Are you interested in studying Film at Bournemouth University? Second year student Thomas Sutherland has an introduction to the course.

I entered the BA (Hons) Film course with no prior experience in the field, which had me worried about whether I would be behind my classmates. However, after the introduction lecture and meeting the faculty on my first day, all those concerns were gone. They were welcoming and thorough with their explanation of both the course structure and their expectations of the students. It was also mentioned that they would teach the course from the ground up in different ways than what might have been taught previously at college or sixth form, and that it would be challenging for anyone, despite prior knowledge. This really comforted me and made me feel included in the course.

The course delivered on these claims. Not even a week in, I had already learnt interesting topics and concepts that I can use in films without needing to know a bunch of things beforehand. I also had multiple opportunities to use the university’s cameras and equipment, whilst also being talked through how to book the kit when I want to use it outside of seminars. The course is a perfect blend of theory and practical film study. The theory is covered in the lectures and further explored in the seminars, whether it’s through group activities, creative writing tasks or practical workshops.

During the course, there are many opportunities to explore the entire field of the film industry. In your first year, you begin with the basics: writing film stories, learning cinematography skills and critiquing films. These all accumulate together to make a final project at the end of your first seminar, which uses all the skills learnt. After that, it branches to a more ambiguous set of assignments which let you both experiment without risk and explore what interests you the most. My first year was fun, and forming groups makes a bond with some course mates that is unlike anything I’ve had before. I personally enjoy the writing unit the most, as it really lets you explore your own process of creating, whilst still giving options to follow if I’m stuck.

When I was deciding where to study film, I was conflicted due to many reputable places being available to me. I decided to come to Bournemouth because the biggest factor for me was incorporating both theory and practical aspects of film into my studies. Whilst most other courses explore these aspects separately (writing one unit and filming another with separate assignments) Bournemouth blends them together so that learning feels more like a journey than a planned timetable. You study different things in different units, but it all comes together and transfers between them as you assemble this final piece. Everything teaches you something on the course, whether good or bad. The feedback helps you with this, as the lecturers are amazing at supporting your projects quickly and efficiently, giving helpful notes and praise where it’s due.

Overall, I’m so glad I came to Bournemouth for this course. I don’t think I would have this sense of belonging anywhere else. I’ve made likeminded friends who I’m not ashamed to share ideas with, but I also know they would give me honest feedback so I can improve. I also know that I have many options open to me in this industry, and that with this course I can continue to do whatever I want to once I graduate.

Find out more

Media, Film, TV & Music Production courses