Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Filmmaking
Discover the power of compelling storytelling as you turn ideas into moving images. Develop your creative voice and master the technical craft of filmmaking.
Course overview
-
P315 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Turn bold ideas into unforgettable screen stories
Got a story to tell? On this hands-on, immersive filmmaking degree, you’ll work in professional-standard studios as you develop your creative voice and master the technical and collaborative craft behind drama, documentary, and experimental film.
From your very first concept to final cut, you’ll learn how to shape ideas into powerful visual experiences that connect with audiences. You’ll explore directing, cinematography, sound, editing, and production, gaining a deep understanding of how films are made and why they matter.
Taught by industry-experienced tutors, the course mirrors professional working practices and encourages collaboration, experimentation, and independent thinking. You’ll work across every stage of the filmmaking process, build confidence in your creative decisions, and graduate as a technically skilled, imaginative filmmaker ready for the screen industries, or to forge your own creative path.
As part of this filmmaking course, you’ll:
- Develop your creative practice through film theory, critical thinking, and hands-on production
- Learn to understand your audience – who they are, how they watch, and how to engage them through powerful visual storytelling
- Discover and refine your creative voice, exploring the responsibilities of filmmaking while developing a confident, distinctive approach to your work
- Collaborate with fellow students on productions that reflect real-world industry workflows
State-of-the-art facilities
Based at The Northern Film School in the Leeds School of Art, right in the heart of Leeds city centre, you'llwork in professional-standard studiosdesigned to mirror the screen industries.
- 220-seat Dolby Atmos cinema
- Professional digital film production equipment (cameras, lighting, and sound)
- Four film studios and a dedicated green screen studio
- Foley and ADR recording studios
- Immersive sound mixing and 5.1 edit suites
- Colour grading and editing suites
- Production offices and collaboration spaces
- Props, design, and costume store
- Film and script archive
Teaching expertise
You’ll learn from filmmakers. Our tutors bring a wealth of professional experience across drama, documentary, and experimental film, with specialist expertise in screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, sound, and post-production.
Collaboration sits at the heart of the course, helping you become a self-reliant, adaptable, and technically confident creative who can thrive as part of a professional production team.
Student work
See what you could create. Explore our YouTube playlist showcasing our students’ final projects, from short films to documentaries, and experience the ambition, originality, and range of work produced at the Northern Film School.
Professional recognition
This degree is recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries. It carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark, identifying it as one of the courses best suited to prepare you for a successful career in film and television.
Why study the BA Filmmaking course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Industry-recognised by industry body ScreenSkills
- Strong links to the creative industries in Yorkshire region, across the UK, and internationally
- Taught by industry-experienced filmmakers, with collaboration at the heart of every production
- Study in Leeds - the birthplace of film, home to the one of the UK's oldest cinemas Channel 4's national headquarters
- Access to professional, industry standard filmmaking facilities, at theLeeds School of Arts
Explore videos and blogs
BA (Hons) Filmmaking at the Northern Film School Find out more from staff and students about our Filmmaking course at the Northern Film School, including course content, career opportunities and the facilities on offer within the Leeds School of Arts building.
Curiosity needs you | Why you should study Filmmaking at Leeds Beckett University Jack tells us how his course is developing unique skills to help with his future career, and how studying filmmaking at Leeds Beckett has helped him grow as a person.
Student Work | Northern Film School Explore student work from our Northern Film School. Curious about what you could create at Leeds School of Arts? Join us at one of our Leeds Beckett University Open Days to find out more.
My Defining Moments: Why you should study BA (Hons) Filmmaking at Leeds Beckett University Third-year student Samuel talks about his most memorable moments studying at Leeds Beckett University.
My defining Moments: Why you should study BA (Hons) Filmmaking at Leeds Beckett University Third-year student Marion shares her most memorable moments studying at Leeds Beckett University.
Leeds School of Arts ‘When I feel like I’m sinking’ is a poem to mark the opening of the Leeds School of Arts building at Leeds Beckett University. Recited by the poet and Leeds Beckett graduate, Zodwa Nyoni, this short film showcases the creative work produced by our Performing Arts, Music and Sound, Filmmaking, and Creative Technologies students and graduates.
Leeds School of Arts Northern Film School facilities Find out more about our industry-standard film facilities
Northern Film School Showreel With its roots originating in the late 1970s in the Leeds Polytechnic Film Unit, the Northern School of Film and Television came into being in January 1990. Eventually simplifying its name to the Northern Film School and residing within the Leeds School of Arts at Leeds Beckett University, the Northern Film School offers filmmaking awards at BA (Hons), MA and PhD levels, attracting students from around the world.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112-120
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
112-120
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112-120 points required.
(Minimum 72-80 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112-120 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112-120 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
112-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, examples of which could include: cartoons; photography; video; scripts; storyboards; art work; written critical papers or reviews; radio recordings. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.
We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.  Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.
*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.  
Our commitment to your creativity
We ask all successful applicants to attend an on campus session with Leeds School of Arts. Why? Because we want to invest in YOU! This is an opportunity to use our fantastic facilities, meet the academic staff who will teach you, and meet students you will study with. You will also take part in taster sessions, specific to your area of study, all of which will help strengthen your professional skills.
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
112-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, examples of which could include: cartoons; photography; video; scripts; storyboards; art work; written critical papers or reviews; radio recordings. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload is indicative and may be subject to change.
What you'll learn
Explore how films are shaped by story, form, history, and culture. This module introduces key concepts in narrative, genre, film language, and cinematic conventions, helping you understand how meaning is created through image and sound. You'll examine the relationship between theory and practice, developing insight into the visual and sonic nature of filmmaking. The module also introduces screenwriting and scripting, exploring how ideas on the page are transformed into stories on the screen.
Discover the creative power of image and sound. Through a structured series of creative exercises, you'll explore the essential properties of moving image and audio, both as individual elements and when combined in film. Working collaboratively, you'll develop core visual and aural skills alongside creativity, communication, resilience, and problem-solving. This module establishes a collaborative working ethos that will underpin your filmmaking practice throughout the course.
Learn how fictional worlds are created on screen. This module introduces key forms and approaches to narrative filmmaking, exploring how visual, performative, and technical elements come together to create compelling stories. Building on skills developed earlier in the course, you'll engage in activities such as visualisation, staging, and mise-en-scene. Working in small groups, you'll put theory into practice by creating filmed scenes that explore character, story, and cinematic space.
Explore documentary filmmaking as a vital and dynamic part of the global film and broadcast industries. This module introduces the history, theory, and contemporary practice of documentary film, examining a range of forms, techniques, and approaches. Working collaboratively, you'll research, produce, direct, and edit documentary content, developing skills in interviewing and working with contributors. Through practical exercises, you'll gain hands-on experience creating factual films rooted in observation and real-world storytelling.
What you'll learn
Push the boundaries of form and storytelling. This module explores experimental approaches to filmmaking, encouraging you to question conventions and experiment with film language, structure, and process. You'll engage with film history, theory, and creative practice while reflecting on your own values, skills, and creative voice with international and multicultural context. In the second semester, you'll put theory into practice by producing an experimental film that explores new ways of making meaning through moving image.
Expand your creative and technical understanding of documentary and fiction filmmaking. Through a series of practical projects, you'll test and refine your approach to form, narrative, and storytelling. Practice-based workshops and tutorials will support you in developing your creative ambitions while working collaboratively as part of a filmmaking team. This module encourages experimentation, reflection, and confidence in your evolving practice.
Develop your creative voice and begin shaping your professional identity. This module gives you time and space to research, generate ideas, and collaborate on the development of a portfolio of work. You'll work across disciplines such as screenwriting, cinematography, sound, editing, producing, and directing, exploring where your interests and strengths lie. By considering the wider creative industries, you'll begin to understand potential career pathways and the opportunities available beyond graduation.
Experience the filmmaking process from preproduction to production. This module follows the journey of a film, through idea development, planning, and on-set execution. You'll experiment with concepts, engage in critical reflection, and focus on design, performance, and collaborative crew roles. Working within a production structure modelled on industry practice, you’ll embed your skills through hands-on filmmaking and teamwork to realise your creative goals.
This module will teach you to embed research and development as practical and intellectual tasks. You'll research, devise and implement an informed by undertaking sector and discipline research. This R&D will culminate in either a dissertation plan if you are a home student, or a research artefact if you are an international student.
What you'll learn
Develop advanced understanding of the conceptual, historical, technical, and cultural contexts of film and moving image. This module supports you in becoming an independent learner, capable of designing and conducting an individual research project. You'll engage critically with theory and practice, and towards the end of the module, you'll have the opportunity to share your research through a symposium or public event.
Bring everything together in a major piece of creative work. In this module, you'll collaborate with peers to produce a short film, or develop a substantial screenplay for film or television, such as a feature-length script or episodic TV writing. Building on your learning across the course, you'll engage in critical reflection and advanced storytelling through image, sound, and music. The module supports you in refining your creative practice and producing a confident, professional-standard final project.
Develop your individual and collaborative practice through research and practical experimentation, underpinned by craft skills development. You'll investigate opportunities to work within a 'real' context, enabling you to develop a clear understanding of relevant creative industries and to prepare you for the workplace. Your practice, both in terms of research and external projects, will feed directly into your work on Major Project.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Professional futures module placement (cost for placement travel will vary).
Optional Costs
- Aestheica Film Festival and Aestheica Short Film Festival in York. Cost for travel and pass will vary.
- Camerimage film Festival in Poland. Cost for travel, accommodation and pass will vary.
- Docfest in Sheffield. Cost for travel, accommodation if necessary, and pass will vary.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Professional futures module placement (cost for placement travel will vary).
Optional Costs
- Aestheica Film Festival and Aestheica Short Film Festival in York. Cost for travel and pass will vary.
- Camerimage film Festival in Poland. Cost for travel, accommodation and pass will vary.
- Docfest in Sheffield. Cost for travel, accommodation if necessary, and pass will vary.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This filmmaking degree prepares you for a varied career in the fast-moving, competitive, and constantly evolving screen industry. You’ll graduate with a clear sense of your creative identity, a strong professional skillset, and a focused approach to career development.
Our graduates have worked on major TV productions including Game of Thrones, 24: Live Another Day, and Utopia, as well as blockbuster films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fury, and Maleficent. Others have secured internships with organisations like Working Title Films and ITV or progressed to postgraduate study at the Northern Film School.
Specific job roles you can expect to go into include:
- Assistant director
- Cinematographer
- Editor
- Producer
- Content creator
- Videography assistant
- Lighting or sound trainee
- Production assistant
BA (Hons) Filmmaking - Costume Design and Animation Workshop Find out more about the Costume Design and Animation Workshop, which took place as part of the Creative Conversations Week 2024. Filmmaking student Lauren explains how she benefits from meeting industry experts as part of her course.
My experience at the Northern Film School is one that I truly have treasured, meeting fantastic fellow filmmakers who have helped me to evolve and develop my craft. I wish to thank everyone at the film school, whose help will forever be highly valued as I enter the industry, whilst also being integral to the production of my award winning film 'On Top of the World'.
Ewan Thomas
BA (Hons) Filmmaking graduate
Julius Ayodeji
Course Director / Leeds School of Arts
Julius is really interested in storytelling.
This course prepares you for an industry that is ever-changing, demanding and highly competitive. You will emerge with a strong understanding of your specialism, and with a focused approach towards personal development and career planning.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Showing you around Leeds School of Arts | Student Vlog BA (Hons) Filmmaking student, Morgan, takes you around the Leeds School of Arts building.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
