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BA|Undergraduate

Film and Theatre Making

Entry year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry requirements
ABB
Duration
3 years (Full-time)
UCAS code
WW65

The BA in Film and Theatre Making combines the strengths of Queen’s highly regarded Film and Drama departments, offering students a unique opportunity to study the intricacies of production practice in both film and theatre. Over the three years of the programme, students will learn the basics of directing and acting, along with technical and production elements for both stage and screen.

Queen’s is unique among Russell Group institutions in offering a pathway in Film and Theatre Making, allowing the best and brightest students to focus on practical skills in both disciplines.

Film and Theatre Making highlights

World Class Facilities

Students make use of Queen’s state-of-the- art Film Studio, the QFT with two digital cinemas, the 120-seat Brian Friel Theatre (with full lighting and sound facilities) and studio rehearsal space.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Discover/facilities/

Internationally Renowned Experts

The programme features world-leading experts in Documentary film, British Film and Drama, Irish Drama, Shakespeare, dance, etc.

Student Experience

Extracurricular performance opportunities are offered by the Tyrone Guthrie Society and the student Drama Society, which have taken productions to student festivals in Ireland and the UK as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and to festivals in Belgium and Italy.

Industry Links

This programme features close links to the Lyric Theatre Belfast, Film NI and the BBC.

Global Opportunities

Students in the BA in Film and Theatre making will receive training in acting, directing and film and theatre production from professionals in both areas.

Queen's University Belfast is committed to providing a range of international opportunities to its students during their degree programme. Details of this provision are currently being finalised and will be available from the University website once confirmed.

Professional Accreditations

Accredited as Avid Authorised Learning Partner for Education, we offer industry accredited certification in Media composer.

Further Study Opportunities

Further study, including Master’s programmes, is also an option; see the School website for further information.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/ael

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Introduction

In each year, students will integrate practical learning with historical and theoretical modules that encourage them to take lessons from the history of theatre and film to create new, exciting and innovative work.

Stage 1

In Level 1 you will take five core modules that are designed to introduce the core theories and concepts relevant to the study of Film and Theatre production. You will also have the opportunity to choose a further module in an area of interest.

Stage 2

In Level 2 you will undertake one compulsory module, and choose a further five. Subject to availability there is a wide range of topics available, allowing you to follow existing enthusiasms and develop new interests too. The modules are designed to build on the learning gained in Level 1.

Stage 3

In Level 3 you will choose six modules -- again designed to build on and deepen your knowledge and understanding of Film and Theatre Making. Subject to availability there is a wide range available, including a Work-based Learning module, supporting your employability, and a Dissertation module that supports independent (but supervised) investigation of the subject(s).

People teaching you

Senior Lecturer in Drama

Arts, English and Languages

Contact Teaching Hours

Large Group Teaching

3 (hours maximum)
hours of lectures

Personal Study

22 (hours maximum)
20-22 hours of reading and group preparation

Medium Group Teaching

10 (hours maximum)
3-6 hours of seminars/tutorials; 6-10 hours of workshops and practical training

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

0 (hours maximum)
Varies

Learning and Teaching

The BA in Film and Theatre Making provides a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  • E-Learning technologies

    Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with audiovisual production processes in practical and project-based work etc.

  • Lectures

    Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

  • Personal Tutor

    Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

  • Practical Workshops

    Where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. Workshops will help you develop practical skills in both film and drama.

  • Professional projects

    Students will engage in projects in film and theatre in second and third year in which they will receive guidance from industry professionals throughout the process.

  • Self-directed study

    This is a vital part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

  • Seminars/tutorials

    Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide the opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

  • Work placements

    Students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in Year 3. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • Assessment is by film projects, performances, presentation, and written coursework. The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning Objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Outline Document which is provided to all students.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module covenors, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
  • Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
  • Placement employer comments or references.
  • Online or emailed comment.
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
  • Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
  • Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
  • Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
  • Once you have reviewed your feedback, you are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Facilities

Film and Theatre Making students have access to the Brian Friel Theatre, a 120-seat black box theatre with full lighting and sound facilities, backstage area and shop, and dressing rooms. Classes and rehearsals take place in a rehearsal room that also serves as a studio theatre.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Discover/facilities/BrianFrielTheatre/

For film work, students have access to Queen’s brand new state-of-the-art Film Studio, opened in 2015.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Discover/facilities/filmstudio/

What our academics say

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Overview

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

    Educational Drama (20 credits)
    Modernis Theatre (20 credits)
    Acting Shakespeare (20 credits)
    World Cinema (20 credits)
    Popular Genres (20 credits)
    Radio Drama (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

    Hollywood Cinema 2 (20 credits)
    Solo Performance (20 credits)
    Work-based Learning (20 credits)
    Film Genre Studies (20 credits)
    Media and Time (20 credits)
    Dissertation (20 credits)
    Dissertation (20 credits)
    Gender and Media (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

A level requirements

ABB

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70%.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades D*DD

RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades D*DD

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree.

