costs for materials.

Some programmes also offer study trips and individual field-based projects. You will usually be required to cover the cost of:

• accommodation
• subsistence
• travel

Your actual contribution will depend on the:

• programme
• courses you select
• nature of each trip

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

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