Key facts

Typical offer

UCAS points:

104


A Level:

BCC


BTEC:

DMM


Contextual Offer:

Minimum of one to two grade reduction from our typical offer. Full details at dmu.ac.uk/contextual

Key facts

Duration:

3 yrs full-time, 4 yrs with placement


Study mode:

Full-time


UCAS code:

P313


Institution code:

D26

Typical offer

UCAS points:

104


A Level:

BCC


BTEC:

DMM


Contextual Offer:

Minimum of one to two grade reduction from our typical offer. Full details at dmu.ac.uk/contextual

UCAS code

P313

Duration

Three years full-time, four years with placement

Study mode

Full-time

Hands‑on education in the art and craft of filmmaking.

Overview

BA Filmmaking at DMU is an industry‑led, highly practical degree designed to immerse students in the full creative and technical life cycle of filmmaking.

Taught by a team of filmmakers, producers, and researchers with extensive industry backgrounds, the course blends hands‑on production experience with professional insight from guest speakers, workshops, networking events and industry trips. You will engage directly with the sector through opportunities such as festival visits, masterclasses, DMU Global experiences like the Berlinale, and regular sessions with working professionals.

From day one, students learn by doing - experimenting across writing, directing, producing, cinematography, sound, editing, production design and more - building a strong, diverse portfolio. The programme emphasises collaboration, giving students structured opportunities to work in dedicated crew roles, develop leadership and communication skills, and understand both above‑ and below‑the‑line career pathways.

Alongside practical training, the course fosters critical thinking about film as an art form and industry, exploring global cinemas, audience engagement, and evolving production practices. With a strong focus on employability, resilience, and enterprise, you will graduate with the industry knowledge, creative confidence and professional readiness needed to enter the screen industries as filmmakers, crew, or emerging creative practitioners.

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What you will study

Block 1: Introduction to Moving Image Production

Introduction to Moving Image Production: Foundations in Short Film Storytelling.

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to audio-visual storytelling through short film production. Designed for students with no prior experience, it also supports those with some background to enhance their skills further. Covering essential techniques in camera work, sound, and editing, you will engage in workshops, seminars, and collaborative exercises. Working in production teams, you will gain practical insight into the short film process and the roles of key crew members.

Block 2: Moving Image Ideas and Practice

This module introduces you to the tools, techniques, creative methodologies and visual research methods used in making and interpreting moving images. The principles of moving image production, including video capture, editing, sound capture and manipulation, cinematography and lighting for moving image are introduced alongside appropriate research methodologies. You will create and R&D portfolio consisting of moving image-based works both individually and as a group and reflect on your production skills within a peer assessment task.

Block 3: Film Storytelling

This module introduces you to fundamental principles of filmic storytelling and narrative via the different aesthetic and performative elements that make up what we see on screen such as actor performances, cinematography, lighting, production design and world creation, music and sound. You are invited to consider what makes a strong story as told on screen. Storytelling craft will be examined through the lenses of genre and audience, with a grounding in theory, and will encompass international, independent, and avant-garde examples alongside mainstream western film industry products. You will engage with critical theory around storytelling, genre, and visual style, whilst also testing out your creativity and understanding of visual storytelling principles through formative practical exercises. 

Block 4: Commercial Content Production

Introduces the practices of the media industry by presenting you with a practical creative brief to which you must respond with a commercial content idea. By looking at processes such as industry research, consumer insight and the work of media agencies, you will gain an understanding of industry practice and see how ideas are taking from initial responses through to campaign design, content production and/or creative execution.

Block 1: Film History and Theory 2: Cinemas of the World

Explores some of the key theoretical and critical concepts and debates essential to a fully-rounded textual and contextual understanding of developments in World Cinema. The module focuses on contemporary developments and film, region and/or director case studies.

Block 2: Moving Image Portfolio

This module builds on the skills that you learnt in the Level 4 Introduction to Moving Image Production module. You will work to three set briefs, with each brief focusing on a particular moving image production style and distribution method, such as moving image content for a website, a corporate film and a short film based on archival material.

