University of West London

Daniel Brant Former Student, 26-Feb-2009
Bit about me first to put this in perspective- I graduated about 18 months ago from TVU and after a rocky start doing running jobs, I am now starting to get work as a Camera Assistant on low-end indie shoots as well as getting my own work as a (somewhat budget) freelance filmmaker (I invested in a lot of my own kit). I was a student based at the Reading campus doing the HND/BA course. Like most degree courses held at academic universities, there's a mixture of theory and practical modules, but fortunately the emphasis- in the Reading campus at least- is on the practical side of things. Most of the teaching staff have on-the-job broadcast or production experience and while the kit room is entirely video-based, there is a good selection of equipment to work with and it doesn't cost much (if anything) to use it. Cameras include the prosumer miniDV, DVcam and HDV lineup (mainly Sony's) and slightly older broadcast cameras in the DVcam range. They've also recently acquired the EX series of XDcam cameras. Lights, dollies, sound gear- all are available for use. Edit suites include several top deck G5s running Final Cut Pro, After Effects and various other packages. To my knowledge, they don't have an Avid suite, which is a shame if you want to work in the editing field. There's also a small chromakey studio and a range of stills photography facilities. It costs as much as most "normal" degrees and would suit anyone wanting to get a good foundation in production skills. It is not a proper film school though, so don't expect industry leaders popping in to talent scout. Some lecturers are still active in the industry, but it's rare to get work experience through the faculty. The bottom line is that what you learn is up to you- if you just follow the course and complete the modules you'll be barely equipped to enter the professional world because there is a lot to learn which the course can't cover. But if you use the facilities and teaching staff effectively and put the hours in outside of class- running jobs via mandy.com etc- you'll accomplish a lot.

George Siokos Former Student, 13-Feb-2005
I finished a one-year MA in video production and film studies. As for the practical part, you get taught Avid Xpress and Final Cut Pro. You use Sony PD-150s and 170s and can check out as much equipment (lights,audio mixers, etc.) as you can carry. There are 24hr G5 editing labs. DVD Studio Pro is also installed, so with a bit of effort you can also create DVDs. On the downside, the theory part is very simplistic and you probably won't learn anything new. It's more like an epitomy of a BA in film studies. Overall,it's relatively cheap (about £3500), you have unlimited access to thousands of pounds worth of equipment and at the end you come out with an MA degree. Not a bad deal at all.