Skip to content

Beat the Clearing queue

Sign up to NTU Priority

Film Production Technology BSc (Hons)

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • UCAS Code(s): P317
  • Start Date(s): September
  • Duration: Three years, full-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time
  • Campus: Confetti Nottingham
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

This course will help you develop the skills required to work across a variety of technical roles within the film production process, giving you breadth of experience whilst developing a specific area of expertise, with a strong portfolio of film work.

Throughout this three year course you’ll develop new skills working with the latest film production technologies in order to develop your understanding of the art of filmmaking.

In addition to developing practical skills you’ll also undertake a wide range of industry and work-related opportunities through live projects, Confetti’s Industry Week, guest lectures and work-based learning.

This course is taught at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies in Nottingham for September 2023 entry. If you are looking to join us in September 2024, the course will be taught at Nottingham School of Art & Design.

What you’ll study

You’ll master the technological skills required by the cinematographer, lighting technician and sound recordist, as well as studying in detail the art of post-production. You’ll develop your creative and technical understanding of industry-standard software including Avid Media Composer and the Adobe Creative Suite.

In addition, you’ll learn to use the latest grip equipment used within film production and develop the technical discipline required when working with 4K cinematography, data management and post-production workflow. You’ll also study the science, art and application involved in practical effects, whilst exploring the importance of self-promotion, brand management and screening events. You’ll also complete a self-directed technology investigation on a subject of your own interest.

Audio-Visual Film Technologies (20 Credit Points)

This module introduces you to a range of equipment used on a film set. You’ll develop the skills and understanding required for camera operation, audio acquisition and lighting techniques for film. You’ll examine the scientific principles behind the practical skills that inform the filmmaker’s ability to achieve a cinematic quality product when using lighting, audio and camera technologies.

The Evolution of Film Technology (20 Credit Points)

Throughout this module you’ll study the historical development of film technology and assess the impact technological change has had on the industry. You’ll be given the opportunity to investigate a range of film examples, past and present, in order to assess the impact technology has had and continues to have on changes in film production, distribution and access.

Film Project Management (20 Credit Points)

This module will develop your ability to work in small groups to project manage the technical requirements of a film shoot. You’ll be taught how to break down a script in terms of its technical requirements whilst also learning about the different stages of project management in preparation for location filming including location scouting, risk assessment, kit specifications, crewing, budgeting and scheduling. You’ll be expected to show a detailed understanding of the health and safety regulations that govern the film industry and in particular location filming.

Applied Film Technologies (20 Credit Points)

During this module you’ll be expected to work collaboratively as a part of a production team on a film set. As part of the production team it is expected that you’ll demonstrate proficiency working with a particular piece of hardware in a particular discipline. Through self-reflection and evaluation you’ll also need to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the camera, lighting and audio technologies applied to your production.

Post-Production Technology for Film (40 Credit Points)

Throughout this module you’ll learn how to use post-production software for both visual and audio. You’ll develop an understanding of the technologies involved and its impact on the creative process. You’ll gain experience within the workflow of the technologies and understand the interrelationships between software, developing skills that will enable you to implement post-production theory in a practical way with a varied pool of resources.

Advanced Film Technologies (20 Credit Points)

This module introduces you to the technical specifications and requirements of a range of complex film grip equipment. You’ll learn to operate the equipment whilst also investigating the scientific principles surrounding camera and lighting technologies when shooting for visual effects content.  You’ll then be required to plan and shoot a technically complex sequence using appropriate specialist equipment.

Short Film Development (20 Credit Points)

This module will require you to independently study the short film genre. You’ll be expected to research appropriate markets to inform the development and production of your own short film to be entered into a relevant and well justified short film competition. Working under the guidance of an industry partner you’ll undertake the pre-production of your own short film, ensuring that the correct health and safety regulations are fully considered. You’ll be expected to make appropriate judgments in the planning of your production and demonstrate the ability to problem solve.

Short Film Production (20 Credit Points)

During this module you’re expected to independently produce a short film aimed at a film festival or short film competition. You’ll be expected to demonstrate the ability to work in appropriate film production environments working to the necessary health and safety regulations. You’ll independently undertake production management of the workflow, processes and professional practice in the successful delivery of your own short film.

Advanced Post-Production Technology for Film (40 Credit Points)

Within this module you’ll develop more advanced skills in the areas of post-production for film. This will involve visual effects, colour correction and picture grading for film post-production; and dubbing, mixing, ADR and Foley for audio post-production. You’ll also learn how to deliver content for distribution for cinema using the correct technical procedures. Using the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in this module you’ll work with an industry partner or client to post-produce a product to be shown in the cinema.

Industry Practice (20 Credit Points)

During this module you’ll undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.

The nature of creative industries is increasingly defined by freelance and self-employed models of work. Consequently, individuals seeking work in industry need to appreciate the pressures of working on multiple projects to strict deadlines and the subsequent demands this place on time and resources. Similarly, an understanding of professional practice and the legal and economic imperatives in industry is important, as is effective communication, self-efficacy and autonomy. This module aims to develop these skills and knowledge by challenging you to develop a range of self-directed projects.