Block 3: Screenwriting

This module introduces students to narrative screenwriting for film and television. It begins with idea generation and the core principles of strong storytelling, including narrative, character, and dialogue. You will study major theories of story structure and learn to produce outlines and full scripts using industry‑standard software. The module also examines the roles of the script editor, director and producer in shaping a screenwriter’s work, and provides guidance on the different markets for scripts and how to engage with them. Creativity is developed through workshops, with you completing an original outline and script, accompanied by a reflective report on your writing process.

Block 4: Creative Enterprise

Learn how to develop your own creative business from how to pitch for funding to how to produce mock-ups and sizzle reels for clients. You will have the opportunity to develop business and management skills and learn how to be entrepreneurial in the working world, the changing media economies, and its impact on the job market.

As part of this course, you will have the option to complete a paid placement year which offers invaluable professional experience.

Our award-winning Careers Team can help you secure a placement through activities such as mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and you will be assigned a personal tutor to support you throughout your placement.

Block 1: Short Film Production

The module focuses on the creative challenge of making interesting and effective short films, covering the process and creation of the short fiction film format. It serves to solidify technical knowledge from previous modules into establishing a filmmaking practice. You will take part in the production of a short film project that you will research, pitch, develop and execute individually or in a small production team whilst being encouraged to assist each other in the creation of their short film to mimic industry working practices.

Block 2: Film Festivals, Marketing and Distribution

This module invites you to consider industry practices for reaching audiences and fulfilling the commercial potential of your film projects. You will use the short films made in PROD3005 - Short Film Production module, as a basis from which to individually create an Electronic Press Kit and Festivals Strategy. You will be introduced to audience targeting and promotional tools and techniques, alongside learning about marketing and distribution mechanisms of the film industry. The global marketplace of film festivals will be examined, in particular from an independent filmmaking and entry-level viewpoint relevant to emerging graduate filmmakers and early-stage film business and film programming careers. The roles of Film Programmers and Film Critics will also be explored.

Block 3: Independent Project: Idea Development and Pre-Production

In tandem with the Block 4 module, this module is for you to develop, plan and pre-produce a short film project to set deadlines. You will develop a proposal for a group short film from initial concept and story idea, through to script writing, pitching, and early pre-production, ready to take the project into production in Block 4.

Block 4: Independent Project: Production and Delivery

You will complete the shooting and post-production of your group short film projects, producing a key piece of work for their graduation portfolio, alongside researching and developing its festivals and distribution strategy and critically reflecting on your practical learning experience.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

The BA (Hons) Filmmaking programme equips you with the comprehensive skills, knowledge, and practical experience essential for successful careers across the film, television, and broader media industries. Emphasising a balance of hands-on production practice alongside critical and theoretical study, the course nurtures both creative and professional development.

Throughout the programme, you will build expertise in core filmmaking disciplines, including:

  • Directing and Producing
  • Cinematography, Sound Recording, and Visual Storytelling
  • Screenwriting and Narrative Development
  • Editing and Post-Production
  • Film Festivals, Marketing, Audience Engagement, and Industry Strategies

Our curriculum is designed with an industry focus, providing opportunities for collaboration with media professionals, engagement with live briefs, and the creation of an industry-standard portfolio. By the end of the course, you will be prepared to enter the competitive media landscape with confidence and a strong body of work.

The dedicated teaching team warmly welcomes you to join us on this creative journey and looks forward to supporting your growth and success over the next three years.

Student work

Our facilities

  • Virtual Production Studios: Utilizing Unreal Engine for real-time rendering and immersive production.

  • High-Performance Workstations: Optimized for 3D rendering and advanced simulations.

  • AV Loans: a service that provides a selection of film/photography cameras, sound recording and mixing equipment, lighting and accessories. Into the Queens building section under a new heading called ‘filmmaking’.

Queen's Building

A vibrant centre for students in Engineering, Media, Visual Effects, and Music

Find out more

Drawing Centre

The Drawing Centre is for visual artists and designers at DMU to get help and support with their work

The Drawing Centre

Digital Technology Learning Hub

Designed to meet the growing demand for advanced digital skills, preparing graduates for highly skilled roles.

Elevate your creativity

Take a s c r o l l through campus

Experience a virtual tour of campus at your own pace.

Jump in

What makes us special

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Demon Media

Demon Media is an award-winning media group whose graduates have gone on to work for some of the UK's leading media organisations, including the BBC, commercial radio, and national newspapers. The group consists of three key strands: Demon FM, a radio station; a dedicated YouTube channel; and The Demon, a brand-new monthly magazine. These platforms provide students with invaluable hands-on experience in broadcasting, digital content creation, and print journalism, helping them to develop the skills necessary for a successful career in the media industry.

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DMU Global

Our innovative international experience programme, DMU Global, aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.

Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

Whether you’re exploring Berlin’s media heritage, producing documentaries in Bali, or discovering the inner workings of NBC Studios in New York, these experiences will enrich your understanding of global media and create lasting memories.

Where we could take you

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Placements

Work placements are offered as part of this course through DMU Careers Team, and can boost your skills and experience while studying, as well as improving your chances of gaining a graduate level job.

Many of our Media Production students have collaborated on live filming projects for Channel 4, as well as gaining experience with leading industry professionals and local businesses offering paid roles.

Students at the Careers Hub

Graduate careers

Graduates from this course have pursued diverse careers, working as camera operators, producers, photographers, technical operators, and broadcast engineers. Many have also established themselves as graphic designers, video editors, television presenters, independent video company directors, and web designers.

Our alumni have secured roles with leading companies such as Endemol, Ideal World TV, Lime Pictures, The Guardian, The Telegraph, and the BBC, demonstrating the wide range of opportunities available to Media Production graduates.

Take your next steps

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Open Days - Book your place

We’d love to welcome you to one of our university Open Days where you can see for yourself what we have to offer.

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Find out about Leicester

We’re a campus-based university situated in the city centre, with the hub of activity in Leicester right on your doorstep - we’re one of the few universities in the UK where you’re getting the best of both worlds.

How to apply

Save these details for your application.
Programme title:
Filmmaking BA (Hons)
Programme code:
P313

UCAS applications

Apply now
  1. Register on UCAS Hub (create an account)
  2. Fill in your UCAS application form:
  3. Personal details (name, contact, residency)
    • More about you (any mental health conditions or long-term illnesses, parenting responsibilities, whether you’ve served in the armed forces)
    • Education history (qualifications taken or pending)
    • Employment history (if applicable)
    • Course choice
  4. Write your personal statement (why you want to study the course, skills, achievements, future goals)
  5. Get your reference (usually from a teacher/tutor/employer)
  6. Pay the UCAS fee (single choice or multiple choices)
  7. Submit the UCAS application before the deadline.
Save these details for your application.
Programme title:
Filmmaking BA (Hons)
Programme code:
P313

Apply directly as an international student

Find out more and apply
  1. Visit DMU’s international section and select the course you wish to apply for as an undergraduate or postgraduate student.
  2. Prepare your documents - gather the essentials:
    • Academic transcripts and certificates
    • Personal statement
    • English language proficiency evidence (e.g., IELTS)
    • Portfolio (if required by the course)
    • Copy of your passport
  3. Complete the application - submit via the DMU Online Portal
  4. Submit the application and supporting documents - you can still receive a conditional offer even if some documents will follow later
  5. Application review and offer - DMU’s Admissions team will assess your application and issue:
    • A conditional offer (pending remaining docs, test results, etc.)
    • Or an unconditional offer, if all requirements are fulfilled

Key facts

Course title

Filmmaking

Award

BA (Hons)

UCAS code

P313

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September

Duration

Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees

2026/27 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2026/27 international tuition:
£17,300

*subject to a compounded annual inflationary increase announced by the government in October 2025, the amount of which is yet to be confirmed for the 2026/27 academic year

Additional costs

Entry requirements

Typical offer

UCAS points:

104


A Level:

BCC


BTEC Extended Diploma:

DMM


Contextual Offer:

DMU operates a generous contextual offer for students from underrepresented backgrounds in Higher Education.

This is a minimum of one to two grade reduction from our typical offer and full details including eligibility criteria can be found at dmu.ac.uk/contextual


T Levels:

Merit


Access to HE:

Pass with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit


International Baccalaureate (IB):

24


GCSEs:

5 x GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths


English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

All students are required to pay for their DBS check if required for your programme or placement.

In addition students will be required to pay for their travel costs to placements or project locations.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in DMU Global trips. These trips are subsidised by the university, and the cost and subsidy varies by location.

Learn more about fees and funding information.