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Film Production

BA (Hons)

Start dates: September 2026

Full time: 3 years, or 4 years with a work placement

Part time: 6 years, maximum 8 years

Location: Headington

School(s): School of Arts

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Overview

The BA Film Production course offers you a hands-on approach to filmmaking, combining creativity with technical expertise. Equipping you with the skills necessary to excel in the fast-evolving world of film production. Through core modules like Screen Industries and Film Analysis, you will gain a deep understanding of the film landscape, while modules such as Screenwriting Craft and Practice and Screenwriting for Short Film will nurture your storytelling abilities. Practical experience is at the heart of the course, with opportunities to work on projects like Short Film Production and a Soundtrack Portfolio Project.

You can also choose from pathways like Fiction or Non-Fiction Film, tailoring your studies to your passions and career goals. With a strong focus on Technical Skills and Introduction to Sound for Picture, the course ensures that graduates are industry-ready, equipped to take on roles in production, sound design, and more.

Whether you're interested in Real World Production or Live Broadcasting, Oxford Brookes prepares you to make your mark in the screen industries.

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Student using professional camera equipment on site

Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Industry-Standard Facilities

    Our state-of-the-art Digital Theatre and NHHB facilities are designed to meet industry standards, ensuring students have access to the tools required for professional-level film production.

  • Graduate Success
    Oxford Brookes alumni regularly succeed on the global stage with work featured at prestigious festivals like Cannes and Skyfall, alongside top roles at companies like NBC Universal.
  • World-Class Staff Expertise

    Our faculty combines academic excellence with hands-on experience in major global productions.

  • Strong Industry Connections

    Students have benefited from exclusive links with industry giants, including guest lecturers from BBC, Firebird Pictures, and top filmmakers like Ken Loach and Milcho Manchevski.

  • Oxford Location

    Oxford’s rich film history, coupled with proximity to top studios in London and the Thames Valley, offers students access to exceptional filming locations and career opportunities.

Course details

Course structure

In Year 1, you’ll explore the language of cinema, develop technical skills in camera, sound and post-production, and produce your first short film. You'll also study the global screen industries and learn how to craft compelling screenplays and soundtracks.

Year 2 focuses on refining your storytelling and production techniques. You'll experiment with film style, visual effects, live broadcasting and real-world briefs, working collaboratively on ambitious short film projects. You’ll continue to grow your specialism in areas such as directing, cinematography, editing or sound.

In your final year, you’ll produce an industry-ready short film and a professional portfolio showcasing your skills. You'll also deepen your critical understanding of film practice and gain insights into careers in the creative industries through guest speakers and industry engagement.

By graduation, you’ll be equipped with the creative, technical and professional tools to thrive in the film industry.

Student behind camera looking at view shot

Learning and teaching

Diverse teaching methods support your learning. 

  • Lectures introduce key concepts via examples, film clips and industry guest speakers. 
  • Seminars enable in-depth discussion, debate, concept application and student presentations. 
  • Tutorials offer small-group/individual guidance for idea development, project progress and detailed formative/summative feedback. 
  • Skills workshops provide hands-on technical training through demos and practical exercises. 
  • Field trips give real-world context (e.g., European city visit exploring facilities, festivals, culture). 

Your final year includes 

  • compulsory work-based learning
  • supported placements (film/media sectors) or group-led 'live projects' like organising our student film festival, both requiring critical reflection. 

Modules blend contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc.) with substantial independent study.

Assessment

Assessment and feedback are integral parts of your study on the course, and a continuous part of your learning process. 

While most modules on this programme consist of portfolios of creative and production work, they can also include: 

  • scripts of various kinds
  • other written assignments
  • Presentations
  • Video-essays
  • Journals
  • research and production paperwork
  • case studies and more. 

Assessment tasks may comprise a combination of different materials, which you will have to plan, design, and execute as briefed by your tutors.

Formative assessments are included at designated points in each module (for example, in seminars, during presentations of your work in progress, or after interim drafts of assignments), thus ensuring that you receive regular, clear guidance on your work and advice on ways to improve it before you reach a summative assessment point.

The course is assessed through 100% coursework; there are no examinations.

Field Trips

All Film students undertake a 3-day trip to a major European city where they visit major film studios, international film festival screenings and film museums as well as undertake film location scouting. Past years’ destinations include: Berlin, Cannes, Rome, Budapest, Prague. Only NTU and Westminster compare amongst competitors. Travel (including airport transfers), accommodation and any planned activities (e.g. the workshop at the Prague Film School) is included in your fees. Please see additional costs

Study modules

The BA (Hons) Film Production course is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the film industry, foster your creative development, and hone your technical skills. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of modules that provide both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing you for a successful career in film and media.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Screen Industries

    Is there really “no business like show business”? This is your introduction to the study of filmmaking as a large-scale economic process and you’ll explore the factors which make the creative industries similar to or different from any other business. 