All applicants

There are no specific subject requirements to study Film and Theatre Making, however, students should have an interest in studying theatre and performance, and be prepared to participate in practical theatre classes. All applicants who receive offers will be invited to attend an offer holders’ day, where they will gain experience of what Drama at Queen’s involves.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

How we choose our students

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For entry to Film and Theatre Making last year, offers were initially made to those who achieved at least three GCSE passes at grade B/6 or above plus three GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above, to include English Language. The final threshold varies from year to year depending on competition for places and, last year, offers were made to applicants with a minimum of six GCSE passes with two B/6 grades and four C/4 grades or better (to include English Language). Performance in any AS or A-level examinations already completed would also have been taken into account and the Selector checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account. Last year the initial Junior Certificate profile to qualify to be made an offer was 3B/3 Higher Merit and 3C/3 Merit grades. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied. This threshold may be lowered as the cycle progresses depending upon the number and quality of applications. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial threshold.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat candidates is set in terms of three A-levels and may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, will also be considered.

For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits. For those offering a Higher National Diploma, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile but, to be eligible for an offer, applicants must have good grades in the first year of their HND. The current entrance requirements are successful completion of the HND with 2 Distinctions, 10 Merits and 4 Passes overall. Any consideration would be for Stage 1 entry only.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of BA degrees, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

With its practical and professional components, study in Film and Theatre at Queen‘s provides an excellent background for work in film, television, on the stage, and in the creative industries. Our graduates have progressed to a range of entertainment and media-based careers.

Employment after the Course

Our graduates have progressed to a range of entertainment and media-based careers.

Positions obtained by recent graduates of Film and Drama at Queen’s include:
Researcher at BBC NI
Production Trainee at BBC
Professional actors & directors for the stage
On-set VFX Supervisor for HBO (Game of Thrones)
Camera Department for HBO (Game of Thrones)
Festival Director at Belfast Film Festival
Editor at Fifty Fifty Productions, London

Graduates of our separate Film and Drama programmes have gone on to significant successes in the professional world. Success stories include Des Kennedy, Touring Director of Once and Associate Director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; Shaun Blaney, an actor, winner of the 2015 International Academy of Web Television Best Male Actor Award for Farr (RTÉ); Seamus O’Hara, an actor, currently featured in My Mother and Other Strangers (BBC).

Other popular graduate career routes include education and training, arts administration, public relations, marketing and postgraduate study.

Further study, including Master’s programmes, is also an option; see the School website for further information.

Prizes and Awards

Students in the programme will have the opportunity to compete for the Brian Friel Award in theatre practice as well as Queen’s Foundation Awards.

Students regularly win Royal Television Society and other student awards at both local and national level.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £20,800
International £20,800

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

An Avid Authorised Training Manual for Media Composer is required at level 1 at a cost of approx. £45.

Students will be provided with all of the film equipment and editing suites needed. Students are not expected to purchase their own camera, laptop or editing software.

Students are required to purchase a USB 3 hard drive at a cost of approximately £90 for personal use. Students are occasionally required to purchase tickets for performances. This is estimated at a maximum of £100 per year.

Students may also incur some costs on props or costumes, but these are discouraged as the School will be able to provide these (or similar) in most cases.

An Avid Authorised Training Manual for Media Composer is required at Stage 1 at a cost of approximately £45. Film Production will provide all of the film, sound, media equipment and editing suites needed. Students are occasionally required to purchase tickets for performances. This is estimated at a maximum of £100 per year. Students may also incur some costs on props or costumes, but these are discouraged as the School will be able to provide these (or similar) in most cases.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

  1. Applying through UCAS
    Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
  2. Applying direct
    The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
  3. Applying through agents and partners
    The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus