APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SEPTEMBER 2024

Raindance Film School Top-Up BA (Hons) in Film and Performing Arts Practices

The Raindance Film School Top-Up BA (Hons) in Film and Performing Arts Practices is a one year practical course that has been designed to provide aspiring, and existing, Film and Performing Arts practitioners the opportunity to develop their existing academic or professional experience up to BA level in a chosen pathway or pathways (producing, directing, screenwriting or acting).

Whether you are an HND graduate, have completed a Foundation Degree or are looking to ‘convert’ a level 5 professional diploma, this course will develop your professional practice, help prepare you for a career in the Film & TV industry, enhance your employability and provide a route to those seeking further postgraduate education. 

 Applicants who do not hold a recognised level 5 qualification, but who can provide evidence of at least 4 years professional experience may also apply via the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning pathway. 

This course is eligible for Student Finance.

Looking for more options? 

BA Frequently Asked Questions

This is a one-year course held one evening per week (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) and one full day (10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.). If students are pursuing dual pathways (e.g. writing and directing) they will attend an additional evening each week.

What is the typical class size?

Class sizes are restricted to a maximum of 15 students per class.

What are the entry requirements?

240 credits from a relevant Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation Degree

(FdA/FdSc) or equivalent international qualification in a relevant subject

or

240 credits from years 1 and 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant

subject at a different institution.

 

For applicants that are not of a majority English speaking nationality, as defined by the

UK Home Office:

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with no individual component score of less than

5.5.

or

Cambridge English Proficiency Certificate grade C or above.

or

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic with all component scores 51 or above.

Applicants who do not hold a recognised level 5 qualification, but who can provide evidence of at least 4 years of professional experience may also apply via the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning pathway.

What will I study on the course?

Professional Practice is fundamental to this course. Creative artefacts (short films, screenplays, performance projects, showreels etc) are the mainstay of learning and assessment. 

Students will achieve advanced level practical proficiency within a chosen Film and Performing Arts pathway, as well as developing undergraduate level independent study skills. They will research practice within their chosen specialisation (screenwriting, directing, producing or acting) and produce large-scale projects, films or screenplays. The teaching is made up of practical workshops, masterclasses, lectures, seminars and individual tutorials and all sessions are led by lecturers with professional industry experience.

Semester 1 

Module 1 – Critical Research (15 credits)

This module gives you the opportunity to carry out of a piece of critical research into your chosen specialisation within film & TV production, to provide a practical, as well as academic, exploration of an area of professional interest to you. The module will also help you to develop your skills of enquiry, reflection, problem solving and academic writing, which will be valuable preparation for your reflection in future modules.

Module 2 – Specialist Negotiated Practical Project (45 credits)

This module provides you with an opportunity to create a unique project that explores a chosen area of specialisation, with a mind to developing your practical skills. Possible projects that can be undertaken may include: a short test film, a music video or test advert, showreel scenes, rehearsal workshops, script development/ writers rooms/ treatments, pitch decks or directing workshops. 

Semester 2

Module 3 – Film & TV Business Practices (15 credits)

This module examines the film marketplace, the industry and the job roles available to you in your future career. It is designed to help you navigate the current industry landscape, the opportunities, and the legal and financial considerations you will need to consider as you embark on a career in the film and TV industry. Assessment is via an essay, or short video, that takes the form of a critical case study, or a practitioner profile, from within your chosen specialisation. 

Module 4 – Film Practices Final Project (45 credits)

This module provides you with an opportunity to creatively explore an individually chosen area of specialisation and to produce a large scale, professional standard creative artefact. You are able to choose one of four options: (a) a producing project; or (b) a screenwriting project; or (c) a directing project; or (d) an acting project. 

The aim of the finished project should be to produce an effective ‘calling card’ to aid entry into the industry. Whether, as a director, actor, screenwriter or producer, the expectation is that all final projects will be produced to a highly professional standard suitable for public/ festival screening and/or future professional production.

How is the course assessed?
Assessment is via practical creative projects, written reflective defences of your work and research assignments. The weighting of this is approximately 70% creative practical projects and 30% written/ presentational (video/ audio) work.
Where next - what can I study when I complete my top-up BA?
Upon completion of the BA, graduates may be able to progress onto to the Raindance/ DMU MA in filmmaking, as well as external postgraduate courses in subjects such as:

  • Film 
  • Creative Writing
  • Arts and Cinema Studies
  • Film Studies
  • Performance 
  • Acting
  • Directing
Where next - what are my job opportunities after Raindance?
The skills acquired on the course are relevant for a wide range of careers, including graduate-level roles in TV and Film production, publishing, marketing, advertising and education.

Graduates from all of our courses compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers approaching RFS to help recruit new staff.

How do I apply?

Complete the online application form

When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.

BENEFITS OF THE RAINDANCE TOP-UP BA

  • Flexible tuition that allows you to adjust your lessons between cohorts, to plan around your work/life commitments.
  • Interest-free payment plans so you can pay as you earn.
  • Free access to over £4,000 worth of Raindance’s renowned, industry-led signature courses
  • Small class sizes with specialist tutors
  • Raindance Membership, which gives you access to exclusive events, online forums, and networking events throughout the course. You also get access to Backstage, the most trusted international name in casting, with over 30,000 projects being cast through the site each year.
  • Complimentary pass to Raindance Film festival worth over £100 per year.
  • Student film screening at the Raindance Film Festival.