Unit information: Approaches to Cinematography in 2026/27

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

Unit name Approaches to Cinematography
Unit code FATV20038
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Mr. Leigh
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

FATV10011 Film and Television: Forms and Practices

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

None

Units you may not take alongside this one

None

School/department Department of Film and Television
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Unit Information

Why is this Unit Important:

With rapid technological change and increasing options for image capture, cinematographers occupy a central role in the film-making process. This unit builds on the practical film-making skills learnt in Year 1, allowing students to focus on the creative role of the cinematographer and gain advanced skills in camerawork and lighting. Furthermore, the unit equips students with key critical skills they will use to analyse the contributions and needs of cinematography and plan their projects efficiently and sustainably.

How does this fit into your programme of study:

The unit provides a focused programme of learning around one of the core skills of film production. Students build on foundational knowledge gathered in Year 1, gaining a deep appreciation and understanding of camera, lighting and the preparations required when working as cinematographers on creative projects. You will come away with a deeper understanding of how cinematography affects storytelling, with the core skills to progress as a cinematographer throughout your degree and/or begin a career in lighting and camera departments. The analytical and practical skills you will acquire through this unit will strongly support your further learning and improve your filmmaking at University and beyond.

Your learning on this unit

Overview of content:

The unit will provide students with an introduction to key concepts and theories. Specifically, it will 

  • Introduce and instruct students in the theory and aesthetic possibilities of cinematography, informed by key movements in film and screen history.
  • Develop students’ practical, technical and creative filming skills through the use of key techniques, methodologies and chosen equipment.
  • Develop students’ abilities to explore and apply theories and methods of cinematography through practical work.

How will students, personally, be different as a result of the Unit:

This unit will build a range of analytical and critical skills related to Cinematography and enable students to use skills learnt in previous units and apply them specifically to the craft and art of Cinematography. Students will gain an appreciation of the role of cinematographer, will learn how to apply relevant knowledge both analytically and practically, and will acquire insight into how emerging digital technologies are affecting the role of cinematographer in the film and television industries.

Intended Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate the aesthetic function and theoretical implications of different cinematographic styles, traditions and methodologies.
  2. Apply practical understanding of how to deploy key filming techniques and methodologies.
  3. Proficiently use chosen equipment, and be able to explore its technical and creative possibilities.
  4. Make useful contributions to academic discussions and learning.

How you will learn

Weekly screenings, seminars/workshops.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):

You will be required to prepare and present materials in class, which will serve as the basis for your summative assessments. You will receive feedback in class from your peers and tutor.

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

  • 2000-word essay (50%) [ILOs 1-2]
  • 5–10-minute group film (40%) [ILOs 2-3]
  • Contribution Mark (10%) [ILO 4]

When assessment does not go to plan

When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. FATV20038).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.

The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.