    You’ll examine the structural framework of the film industry and trace the ways in which systems of film funding, production, and distribution have evolved and continue to evolve both internationally and in the UK. You’ll discuss and analyse each stage of the filmmaking process from pre-production to distribution and marketing. You also meet professionals from the film industry who will contribute to the course

  • Film Analysis

    You’ll get to grips with key issues and critical concepts in film studies. Through a series of lectures, seminars and close readings of selected films, you’ll acquire the analytical tools for understanding the visual language of film. 

    We’ll focus on aspects such as editing, cinematography, sound and film style which will be analysed in close readings of films. You’ll study both contemporary films as well as film classics from the past. You’ll develop a basic understanding of critical approaches and the debates that surround these films.

  • Screenwriting Craft and Practice

    You will learn the basic principles of story design and you will be introduced to the craft of writing for the screen. An approach to the skills, techniques and conventions required to work with screenplays creatively and critically is complemented by the exploration of how original ideas are developed into story structures for feature and serial formats (drama and comedy). 

    You will investigate the anatomy of storytelling techniques through close analyses of the narrative form and content of select case studies. Your focus will be mostly on contemporary cinema/series and on genres.

  • Technical Skills

    This module is your introduction to basic technical skills and production methods in the field of digital media production. You’ll build your technical skills through a range of technical demonstrations. You’ll also take part in workshops, and carry out technical exercises and learn through analytical sessions.

    As you study technical theories, workflows and procedures, you will create and produce a portfolio of individual technical exercises that cover:

    • camerawork
    • audio and video post-production skills.

  • Sound for Picture

    On this module you will record dialogue and sound effects in studio and on location, and format and edit the recordings to be suitable for broadcast radio and TV, Film and Games, developing your professional skills which are used throughout the media industry. You will cover sound recording and post production (editing, mixing) for the moving image, it will include:
    • dialogue
    • sound effects
    • Foley
    • concepts for surround sound. 
    This distinct module will help you to develop key knowledge with music recording and production: you will gain a deep understanding of sound within other media.

Optional modules

  • Curating Soundtracks

    You will investigate contemporary practices in songwriting and composition for film and media. 

    You will be introduced to core practices in songwriting; fundamentals of film composition and the creation of film soundtracks; and explore key concepts in the creation and development of sound and music for media including computer games. 

    You will get to to participate as makers and theorists, building your foundational knowledge to support future projects in songwriting and media composition. You will get to listen and view media texts critically and then use these analyses to instigate your own creations.

  • Film History

    You will take a historical journey through the dynamic world of cinema, where we'll explore how various factors like industry, policies, technology, and artistic expression have influenced this medium. Throughout this module, we'll look at the impact of significant revolutions in the film industry. We'll dive into the evolution of camera technology, the introduction of sound and colour, changes in screen ratios, special effects, and even the influence of laws and financial support. Your focus will be on the American film industry, with comparisons to European examples, spanning from the post-war era to contemporary cinema.

    By the end of this module, you'll possess valuable analytical tools to decode the complex relationship between technology, creative practices, ideology, the audience experience, reception, and the intellectual climate. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of cinematic evolution with us.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Filmaking Styles

    Explore stylistic choices in film as a way to add substance to expressive and analytic elements. Firstly, you’ll take a historical approach to film style, through analysis of the significance of practices of filmmaking. Secondly, you’ll be encouraged to apply ideas on style and general choices to your specific projects.  

    You’ll be encouraged to look both into auteurist versions of style (why do David Lynch or Godard do the things they do?) and others focused on movements or sets of ideas (“neorealism”, “dogma”, etc.). “Classical” style is defined in the early lectures as a general basic template. By challenging certain aspects of classicism (editing, composition, logic, narration) styles can become distinctive and distinctly expressive. You’ll explore and contextualise the work of influential cinematographers of the past and present and be introduced to key areas of technical and artistic advancements – through practice and the practical application of taught concepts.

  • From Script to Screen: The Short Film Process

    You'll enhance your creative, practical, and collaborative skills in film production. Building on what you've learned in Screenwriting Craft and Practice, on this module you’ll take your abilities to the next level.

    Through a mix of seminars, tutorials, and hands-on exercises, you’ll have a platform to excel in short film script development and production management. Get ready to create and shoot your own original works, gaining valuable experience along the way. This module is all about putting your skills into action and honing your filmmaking craft. Bringing your vision to life.

