Course summary

Arts University Plymouth is an arts university for the 21st century, preparing students who are uniquely placed to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of a changing world. Formerly known as Plymouth College of Art, we were granted full university title in Spring 2022. We are now the city of Plymouth’s first and only specialist arts university, allowing us to offer our students a dynamic and unique learning experience. In May 2022 we were awarded the Best Small or Specialist University at the 2022 WhatUni Student Choice Awards, coming top in a list of well-respected specialist UK universities, based on unbiased and honest reviews from students across the UK, in a category that highlights the quality of our provision as a specialist creative university. BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts is a practical filmmaking course that focuses on the craft and aesthetics of contemporary filmmaking. With a focus on cinematic storytelling, the course allows you to design and create storyworlds for a range of audiences, and to gain real insight into the global filmmaking industries. This course allows you to explore the skills necessary to succeed as a practical filmmaker. These include cinematography and lighting design, directing and camera operation, sound design and mixing, production design and art direction, editing and post production. Alongside this you are challenged to consider the role of film in society, how audiences consume film across multiple platforms, and how best to showcase your own work to audiences. From initial idea, to shooting and screening, you will be encouraged to think through the creative techniques you choose to use, whilst also considering your work in relation to culture, society and the wider world. Being filmmakers in an Arts University allows for creative collaborations that make for unique works being created, sometimes beyond traditional film forms, including screen-based installations, music videos and site specific cinema. Led by a team of practicing filmmakers, sound artists and film writers, all areas of your learning are underpinned by rigorous critical thinking and cultural enquiry in order to understand how film functions in its many contemporary forms. Our experienced technicians support your practical learning, and you’ll have access to our outstanding facilities including film and media studios, sound recording and post-production studios, vocal recording booths and foley studio space. Our Multimedia Lab is stocked with a specialist media equipment, with cameras including Arri Alexa, Black Magic Ursa, Arri Super 16mm cinema cameras, camera rigs, specialist lighting kit, sound recording kit and much more. Our on-site independent cinema, run by Plymouth Arts Cinema, provides the perfect opportunity for you to display your work on the big screen as well as to watch a diverse programme of films, and to engage in specialist film-focused events. With a rich programme of visiting filmmakers and lecturers, and opportunities to take on professional client briefs from your first year, you will have the chance to build a creative network that will truly support your development as a filmmaker. We have established links with NAHEMI, BFI, Royal Television Society and the Aesthetica Film Festival, as well as many filmmaking professionals and organisations. You’ll have the opportunity to attend international film festivals such as Glasgow Short Film Festival, Rotterdam International Film Festival and Aethestica Film Festival, where our students have screened their own work as well as held panel discussions. Graduates of the course have had their work selected for screening at international film festivals including the London Short Film Festival, New York Tribeca Film Festival, and Raindance International Film Festival. Our alumni are employed across the globe at organisations including Paramount Pictures, Netflix, BBC, Aardman, ProDirect Sport, TwoFour and SpongeUK.