BA Film
About this course
BA (Hons) Film, a film degree centred on the art and craft of cinema, spanning production, theory, and technical practice. Core topics include Research Methods. Students can undertake an optional year abroad. The first year covers core foundations through Key Concepts in Filmmaking, Research and Communication Skills, Narrative Construction, and Editing Sound and Picture. The second year focuses on Film Histories and Key Theoretical Film Issues, Documentary Filmmaking, Cinematic Genres, and Sound Design. The third year involves individually tailored filmmaking projects within specialist roles, work-related learning, Visual Anthropology, and screenwriting. The final year culminates in a practical project, a dissertation, and professional development skills.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Scottish Higher: Standard Entry Requirement: ABBB including English or other literary subject*. A level: BBC including English or other literary subject* (Film Studies and Moving Image Arts accepted as literary subjects). Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H2, H3 at Higher Level including English or other literary subject*. BTEC Extended Diploma: Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject. Additional A Level grade C English/Literary subject or equivalent required if the BTEC subject does not cover sufficient literary content. Example, BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production requires an additional A Level grade C in English/Literary subject. BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice is acceptable on it's own. IB: Award of Diploma with 29 points overall with three Higher Level subjects with grades 6,5,4 including English or other literary subject* at grade 5. HNC: Pass HNC in a related subject with grade B in the Graded Unit. T Level: Grade Merit T Level must be completed in a English/Literary subject or an A Level in an English subject may be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements. *Literary subjects accepted: Modern Studies, History, Psychology, RMPS, Theology, Media Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, Geography, Latin, Classics, A level Government and Politics, A level Classical Civilisation, A level Drama.
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What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 36%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 60%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 80 students who started
- Continued on course: 91%
- Left higher education: 3%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 6%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 100%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 30%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Skilled trades occupations: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Media Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- London: 5%
- Scotland: 95%
Who gets in
Based on about 70 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 11%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Modules
- Key Concepts in Filmmaking
- Research and Communication Skills
- Narrative Construction
- Essential Elements of Storytelling (plot, character, dialogue and engaging an audience)
- Editing Sound and Picture
- Systems of Continuity
- Screenwriting
- Film History
- Film Histories and Key Theoretical Film Issues
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Cinematic Genres
- Film Adaptation
- Cinematographer
- Editor
- Sound Design
- Writer
- Director
- Individually tailored filmmaking projects within specialist roles
- Work-related learning
- Critical and analytical abilities required to undertake a research topic
- Visual Anthropology
- Screenwriting
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Opportunity to study abroad
- Practical project (typically a short film or collaborative roles on a number of short films)
- Dissertation
- Professional development skills
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Film at Edinburgh Napier University earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £18,500 after 3 years, £25,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £18,000 and £28,500. The £25,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
What do graduates of BA Film at Edinburgh Napier University do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Film at Edinburgh Napier University?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Film at Edinburgh Napier University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 29 points in the IB. The average entrant had 180 UCAS points.
Does BA Film at Edinburgh Napier University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Film at Edinburgh Napier University?
91% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.