The best universities for film and tv production?

I disagree. If you want a job in the Television Industry then a TV Production course would be a good idea, as it gives you a very good idea of how the whole industry works, which you will need. Just being good at editing, or using a camera, is not enough.

Reply 82

JohnnyA

Hey everyone!

I'm a student from Finland and I have been looking universities in UK for a while now. I think I have read all the threads here with the words "Film Production", but I still can't say which uni would suit for me. So I hope someone could give me some advise which way to go from here…

First I think I need to tell you that I have some experience in films. In 2008 did EF Master English for Media & Art academic year in Los Angeles and in 2009-2010 I did one year practical film making course here in Finland. The first one of these (EF) was just a rip-off language course, but I have to admit that I loved those nine months I spend in LA. In Los Angeles I also had a chance to do an internship at film studios which of course looks nice on my CV. After EF I did 10 months Film & TV course at Voionmaa Institute which is similar to one year programs LFA and MET Film school offers… But this school didn't cost 20 000 pounds, this one did cost less than 4000 pounds including food and accommodation. :wink:

But this Voionmaa Institute was a great place to study film and here I learned a lot about film making. I also graduated from Voionmaa Institute as a best student from the film department. At Voionmaa I specialized in directing and I wish that next uni will allow me to continue my studies in this specialism.

So now I'm looking for a university which offers BA in film production. These universities are what I'm thinking about:

The Arts University College at Bournemouth
What I have read, this uni sounds like it's the best one in UK. I have heard they have nice facilities and the uni is also accredited by Skillset which I suppose is good? The only minus I had with AUCB is it's location. For me spending three yeas of my life in Bournemout doesn't sound so appealing… But if the uni is really the best one for Film Production and well recognized in the film industry, this is a small thing to overcome.

Bournemouth University
I know TV production degree which isn't really what I'm looking for, but I have hear so many great things about this degree, that I'm wondering is it better than Film Production course AUCB offers? I'm not into TV production to be honest with you, but I have also read that BU has way better facilities than AUCB for tv/film production. I don't really know but I might consider this BU's TV production degree if there is still a way to do more film production than TV…

University of the Arts London - London College of Communications
This school has BA Film and Television program which I have been also looking for. But here no one has said anything about this uni or course… Is it good for film production?

Leeds Metropolitan University
Film & Moving Image Production is the only course I'm interested at this uni. The course itself sounds great but I haven't found enough students opinions about this school & course. Good place to consider?

Westminster University
I remember reading that Westminster Film and Television Production course they have some excellent facilities for film students. So that's a big plus as well that uni is located in London area… But there few things that I'm concerned, if I choose to go to study at Westminster. First I would like to know how well recognized Westminster's Film and Television production course really is? It doesn't have a bad reputation teaching film? The second thing that worries me is the location. I have read some horrible reviews about Harrow where the film department is located and I'm kind of scared that it might be bad place to study...

York St John University
They have film production course and it also sounds good. I have read some good reviews about this uni but I don't really know does it suit for me.

But well these are the universities I have been looking for. I know that I should go to open days but it's hard when you live in another country. :rolleyes:

I know that London is expensive but if I spend three years in UK, I would like to spend that time somewhere around London... But if some other universities in UK are way better in film production, I'm ready to study anywhere in UK…

After I get my BA, I would like to continue Masters degree. So this is my "masterplan". Hopefully someone understands my situation here and can help me choosing where to study next. :wink:

Reply 83

The first thing to consider is that it is EXTREMELY expensive to live in London. For example, I live in Cheltenham for Uni and my house next year costs £65 per week (without utilities, which supposedly come to about £8 a week according to my uni) but my friend who is going to uni in London is spending £130 a week on a house (also without utilities).

I also would dissuade you from York St. John because of my negative experiences with it ...

