The Student Room Group

Trouble choosing University for Film BA

I will be going to the UK in September 2024 for BA in Film and right now I am very interested in both University of East Anglia and University of Westminster.

The problem is, I can’t for the life of me choose which. I heard good things of UEA and it is top 25 universities in the UK? Their modules seem very theory heavy but I like their topics. Norwich seems so calm and pretty to live in— also cheaper than london but their industry connections and facilities is minimal compared to Westminster.

Now for Uni of Westminster, I heard good things about their film courses plus they are in central london with many industry connections. But the downside is it is a little more expensive to live in.

Can anyone please advise on which is the better option to take?

Reply 1

Original post by Cheepah
I will be going to the UK in September 2024 for BA in Film and right now I am very interested in both University of East Anglia and University of Westminster.
The problem is, I can’t for the life of me choose which. I heard good things of UEA and it is top 25 universities in the UK? Their modules seem very theory heavy but I like their topics. Norwich seems so calm and pretty to live in— also cheaper than london but their industry connections and facilities is minimal compared to Westminster.
Now for Uni of Westminster, I heard good things about their film courses plus they are in central london with many industry connections. But the downside is it is a little more expensive to live in.
Can anyone please advise on which is the better option to take?

Hi Cheepah,

My name is Will, I'm a 3rd Year Media Production student at Bournemouth University.
While I can see that Bournemouth isn't one of your options, I am from Norfolk and know Norwich very well, and I have just spent a year living in London on my placement year. So I thought I'd help you out and give an overview of both Norwich and London.

1.

Norwich

Norwich itself is a great city, it is medieval town with lots of beautiful architecture and lots going on. It did decline a bit during covid with lots of shops closing, but it is picking back up again and I enjoy the city every time I go in.
The University is based just outside of the city itself, but there are very frequent buses all over the city so it is very easy to get in and out of.
You also have buses that go out of the city so you can explore more of the Norfolk countryside. You can also get the train from Norwich to so many places including seaside towns like Cromer, Great Yarmouth or 2 hours directly into London Liverpool Street.
For film, you have sooooo many locations you are able to film in and because Norfolk is primarily countryside, you don't have to travel far for either an urban or rural setting for your film.
I love living in Norfolk, it is such a beautiful county and even if you don't choose it for university, definitely come and visit!

1.

London

London, needs no introduction really, it is the capital city with so much going on. You are right that it is expensive, especially accommodation. I just finished my placement year as a Production Management Intern at The Walt Disney Company so I was living in London for a year. And while it was expensive, I had the most amazing time. The biggest thing about London is how well connected it is, you have everything you need practically on your doorstep and there is always something different to do.
I'm not particularly sure what it is like for student filming as I've only been onto bigger sets for TV series' in London but I would imagine there is so much opportunity in London. Plus you have so many transport options for travelling outside of the city for filming that you are spoilt for choice.

I hope this helps
Will - BU Student Rep

Reply 2

Original post by Cheepah
I will be going to the UK in September 2024 for BA in Film and right now I am very interested in both University of East Anglia and University of Westminster.

The problem is, I can’t for the life of me choose which. I heard good things of UEA and it is top 25 universities in the UK? Their modules seem very theory heavy but I like their topics. Norwich seems so calm and pretty to live in— also cheaper than london but their industry connections and facilities is minimal compared to Westminster.

Now for Uni of Westminster, I heard good things about their film courses plus they are in central london with many industry connections. But the downside is it is a little more expensive to live in.

Can anyone please advise on which is the better option to take?

Are these your only 2 offers?
There’s plenty of CILECT member film schools with practical courses in less expensive and less stressful parts of the country than Westminster

Reply 3

Are these your only 2 offers?
There’s plenty of CILECT member film schools with practical courses in less expensive and less stressful parts of the country than Westminster


Well there is also Ravensbourne, Winchester and Metfilm but metfilm is too expensive and I dont think i would pick ravensbourne and Winchester

Reply 4

Original post by Cheepah
Well there is also Ravensbourne, Winchester and Metfilm but metfilm is too expensive and I dont think i would pick ravensbourne and Winchester


Would you be willing to try clearing?
AUB, Falmouth, South Wales, Leeds Beckett, UCA (although Farnham is a bit bleak) might have space on their film courses for good applicants (and if you have an offer from Westminster then you should be able to get an offer from most of these).
It seems like both Westminster and UEA are too much of a compromise for you.

Reply 5

Original post by Cheepah
I will be going to the UK in September 2024 for BA in Film and right now I am very interested in both University of East Anglia and University of Westminster.
The problem is, I can’t for the life of me choose which. I heard good things of UEA and it is top 25 universities in the UK? Their modules seem very theory heavy but I like their topics. Norwich seems so calm and pretty to live in— also cheaper than london but their industry connections and facilities is minimal compared to Westminster.
Now for Uni of Westminster, I heard good things about their film courses plus they are in central london with many industry connections. But the downside is it is a little more expensive to live in.
Can anyone please advise on which is the better option to take?

Hi there,
Congrats on receiving offers from both UEA and Westminster! Both universities have their unique strengths, so it’s understandable that you're finding it tough to choose.

Whilst I do not study film at UEA (PhD in Biology), from what I know UEA offers a BA in Film and Television Studies with a comprehensive curriculum that spans the history of film and television, from its earliest days to the present. The course focuses on the social and political contexts that have shaped media storytelling and includes topics like British television, global cinemas, and popular genres. Which seems pretty cool!

As with any other course at UEA, you'll benefit from UEA's outstanding facilities! A lot of students that do Film end up doing their final year project at the East Anglian Film Archive, but UEA also has partnerships with the British Film Institute and Norwich Film Festival. This can provide you with a lot of resources and networking opportunities for your future career.

The course also offers practical experience with media practice modules, where you can create your own film and television projects. UEA’s Television Studio and Media Suite are equipped with editing suites, cameras, sound equipment, and sound studios that you’ll be trained to use.

Norwich itself is a charming and affordable city, offering a calm and conducive environment for studying, unlike the hustle and bustle of London. Also, the cost of living in Norwich is 49% cheaper than in London and rent prices are 60% lower than in London.

Ultimately, it depends on what you value more, as I'm sure you'd do your best in both courses/ places.

Best of luck with your decision, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions about UEA!
Daniel

Reply 6

Original post by UEA Rep Daniel
Hi there,
Congrats on receiving offers from both UEA and Westminster! Both universities have their unique strengths, so it’s understandable that you're finding it tough to choose.
Whilst I do not study film at UEA (PhD in Biology), from what I know UEA offers a BA in Film and Television Studies with a comprehensive curriculum that spans the history of film and television, from its earliest days to the present. The course focuses on the social and political contexts that have shaped media storytelling and includes topics like British television, global cinemas, and popular genres. Which seems pretty cool!
As with any other course at UEA, you'll benefit from UEA's outstanding facilities! A lot of students that do Film end up doing their final year project at the East Anglian Film Archive, but UEA also has partnerships with the British Film Institute and Norwich Film Festival. This can provide you with a lot of resources and networking opportunities for your future career.
The course also offers practical experience with media practice modules, where you can create your own film and television projects. UEA’s Television Studio and Media Suite are equipped with editing suites, cameras, sound equipment, and sound studios that you’ll be trained to use.
Norwich itself is a charming and affordable city, offering a calm and conducive environment for studying, unlike the hustle and bustle of London. Also, the cost of living in Norwich is 49% cheaper than in London and rent prices are 60% lower than in London.
Ultimately, it depends on what you value more, as I'm sure you'd do your best in both courses/ places.
Best of luck with your decision, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions about UEA!
Daniel


Hi! Thank you so much for your reply, UEA sounds soo much fun and i am still stumped to choose to be honest.

You mentioned East Anglian Film Archive? Can you tell me a little bit more about it? Also, do you know where i can visually see the facilities that UEA has for this course?

Thank you so much again!