Digital Film Production (40 Credit Points)

The aim of this module is for you to develop an innovative and ambitious digital film project of your own design demonstrating flexibility and creativity whilst working both independently and in collaboration with others. You’ll develop critical and technological skills that allow you to develop and realise your professional digital film production. Alongside developing professional production skills, you’ll also extend your theoretical knowledge in order to develop your understanding of creative film practice.

Exhibition (20 Credit Points)

This module will provide you with a broad framework for planning your own film exhibition event. Working in collaboration with your peers you’ll undertake planning and project management to host your own film festival. You’ll explore factors including how to organise a film festival, build partnerships and identify a suitable programme of films for exhibition. Working with your peers you’ll investigate the operational issues and technical considerations required for your festival and you’ll research how to raise appropriate finance and work with budgets and cash flow. The module will also explore the press and marketing of films festivals and you’ll plan and execute appropriate marketing strategies for your own film exhibition.

Interactive Film (20 Credit Points)

You'll explore interactive filmmaking technology and techniques, allowing you to build on your film production skills whilst investigating audience interaction beyond the screen, through technology advances.

The types of technology you'll cover could include:

  • Using apps to allow the audience to direct the story
  • Streaming websites
  • Augmented Reality
  • Virtual Reality
  • 360 Reality Audio
  • Exhibition of interactive films

The module will build on technical skills you have already developed over the previous two years, allowing you to build more complex narrative and deliverables.

Building on the technical skills you have developed thus far, you will learn how to work with relevant materials and equipment, and gain grounding in the essential artistic, scientific and technological principles underpinning the planning process and production of interactive film.

Technology Investigation (40 Credit Points)

This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake sustained investigation into a specific area of creative technology that builds on your previous knowledge, experience and skills acquired during levels 4 and 5. This module will allow you to explore critically a specific issue or area of personal interest within your chosen field allowing you to explore individual lines of enquiry connected to your career goals. You’ll achieve this by undertaking a self-initiated practical research project supported by tutor supervision.

As part of this investigation you’ll also enhance your abilities to communicate your findings with an audience and consolidate your skills in project management and self directed work, both of which are vital for a career within the creative media industries.

The module serves to acquaint you with the key skills and practices required to undertake and complete independent project research and to create practical creative media technology products as a response.

How you’re taught

You’ll learn about a broad range of disciplines including 4K cinematography and short film production, 4K data management and post-production workflow, lighting, audio acquisition, animatronics, grip equipment, practical effects, and colour grading.

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, group tutorials, academic tutorials, workshops, presentations and pitches, visiting industry professionals, team working, and independent study.

Alongside this, you’ll develop employability skills that will enable you to design and organise your own short films, event screenings, build an audience and gain employment within the film industry.

Industry Week

As part of the course, students are given access to a week of bespoke activities during Industry Week where a host of industry guest speakers gather for talks, lectures and workshops with students. Past guests have included:

  • BAFTA-nominated actor Stephen Graham
  • Director Shane Meadows
  • BAFTA-winning actor Vicky McClure
  • Documentary Filmmaker Jeanie Finlay
  • Key Grip Rupert Lloyd-Parry
  • Documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield

Check out our talks OnDemand here

Degree Show

In your final year, you will exhibit your work as part of Confetti's Degree Show. This event includes all final year students across Confetti's courses and is a great platform for you to showcase your work to key influencers across the creative industries.

Careers and employability

Your time at Confetti doesn’t have to stop once you finish your undergraduate course. Choose to continue your studies on our postgraduate degrees that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career.

Typical job roles in industry might include:

  • Camera operator
  • Camera assistant
  • Gaffer
  • DIT
  • Edit assistant
  • Offline-editor
  • Online-editor
  • Colour grader

Campus and facilities

On this course, you’ll study at Confetti's digital media hub - Confetti HQ. You’ll have access to:

  • Industry-standard cameras from Sony and Blackmagic
  • A 25 seat media production lab running Avid Media Composer and Adobe Creative Cloud
  • A 25 seat screening room
  • A 37m2 Green Screen VFX studio with VFX infinity curve screen
  • A 144m2 studio space with industry-standard digital video cameras and full lighting rig
  • Industry spec production gallery with 4k production facilities
  • Foley suite
  • Production and meeting rooms
  • Access to audio post-production equipment

Entry requirements

112 UCAS Tariff points

  • 104- 112 UCAS Tariff points from at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
  • GCSE – English and Maths Grade C / 4.
  • A-levels – BBC; or
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM; or
  • 112 UCAS Tariff points from at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
  • GCSE – English and Maths Grade C / 4.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors. Find out more about advisors in your country.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

Application for this course is through the UCAS application form.

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Selection for this course takes place through UCAS application form.

Application deadline

This course starts in September and applications should be submitted by the UCAS deadline, 15 January.

Applications received after this date will only be considered if places are still available, after all applications received by the deadline have been assessed.

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students (over the age of 21) for this course. We will assess applicants of this nature on an individual basis.

If you are a mature student, you will still need to apply to us by UCAS form, but you don't necessarily need to meet our minimum entry requirements.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades,

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It's your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You've got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you're applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.