  • Screenwriting for Short Films

    On this module you will build on your knowledge gained on Screenwriting Craft and Practice. You will carry out a detailed exploration of the anatomy of storytelling techniques for short/feature films and serial formats is complemented by close analyses of screenplays and their realisation on screen. 

    You will develop your own story ideas from original conception through the various stages typical of the related industrial practices, culminating in a script for a short film. You will focus on contemporary popular cinema and on genres. You will also learn from a professional scriptwriter who will contribute to the module.

  • Visual and Special Effects

    Learn how to plan and design visual and special effects for film, TV, immersive technologies and live event production. You’ll study the development of effects from early practical effects through to the latest virtual cinematography techniques.

    You’ll experiment with traditional practical effects, motion capture and CGI to create and develop visual and special effects. Developing your knowledge of which approach and materials are the most appropriate to deliver the desired outcome. Also you’ll build your collaboration skills by working with fellow students to ensure the safe, accurate and effective execution of the desired effect.

Optional modules

  • Creating Soundtracks

    This creative module will help you build on your skills gained on Curating Soundtracks and it will enable you to investigate the process of composition for 
    • television
    • film
    • advertising media
    • mobile apps 
    • and computer games 
    by composing for a variety of instrumental, electronic and vocal resources. Composition for visual media forms an important role in today’s music industry. You will be able to work to a written brief, develop creative strategies and learn to use recording, editing and composition software along with the music studio as a song writing, compositional and notational tool.

  • Live Broadcasting

    You’ll get to grips with the principles, workflow, techniques, theory and practice of digital live broadcasts, live events and broadcasts. You’ll experience the entire workflow for a broadcast production from story development through to planning and realisation. 

    Starting with the creation through to the delivery of original products, you’ll carry out analysis of the implementation of the delivery process. You’ll work individually and in teams that will help you develop and prepare for employment. The final part of your module will be the production of a live broadcast.

  • Real World Production

    You’ll look at issues and meet creative challenges that are involved in working with clients and also respond to real-life briefs. The briefs will combine a mixture of technical and creative problems to be addressed and you’ll work in production teams. Together you’ll develop solutions and approaches for the client using methodologies and approaches specific to your path of study.

    As a BA student you’ll develop skills of concept artwork, art direction and scriptwriting, drawing on learning from previous modules. As a BSc student you’ll work in collaboration and you’ll evidence your workflows and prototypes developed specifically to realise the brief and agreed production outcomes using the technical skills and knowledge that you’ve all built in previous modules.

  • Sound effects and Foley

    You will cover recording, editing, and mixing of sound effects in the recording studio with further applications in on-location sound effects recording. 

    You will build on your knowledge from the introductory module in Sound for Picture, to further develop your workflow skills, and develop your ability to listen critically to your own recordings and other professional sound effects recordings. and to plan and evaluate the use of sound effects within visual media production.

    Making a variety of recordings you will enhance your understanding of microphone technique and begin to work with more involved stereo sound formats for larger soundscape effects recording. Recordings are made of a variety of different sound effects types which can be used in your portfolio for assessment.

  • ADR Audio Production

    Investigate the contemporary practices in songwriting and composition for film and media. 

    You will be introduced to the core practices in songwriting; fundamentals of film composition and the creation of film soundtracks; and to key concepts in the creation and development of sound and music for media including computer games. 

    Participating as makers and theorists. The key concepts that the you will engage with will act as foundational knowledge to support your future making projects in songwriting and media composition. You will listen and view media texts critically and then use these analyses to instigate your own practices.

Year 3 (Optional Career Development Year)

Optional modules

  • Career Development Year

    Career Development Placement The aim of this module is to develop the professional profile and professional confidence of a student through experiential learning opportunities and engagement with external organisations by undergoing work placements, internships and industry experiences. It aims to enable students to manage their own learning and self-direction through identifying opportunities that align to their disciplinary ambitions, situating their practice in a professional context. It offers a range of options including an Enterprise Residency where students can operate as freelancers and develop ideas for a start-up business with the full support of Brookes Enterprise Support.

Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

  • Creative Industries

    Develop your strategies and skills, preparing for a career in the vibrant realm of the ""creative industries."" What does that include? Think media journalism, film festivals, education, media distribution and publicity, heritage industries, and even academic and research-based positions.

    This isn't just about learning; it's about preparing you for the dynamic landscapes of various creative fields. Whether you envision yourself in journalism, organising film festivals, shaping education, or delving into research, we’re here to offer you support to achieve your aim.

  • You have a choice of two pathways 1) Fiction Film:

  • The Theory of Film Practice

    This module is your gateway to the world of film theories and analysis methods. We're giving you an overview of various film theories and the analysis methods tied to them. With a hands-on approach it’ll help you test the validity and relevance of different theoretical frameworks.

