BA Film and Television
UCAS code: P390
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Edinburgh College of Art
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing BA Film and Television
In this programme, we encourage you to find individual approaches through work in:
- documentary
- drama
- experimental film
- hybrid film
Through exercises and short films, we also nurture work that challenges the norms and boundaries of filmmaking.
These experiences will help you:
- find your own creative identities
- develop skills that will help you find work in the industry
By the time you graduate you will have worked on several films in different roles.
Practical skills
You will gain practical experience in:
- approaches to directing and writing
- creative producing
- camerawork
- sound recording and design
- editing, colour and grading
This helps you explore how every aspect of film and every role within a crew is a means of creative expression.
We work as a film community supporting collaboration across the year groups. You will learn the teamwork and communication skills necessary to enter the film and television industries.
Masterclasses
You will benefit from workshops and masterclasses from internal and visiting staff, who all work and exhibit internationally in film and television.
Design and Screen Cultures
You will study Design and Screen Cultures courses alongside your practical studio work.
These courses give you a contextual and theoretical understanding of contemporary screen studies.
Optional courses
In Years 1 and 2 you can also enrol in different optional courses offered by the wider University. You should select a combination of courses that reflect your interests and enhance your main study.
Year 1
In Year 1 you will:
- work on different film exercises
- collaborate in entry-level crew roles on senior film projects
- attend masterclasses and workshops on various practical aspects of filmmaking
In Design and Screen Cultures, you will address the key histories and theories of design and screen studies.
Optional courses
You can take 60 credits of courses from:
- Design and Screen Cultures
- the wider College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Your choices will be subject to availability and will require discussion with the relevant course organisers.
Year 2
In Year 2 you will work on projects and exercises that cover various aspects of film, including:
- exploring different film forms
- understanding story, subject matter and authorship through the visual medium
- technical training
- collaborate in assistant roles on senior film projects
You will continue studying Design and Screen Cultures courses.
Like Year 1, you can choose optional courses from the wider college.
Year 3
In Year 3 you will:
- have the opportunity to experiment further
- collaborate at the Head of Department level on senior film productions
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
- have the opportunity to complete a self-initiated work placement
Year 4
Developing film projects
In Semester 1 you will:
- have the opportunity to develop and present a film project
- attend workshops that support your idea development
- benefit from guest lectures from industry professionals who will help you hone your skills
Producing film projects
You and your fellow students will produce a maximum of 10 film projects.
For this, you will take on head of department roles, such as:
- producer
- director
- editor
- cinematographer
- sound designer
You will also complete a written dissertation as part of your Design and Screen Cultures course.
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.
Our facilities
Design students benefit from studio-based learning at our Lauriston Place campus. You will also benefit from the exhibitions and events associated with our vibrant art college.
Some Design and Screen Cultures teaching takes place in the University's Central Area, where you will also have access to:
- extensive libraries
- computing facilities
- technical facilities
Optional courses are usually taught outside 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
Study abroad
You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3.
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:
- exhibitions
- competitions
- collaborations
- live industry projects
How will I be assessed?
We use formative assessment throughout this programme. This helps us 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:
- 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's Careers Service offers exceptional support throughout your time with us.
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
Portfolio
Applicants will be asked to submit a digital portfolio to provide evidence of artistic aptitude and potential, this will form an important part of the selection process.
For more information about the portfolio, visit the Edinburgh College of Art website at the link below and scroll to the section titled ‘Application Process’.
Film and TV application process
Portfolio technical support and specification
Important dates
- 1 December 2024: portfolio submission site opens.
- 29 January 2025: deadline for all applicants (including international applicants).
- 4 February 2025 at 12 pm (midday) GMT: 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.
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.
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:
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
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
- 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.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- 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 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*
We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.
Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.
(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT 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 will be additional costs for materials.
Some programmes also offer study trips and individual field-based projects. You will usually be required to pay for:
- accommodation
- subsistence
- travel
Your actual contribution will depend on the programme and the courses you select, as well as the 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.
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