Level 4 HNC in Film & Television

Course Overview

Course Type:

Higher Education

Available at:

Available at Fareham tagFareham

Course Area:

Creative Industries

Course Duration:

1 Year

Available at:

Available at Fareham tagFareham

The Course in Detail

This Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Film and Television is ideal if you are looking to embark upon a range of different careers within the creative media industries, and particularly those in film and television. It is equivalent to the first year of study on an undergraduate degree at university.

The majority of the course is structured around the planning and production of a professional quality short film which you will be encouraged to submit to festivals. This will be combined with academic study of film as an art form as well as a practical introduction to live TV production. You will also have the chance to develop an individual creative project of your own devising. 

You will study the following modules 

Unit 7: Film Practice
Unit 77: Cinematography – Camera
Unit 26: Editing for Film and TV 

You will study these three units as a package in which you will study the theory and practice of scriptwriting, production planning, marketing, cinematography and editing. You will prepare pre-production materials for short film of your own devising before pitching your idea to the group. Selected films will be taken forward into production where you will work as a team to run a professional film shoot, with each team member having a chance to act as Director of Photography. Finally, you will create your own edit of the material from the shoot, using techniques covered in the theory section of the editing unit. 

Unit 1: Individual Assignment  
For this unit, you will need to complete an individual research project based on a theme and topic set by the exam board. You will have the opportunity to discuss and develop your idea with your lecturer at the start of the project and you are encouraged to tailor the project to your personal interests and/or career goals. This project is self-directed and you will need to carry out your own research and devise your own plan for completing the project. You will have regular opportunities to discuss your project with your lecturer and you will be expected to demonstrate progress at each of these meetings.   

Unit 2: Creative Industry 
Through a series of lectures, you will study the role of the creative industries in the UK, with a focus on the film and television sectors. You will complete a case study of a specific job role within the creative media industries as well as learning about job roles and employment practices within the film and TV industries. You will also learn about policy developments impacting the economic growth of the sector, including how factors such as Brexit and Covid have affected the direction of the industry.  

Unit 3: Professional Practice 
The aim of this unit is to support you in developing your reflective practice and defining areas for personal professional development in the context of a growing awareness of the broad scope of creative media production. You will define and implement a personal professional development plan through an investigation of the skills necessary to successfully pursue a career in the creative industries. 

Unit 8: Film Studies 
This unit will give you the opportunity to study the development of film as both an industrial practice and an art form. You will learn about working practices in the era of the Hollywood studio system as well as how audiences have developed in conjunction with the evolution of cinema. You will also study theoretical frameworks of film analysis, including feminism, postmodernism and auteur theory and will apply these theories in an analysis of a film of your choice. 

Unit 82: Television Studio Production 
You will work collaboratively with the other students on the course to devise and produce a live TV show about the college’s end of year creative showcase. You will carry out necessary pre-production including research and scriptwriting as well as develop the technical skills required to successfully stream a live TV show to the internet, including camera operation and vision mixing.

Awarding Body
The awarding body for this qualification is Pearson.

Entry Requirements & Progression

What You'll Need

You will require a Level 3 qualification (e.g. A Levels, T Level, Level 3 Diploma, Level 3 BTEC) in a relevant subject or equivalent experience, plus GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above. If you do not have the required qualifications but have appropriate experience, specific knowledge or industry-based qualifications, then your application is welcomed. The small group sizes and FE College mode of teaching make this course particularly suitable for students looking to build their study skills and confidence before progressing to university or skilled employment. 

UAL Extended Diploma: Pass
Level 3 BTEC: Pass
A Levels: DDD

This Could Lead to

Upon successful completion of this Level 4 HNC, you can progress to further study at university or use your newly developed skills to move into industry or freelance work.

Through our articulation agreement, students can progress directly into the second year of selected degree programmes at Southampton Solent University and the University of Portsmouth, subject to a successful application through UCAS.

Availability & Enrolment

College Life & Student Support Services

College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.

Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.

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