    You’ll sharpen your sensitivity to the heuristic value (that's the practical usefulness) and the limits of film theory. This isn't just about studying theories; it's about applying them, understanding their strengths, and acknowledging their limitations.

  • Short Film Project: Development

    Building on your groundwork laid Short Film Development, you're now diving into the action – the Production and Post-Production phases of your project.

    We've got regular supervisory sessions lined up, ensuring you receive valuable feedback to fine-tune your project as it progresses. Together, we'll structure your project through these crucial phases, and not just that – we're gearing up to create a solid plan for distributing and marketing your finished masterpiece. Let's turn your vision into reality.

  • Short Film Project: Production and Post-production

    You'll be exploring the development and pre-production of a short film. What does that involve? Well, you'll be planning, researching, writing, and managing the production. Why? Because this is the groundwork for the exciting follow-on module – Short Film Project, where your creation comes to life on film.

    But don't worry, you won't be navigating this alone. You’ve got a dedicated module leader and a consulting member of staff to guide you through the process. It's not just about making a film; it's about crafting your vision from the very beginning. Prepare to embark on this filmmaking journey.

  • OR 2: Non-Fiction Film:

  • Development Studio: Technical

    Gear up for a double module designed to elevate your technical skills and pave the way for your Final Production Portfolio in Semester 2. This module is your ticket to exploring an advanced range of equipment and technologies. We're not just stopping there – let's dive into experimental practices and emergent forms in digital media, fine-tuning the specialised skills you need for your Final Production Portfolio.

    Take a deep dive into the technical aspects of digital media production, covering advanced methodologies in film and TV production, visual and special effects, motion capture, and the pivotal roles of the Special Effects Supervisor, Technical Director, Digital Image Technician (DIT), and Digital Intermediary (DI). Get ready to progress your digital media production game.

  • Final Production portfolio

    You're about to enter into an intense, self-directed production period. What does that mean for you? It's time to bring to life those projects you meticulously pre-produced in preparation for your Final Production Portfolio.

    You'll be completing, delivering, and screening portfolios of your work. It's not just about showcasing your technical prowess; it's about demonstrating the professionalism, innovative thinking, and mature team-working skills you've mastered throughout your studies. This is your chance to shine, and we're here to help you make it happen.

Optional modules

  • Preparation for Final Production portfolio

    Kickstart your journey towards the final production portfolio in semester 2! Here's what you’ll do on this module:

    You, with guidance from your tutors, will dive into detailed planning for your upcoming production portfolio. This is your time to initiate, research, and negotiate ideas for your project work. Think of it as laying the groundwork for what's to come. Once the plans are set, you'll form production teams, gearing up for the exciting transition into production when the Final Production Portfolio module kicks off. Get ready to turn your ideas into reality.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Careers

Graduates of Film Production from Oxford Brookes University have a wide range of career opportunities in the UK’s thriving creative industries. 

They can pursue roles in film and television production, such as 

  • assistant director
  • production coordinator
  • or camera operator. 

Many also find opportunities in post-production, working as 

  • Editors
  • sound designers
  • or VFX artists. 

Beyond film and TV, graduates can enter the digital media sector, including 

  • video game production
  • virtual reality
  • or social media content creation. 

Opportunities also exist in film distribution, marketing, and festival organisation. Many graduates work within the broader creative industries, contributing to advertising, corporate video production, or event management. With strong networking connections and practical experience, Oxford Brookes alumni are well-equipped to pursue freelance careers or establish their own production companies, contributing to the UK’s global reputation in filmmaking and media productions.

Students discussing camera work with Professor

Related courses

Related course
Digital Media Production
Related course
Film
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Entry requirements

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 112

A Level: BBC

IB Points: 30

BTEC: DMM

Contextual offer

What is a contextual offer?

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

BTEC: MMM

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process


Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCAS


Part time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the University


International applicants
Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
2026 / 27
Home (UK) full time
£9,535*
Home (UK) part time
£1,910 per single module*
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,905
International full time
£17,250†
International sandwich (placement)
£1,905

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2026 / 27
Home (UK) full time
£9,535*
Home (UK) part time
£1,910 per single module*
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,905
International full time
£17,250†
International sandwich (placement)
£1,905

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

*Tuition fee level for 2025-26. Tuition fees for home undergraduate students in 2026-27 will be confirmed by the Government later in 2025 and will be updated on our website as soon as the information becomes available.

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

For further information please see our 2025-26 tuition fees FAQs.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Oxford Brookes Bursary for Continuing Students Undergraduate maintenance loans for part-time UK students Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students Oxford Brookes Bursary for New Students

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.