Skip to Main Content
Student editing a video with computer software

Film, Animation and Technology

Undergraduate Pathway in Film and Technology

According to The Guardian 2025 rankings, Birmingham City University (BCU) is:

  • 1st in the UK for Film Production and Photography
  • 20th in the UK for Animation and Game Design
  • 30th in the UK for Media and Film Studies.

You will have access to a range of specialist equipment and facilities, including multiple TV studios, a green screen and post-production suites.


Duration

  • Two semesters

Intakes

  • September
  • January

Entry Points

  • Foundation or International Year One

Progression Degrees

BSc (Hons) Digital Film Production*

Bring your creative ideas to life using BCU’s industry-standard sound, camera and lighting equipment. You will develop your own portfolio, learning how to apply technology and craft to complete the following process:

  • Narrative design
  • Selection and testing of cameras and lenses
  • Creating digital production workflows
  • Using professional sound and picture finishing software.

Find out more: BSc (Hons) Digital Film Production

BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering*

This degree has been designed to meet the needs of the audio industry. You will explore the following topics:

  • Live and studio sound engineering
  • Audio electronics
  • Audio software engineering
  • Acoustics.

Find out more: BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering

Foundation Modules – Computing Stream*

One-Semester Foundation

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Programming Techniques

This module covers the fundamentals of programming, how it is used, and how it contributes to the engineering process and solves engineering problems. You will also learn about the purpose and processes of object-orientated programming, as well as gaining an introductory understanding of Java.

Introduction to Web Application Development

This module introduces the core concepts, tools, and practices of web application development. It focuses on developing practical skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while laying a strong conceptual foundation in how web technologies work together to create interactive web pages. You will apply design principles, code structure, and basic programming to create responsive and visually engaging websites.

Two-Semester Foundation

Semester 1

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 1

This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

Programming Techniques

This module covers the fundamentals of programming, how it is used, and how it contributes to the engineering process and solves engineering problems. You will also learn about the purpose and processes of object-orientated programming, as well as gaining an introductory understanding of Java.

ICT Skills

This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills, including applications and reporting mechanisms.

Semester 2

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Design Concepts

This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

Introduction to Web Application Development

This module introduces the core concepts, tools, and practices of web application development. It focuses on developing practical skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while laying a strong conceptual foundation in how web technologies work together to create interactive web pages. You will apply design principles, code structure, and basic programming to create responsive and visually engaging websites.

Critical Thinking

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

Three-Semester Foundation

Semester 1

Academic English

This module focuses on speaking and listening, reading and vocabulary, writing and grammar, and academic writing. The aim is to build your confidence in communication.

Numeracy Skills

You will gain basic skills in counting, solving number problems, measuring, estimating, sorting, noticing patterns, and adding and subtracting numbers.

Study Skills

This module will teach you how to effectively absorb, comprehend, process, and retain information within a learning context. You will learn strategies and techniques to enhance your learning capacity to succeed in higher education. Topics will include: avoiding plagiarism, managing your time, reading, note taking, referencing and revision.

Seminar Sessions (Employability)

TBC

Semester 2

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 1

This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

Programming Techniques

This module covers the fundamentals of programming, how it is used, and how it contributes to the engineering process and solves engineering problems. You will also learn about the purpose and processes of object-orientated programming, as well as gaining an introductory understanding of Java.

ICT Skills

This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills, including applications and reporting mechanisms.

Semester 3

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Design Concepts

This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

Introduction to Web Application Development

This module introduces the core concepts, tools, and practices of web application development. It focuses on developing practical skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while laying a strong conceptual foundation in how web technologies work together to create interactive web pages. You will apply design principles, code structure, and basic programming to create responsive and visually engaging websites.

Critical Thinking

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

Foundation Modules – Media Stream**

One-Semester Foundation

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Knowledge & Understanding of Creative Practice in Art & Design

You will develop an understanding of contemporary, cultural, social and historical contexts in art and design. This will help you develop your creative practice and make informed decisions about your pathway choices.

Information Researching, Recording and Responding in Art & Design

During this module, you will learn how to undertake in-depth research while exploring many ways to record your findings. You will also learn how to respond to problems, enabling you to develop your skills, self-confidence and studio practice.

Extended Media Experimentation

You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.

Two-Semester Foundation

Semester 1

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 1

This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

ICT Skills

This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills, including applications and reporting mechanisms.

Media Experimentation in Art and Design

You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media – experimenting with both traditional and contemporary processes and techniques. You will gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of media, using critical review and reflection in the planning and development of your own ideas.

Semester 2

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Design Concepts

This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

Programming Techniques

This module covers the fundamentals of programming, how it is used, and how it contributes to the engineering process and solves engineering problems. You will also learn about the purpose and processes of object-orientated programming, as well as gaining an introductory understanding of Java.

Extended Media Experimentation

You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.

Three-Semester Foundation

Semester 1

Academic English

This module focuses on speaking and listening, reading and vocabulary, writing and grammar, and academic writing. The aim is to build your confidence in communication.

Numeracy Skills

You will gain basic skills in counting, solving number problems, measuring, estimating, sorting, noticing patterns, and adding and subtracting numbers.

Creative Concepts

TBC

Seminar Sessions (Employability)

TBC

Semester 2

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 1

This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

ICT Skills

This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills, including applications and reporting mechanisms.

Media Experimentation in Art and Design

You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media – experimenting with both traditional and contemporary processes and techniques. You will gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of media, using critical review and reflection in the planning and development of your own ideas.

Semester 3

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Design Concepts

This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

Programming Techniques

This module covers the fundamentals of programming, how it is used, and how it contributes to the engineering process and solves engineering problems. You will also learn about the purpose and processes of object-orientated programming, as well as gaining an introductory understanding of Java.

Extended Media Experimentation

You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.

Other Programme Details

International Year One Modules

You will be studying BCU modules together with direct BCU students. For information on the modules, check the BCU course page for your chosen degree.

In addition to the BCU modules, you will study Interactive Learning Skills and Communication with BCUIC:

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Entry Requirements

For BSc (Hons) Music Technology, you must have one of the following:

  • GCSE Music at grade 4 (C) or above
  • Music Theory grade 5
  • Proficiency of performance on one instrument equivalent to ABRSM or RockSchool Grade 5.

Career Prospects

  • VFX Artist
  • Film Director
  • Sound Engineer
  • Location Manager
  • Production Designer

Industry-standard Facilities

BCU’s School of Games, Film and Animation is based in the Parkside Building on BCU’s City Centre Campus. Inside you will find a suite of TV and radio studios, post-production suites, and a huge green screen studio.

Our Facilities – Film and Animation
Back to Top