Reply 84

i live on the out skirts of london and yes personally i would persuade you to go somewhere...cheaper.
dont go for a tv course if you want to do film, just because of equipment. my friend had interview at the arts uni in bournemouth and the people there were very rude to her, and she found the area wasnt very nice.
I wanted to go york st johns but too far for me but apart this person bad experience i have heard people who enjoyed it there.
have you looked at southampton solent?

Reply 85

Rhio

granger-malfoy

.....
have you looked at southampton solent?

With all due respect, I don't think Southampton Solent is highly regarded by employers etc. From what I have gathered living in the area, there's Southampton University.... and then there's Southampton Solent. If you get me. I also know a friend who did the film production course there and didn't recommend it.

Westminster University is incredible for film Production - very renowned. Go to an Open day or something! Their facilities are really impressive, as is their employment record and their work experience opportunities. They also do a Television course which has a LOT of work experience, a lot of editing suites and the opportunity to study the 2nd year abroad which a lot of people would find rather attractive.
Of course, as you have noted, the expense of living in London is extortionate and I'd argue the campus lifestyle isn't as lively.
Bournemouth is very credible in the eyes of an employer and has the only (or 1 of 2?) High Definition studio in Britain.

I think Edge Hill and Middlesex are quite good. Gloucestershire I've heard a lot about but can't say I've looked into it too much.
I couldn't tell you a lot about film / tv media studies however.

Hope this helps! :smile:

Reply 86

Rhio

... Oh yes and of course Leeds! That's supposed to be very good. Too far North for my liking though.

Reply 87

Gloucestershire is epic :ninja:

Reply 88

Rhio

With all due respect, I don't think Southampton Solent is highly regarded by employers etc. From what I have gathered living in the area, there's Southampton University.... and then there's Southampton Solent. If you get me. I also know a friend who did the film production course there and didn't recommend it.
Middlesex are quite good.QUOTE]

I think solent are getting more known, although i coudlnt speak for the film course but i know the tv courses a pretty good and know many people have gone into the industry and are doing very well. Also skillset
Yeah the area is very student based and thats it really. But im excited to be going.
I visted middlesex for open day to much countrysideish for me, the courses looked very good though and the people who gave a talk were very nice, the only thing that kind of put me off a little bit is that they are currently building a new media centre with fashion and something else. So in your second year you will be moved to the other campus harrow i think it was.

Reply 89

Television Production at Gloucestershire will be moving to Park Campus (still in Cheltenham) for 2011/2012 and there will be a brand new custom built studio there when we move :smile:

Reply 90

asanni

granger-malfoy

i live on the out skirts of london and yes personally i would persuade you to go somewhere...cheaper.
dont go for a tv course if you want to do film, just because of equipment. my friend had interview at the arts uni in bournemouth and the people there were very rude to her, and she found the area wasnt very nice.
I wanted to go york st johns but too far for me but apart this person bad experience i have heard people who enjoyed it there.
have you looked at southampton solent?

I'd like to inject that the arts uni at bournemouth is renowned for being the best because it is the best. I dont know much about ur friend's experience but wen i went there everyone was nice and freindly and cared more about ur opinions. The place is like a town, it's not as loud as london but it fulfulls your need with clubs, beach, galleries, cinemas e.tc and (if you are like me and you have a bit of city in you) london is only 2 hours away - of course get a railcard to get super cheap tickets to london.

ALSO! AUCB has great alumni in there like Nick Love and Simon Beaufoy. It's cheaper than london and it would be so worth it to study film production. I have seen their equipment and it is one of the best. I really wud recommend AUCB, not just bcoz i'm going there this year (whoopee!) but because it wud give u the best knowledge and skill for film production.

PS, i heard bournemouth uni is good for tv production, i had a sneak peek at their tv production equipment and studios when i went down to bournemouth... and yazooo! very impressive. I'm not too sure about their film production because it is held at a different college in a different location.

Reply 91

asanni

I'd like to inject that the arts uni at bournemouth is renowned for being the best because it is the best. I dont know much about ur friend's experience but wen i went there everyone was nice and freindly and cared more about ur opinions. The place is like a town, it's not as loud as london but it fulfulls your need with clubs, beach, galleries, cinemas e.tc and (if you are like me and you have a bit of city in you) london is only 2 hours away - of course get a railcard to get super cheap tickets to london.