Reply 7

Original post by Cheepah
I will be going to the UK in September 2024 for BA in Film and right now I am very interested in both University of East Anglia and University of Westminster.
The problem is, I can’t for the life of me choose which. I heard good things of UEA and it is top 25 universities in the UK? Their modules seem very theory heavy but I like their topics. Norwich seems so calm and pretty to live in— also cheaper than london but their industry connections and facilities is minimal compared to Westminster.
Now for Uni of Westminster, I heard good things about their film courses plus they are in central london with many industry connections. But the downside is it is a little more expensive to live in.
Can anyone please advise on which is the better option to take?
Hello @Cheepah

Congratulations on your offers!

I am currently studying film and television studies at UEA, going into to my final year very soon! As I am taking studies there is a lot of theory related modules but during my second year and my final year, I was able to take more practical modules. We have some wonderful facilities which I was able to use and practice with, including the television studio.

We have an open day coming up on the 6th of July, if you are able to visit it would be a great opportunity to have a look round our lovely campus and see all of our facilities. However, if you aren’t able to attend then I would recommend having a look at our facebook page called ‘UEA TV STUDIO’, there are lots of pictures of our studio and you can also see what we get up to! 😃

If you were looking to focus more on the practical elements I would also recommend checking out the film and television production course https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/ba-film-and-television-production. As during your first year you will gain more hands on experience, you will then have the option to pick more theory related modules in your second and third year.

Any other questions feel free to ask
UEA REP Tiffany

Reply 8

Original post by UEA Rep Tiffany
Hello @Cheepah
Congratulations on your offers!
I am currently studying film and television studies at UEA, going into to my final year very soon! As I am taking studies there is a lot of theory related modules but during my second year and my final year, I was able to take more practical modules. We have some wonderful facilities which I was able to use and practice with, including the television studio.
We have an open day coming up on the 6th of July, if you are able to visit it would be a great opportunity to have a look round our lovely campus and see all of our facilities. However, if you aren’t able to attend then I would recommend having a look at our facebook page called ‘UEA TV STUDIO’, there are lots of pictures of our studio and you can also see what we get up to! 😃
If you were looking to focus more on the practical elements I would also recommend checking out the film and television production course https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/ba-film-and-television-production. As during your first year you will gain more hands on experience, you will then have the option to pick more theory related modules in your second and third year.
Any other questions feel free to ask
UEA REP Tiffany


Omg! I am applying for film and television production so I think I would have a little more balance of both theory and practical? Would you please share your experience with the practical modules? Are you satisfied with the facilities, how are the lecturers, any troubles you have faced? Did you have fun?

If you don’t mind I would also like to know if it’s possible for international students to find part-time jobs in Norwich… and what do they usually work as?

Thank you so much for your reply <3

Reply 9

Original post by Cheepah
Omg! I am applying for film and television production so I think I would have a little more balance of both theory and practical? Would you please share your experience with the practical modules? Are you satisfied with the facilities, how are the lecturers, any troubles you have faced? Did you have fun?
If you don’t mind I would also like to know if it’s possible for international students to find part-time jobs in Norwich… and what do they usually work as?
Thank you so much for your reply <3

Hi @Cheepah

For film and television production in your first year it is balanced between theory and practical. During your second and third years, you can choose between the options and tailor your course to focus on the elements you prefer, here is the module overview for your course https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/ba-film-and-television-production#course_modules

I’ve taken a few practical modules so far, my favourite was the live television production module. Our assessment was based on creating a live television show, which was very informative as we got to use all the camera equipment and learn how to operate the lighting. The facilities are amazing, all of our equipment is brand new and you are able to book out the equipment to use too! There was a few technical troubles, when learning but nothing the staff couldn’t help out with. It is a super fun course, I’ve made podcast, films, television shows and I am super excited for my final year😊

In terms of job opportunities we have lots of jobs available on a campus, from baristas to working in our SU shop and you can apply to be a student ambassador too! The amount of hours you can take are flexible, which is perfect for international students as visas can be a little restrictive on the amount of hours you work!

Wishing you the best of luck,
UEA REP Tiffany

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