(Full time) 2019 start
Film, Photography and Media BA
Overview
This programme blends film, photography and media to help you develop the practical and theoretical knowledge to succeed in the fast-growing digital media industries.
You’ll study a range of production practices such as digital filmmaking, screenwriting and digital photography, and explore the ways in which theory and practice can support each other. At the same time, you’ll examine different approaches to understanding dominant forms of communication throughout history.
A wide range of options will also allow you to focus on TV production, film editing or production, scriptwriting, film history and theory, digital imaging, motion graphics, documentary production and mobile media.
You’ll gain practical production and post-production skills alongside a broader understanding of the historical, cultural, business and managerial contexts of these key media.
Specialist facilities
You’ll study in a supportive environment equipped with a wide range of cutting-edge resources. As well as our extensive loans service for equipment such as digital recorders, video cameras, stills cameras and more, you’ll benefit from access to our 40 editing suites equipped with the latest Avid video editing software and Photoshop.
The 58-seat Phil Taylor Cinema screens films twice a week during term time, and is equipped with HD video projection facilities, 16mm and 35mm film projectors and Dolby Digital surround sound. Our newly refurbished basement area has 5 bespoke specialist production pods as well as a new teaching area.
Course content
Year 1 lays the foundations of the course by helping you to develop your academic and practice-based skills. Core modules will introduce you to screenwriting as well as camera, editing and photographic practices. You’ll then put these into context and build your critical skills with modules on the history and theory of film and communications, and learn more about research in communication and media that can help to inform practice.
In the following year you’ll expand and enhance your skills as you work on a short film project and take further core modules in photography and cinema. You’ll also begin to specialise in topics that suit your interests, career plans and abilities, with optional modules that range from motion graphics to issues of genre in cinema and the role of technology in communication and the media.
By your final year, you’ll be in a position to work on a major project born out of your own interests. You could work on a script, compile a photography portfolio, make a short film (group based), develop a moving image project or complete a written dissertation on a topic in communication and media.
To complete your studies, you’ll choose from optional modules on topics like audience research, mobile media, documentary journalism and international communication – and you could undertake a four-week work placement to gain hands-on industry experience.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Introduction to Media and Communication Research 20 credits
- Camera and Editing 20 credits
- Introduction to Cinema 20 credits
- Photographic Practices 20 credits
- Screen Narrative 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- The History of Communication 20 credits
- Photographic Histories 20 credits
- Introduction to Media and Communication Theory 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Thinking Photographically: Developing Approaches to Photography 20 credits
- Cinematic Themes 20 credits
- Short Film Production 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Visual Communication 20 credits
- Critical Theories of Media 20 credits
- Technology in Communication and Media 20 credits
- Communication Skills 20 credits
- Screen Fiction 20 credits
- Working in Digital Media Teams 20 credits
- Creative Practice 20 credits
- Motion Graphics 20 credits
- Communication Research Methods 20 credits
- Videogames: Identities in Play 20 credits
- From Film Noir to Asia Extreme: Questioning Genre in World Cinemas 20 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
In your final year, you'll be required to take one 40 credit module.
- The Documentary and Reality 20 credits
- International Communication 20 credits
- Placement 20 credits
- Feminism, Identity and Media 20 credits
- Understanding the Audience 20 credits
- TV Documentary Journalism 20 credits
- The Ethnography of Speaking 20 credits
- Popular Music and Society 20 credits
- Internet Policy 20 credits
- Mobile Media 20 credits
- Citizen Media 20 credits
- Moving Image Project 40 credits
- Script Project 40 credits
- Themes in Contemporary Photography 20 credits
- Cinema Project 40 credits
- Photography Project 40 credits
- Social Issues on Screen 20 credits
- Communication Dissertation 40 credits
- War and Media 20 credits
- Promotional Culture 20 credits
- Creative Work in the Cultural Industries 20 credits
- Hollywood and its Others 20 credits
- Cinema in the Digital Era 20 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn among experienced practitioners and world-renowned academics using a wide range of teaching and learning methods, to give you the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills that you need for a career in this challenging industry. These methods will include practical classes as well as lectures, seminars and tutorials.
In addition, you’ll have a reading list for each module and independent study is a crucial part of the degree, allowing you to develop your own ideas, creativity and understanding. Your tutors are available during their office hours to discuss any issues or questions that arise.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods so you can demonstrate different skills. These will include practical production coursework, team presentations, group projects, essays and exams.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
Other course specific tests:If you’re taking the EPQ you may receive an alternative offer alongside a standard offer. In this case, the typical offer would be ABB plus grade A in the EPQ.
You don't need to submit a portfolio of work for this course, but you may consider linking to examples of your work in your personal statement.
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Access to HE Diploma
Offers are made on an individual basis- typically a Pass with 60 credits overall including 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 should be at Distinction and 15 at Merit level.
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BTEC
DDD.
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Cambridge Pre-U
Offers will be based upon three principal subjects or a combination of principal subjects and A levels.
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International Baccalaureate
35 overall (5 at higher level or 6 at standard level in English).
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
AAAABB.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
3 Advanced Highers or a combination of 2 Highers and 2 Advanced Highers at grades A or B.
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Welsh Baccalaureate
Please note that we don’t currently accept the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Successful applicants who are eligible for the Access to Leeds scheme will receive our standard offer, plus an alternative offer which is two grades lower.
International
To see equivalent entry requirements for your country, check our international entry requirement directory.
For more information please contact the School of Media and Communication.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
As part of your application, you'll need to submit a personal statement. Read our guidance on writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2019
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £18,500 (per year)
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250.
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
This programme will allow you to develop your creative and technical skills across three different yet related disciplines, along with in-depth theoretical knowledge and important transferable skills in communication, visual and critical awareness, writing, interpretation, project management and research.
Our graduates are actively recruited by a variety of prestigious companies in different sectors of the media and creative industries, including film and TV production companies, web-based companies and advertising and marketing agencies. Others pursue postgraduate study or freelance work – and some also go on to start their own businesses and form independent production companies.
In 2017, 92% of our students were in full-time employment or further study within six months of graduating (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2016/17).
Careers Support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has over 300 partnerships with universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
If you don’t want to spend a full year on a placement, you can still choose to take the Placement optional module, which gives you the chance to spend around four weeks working at a company or organisation within the media or a related industry. We have excellent links with the local, regional and national creative industries, ensuring that you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience that complements your learning.