ALSO! AUCB has great alumni in there like Nick Love and Simon Beaufoy. It's cheaper than london and it would be so worth it to study film production. I have seen their equipment and it is one of the best. I really wud recommend AUCB, not just bcoz i'm going there this year (whoopee!) but because it wud give u the best knowledge and skill for film production.

PS, i heard bournemouth uni is good for tv production, i had a sneak peek at their tv production equipment and studios when i went down to bournemouth... and yazooo! very impressive. I'm not too sure about their film production because it is held at a different college in a different location.

That was a personal opionion of the place, you obvisouly had a better experience than her but i have been round that area didnt find it amazing tbh but that might be cose im a london girl.
I wouldnt go for a tv course if you want to do film becasue they arent going to touch on the subject how you would want them to just because they have awesome equipment because your not going to be as happy.
Yes bournemouth is well known for being "the best" but thats also means that they turn alot of people down for their grades rather than experience, again i know people who moved uni in the first year as they felt that it was over rated( again personal opinion on how the course and atmosphere was for them)
its hard to choose by not seeing them but make sure the course fits you first then choose between them on whether the equipment is good and the where it is england.

Reply 92

never forever

hi there asanni,

seeing your uni choices and successful offers I am wondering how your experience/portofilio/etc looks like.
did you apply straight after high school? have you got loads of industry experience or whatever?

just curiuos
thanks
:wink:

Reply 93

JohnnyA

Thanks for sharing some thoughts about those universities I listed above. I would still like to know what do you think about LCC (London College of Communication) BA Film & TV course? The website of LCC makes the course sound good but still no one here really talks about this uni… I assume because people don't talk about it, it's not so great place to study (film production)?

Anyway now I have three places where I would like to apply:
1. AUCB
2. Westminster
3. Leeds Met

Can someone tell me how easy it's to get into these three universities if you have previous experience in film? I did read from Westminster's website that they have every year about 1000 students who wants to get in but they have only 58 places… Is it this hard to get into a university which teach film production?

I told you before I have done one year film making program here in Finland and now I'm doing one year photography course. Before these I did that media related academic year in Los Angeles. And about my experience with films I can say that I have directed/written several short films and my latest one (my graduation film) did even win some prizes. I know it's hard to say but what kind of chances do you think I have to get into these universities based on my previous experience?

This is my last question. Do these universities accept students without an interview? I mean could my previous studies, experience or portfolio be enough to get a place from AUCB for example?

Reply 94

I think the interview at AUCB is compulsory, and I imagine the same is true of Westminster. I know that Leeds University sent me an offer without asking for an interview, but whether or not the same is true of Leeds Met I don't know.

Of the 5 places I applied to for Television Production, only Gloucestershire (Where I am studying now) asked me for an interview.

Reply 95

hmm it my be different for international students.
I think some of the unis would be intersted in how much u have studied it and how interested and determined you are in this subject.

Reply 96

Also, none of the courses I applied to asked for a portfolio before giving me an offer, and since I didn't have one (or say I had one) it's not such a big thing (in my experience) but it certainly helps when it comes to showing your passion.

What I've learned from helping out with the interview process at my uni over the past year is that passion for the subject is definitely a big thing in deciding whether you'll be given a place. Your experience will show your passion :smile:

And if your work is available online then you could pass that on to them if they don't ask you for an interview.

Reply 97

Venky5

Hello guys,

Am an overseas student and have planned to take my PG in film production at UK..
Now i have got the conditional offer from 3 universities but am very confused the choose the right one.. I wud really like to see some suggestions here .. Here's the list !

University of Wales - MA in film
University of Gloucestershire - MA screen cultures
University if sheffield hallam univeristy - MA film and media production

Also ur opinion about the places too are welcome !

Reply 98