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Bachelor of Film and Screen Production (BFSP) - BFilmScreen

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Screen Production (Online: 909965); Unspecified (Toowoomba campus: 909961; Springfield campus: 929961)

CRICOS code (International applicants): 103178F

You are currently viewing the 2023 Handbook. For study in 2024, please refer to the .

 On-campusOnline*
Start:Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (July)
Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (July)
Campus:Springfield, Toowoomba -
Fees:Commonwealth supported place
Domestic full fee paying place
International full fee paying place
Commonwealth supported place
Domestic full fee paying place
International full fee paying place
Standard duration:3 years full-time; 6 years part-time 
Program articulation:

To: Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours)

Notes

In 2023 the program follows the Semester calendar. The Academic Calendar and Important Dates webpage will allow you to view and download a copy of the important dates for the Semester calendar.

Footnotes
*Only the Screen Production major is available via the online study mode.

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Contact us

Future Australian and New Zealand students  Future International students  Current students 

Freecall (within Australia): 1800 269 500
Phone (from outside Australia): +61 7 4631 5315
Email: study@usq.edu.au  

Phone: +61 7 4631 5543
Email: international@usq.edu.au 

Freecall (within Australia): 1800 007 252
Phone (from outside Australia): +61 7 4631 2285
Email usq.support@usq.edu.au 

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Program aims

The program aims to produce graduates who:

  1. apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake professional practice in the film and screen industries as a pathway for further learning

  2. think critically, creatively and ethically with cultural awareness when identifying and solving problems

  3. can plan, adapt knowledge and skills, and make independent and informed decisions in diverse cultural, practical, creative and academic contexts

  4. are versatile and resilient film and new media screen practitioners who individually and collaboratively create media for a variety of practical setting and contexts.


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Program objectives

On successful completion of the program, students should be able to:

  1. deploy advanced location film-based knowledge, technical proficiency, and the individual work ethic necessary for practice as a skilled, professional screen artist

  2. leverage a broad knowledge of the historical, ideological and ethical perspectives in the cinematic arts, both historically and in contemporary cultural, social contexts and industry

  3. apply a high level of critical and cultural reflexivity and reflectivity in the design, implementation and evaluation of individual and group screen related projects

  4. be flexible and innovative in their approach to practicing creativity and engaging the cinematic arts in the wider community and in a range of professional industries

  5. communicate in a range of academic and industry related verbal, written and visual forms that will enable effective engagement with relevant organisations, industry bodies and professional networks

  6. actively engage with the advocacy and pursuit of ongoing research in the cinematic arts and their role in cultural growth.


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Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a single national, comprehensive system of qualifications offered by higher education institutions (including universities), vocational education and training institutions and secondary schools. Each AQF qualification has a set of descriptors which define the type and complexity of knowledge, skills and application of knowledge and skills that a graduate who has been awarded that qualification has attained, and the typical volume of learning associated with that qualification type.

This program is at AQF Qualification Level 07. Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning.

The full set of levels criteria and qualification type descriptors can be found by visiting .

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Program Information Set

View UniSQ’s admission criteria, student profiles and a summary of all offers made under via the QTAC website.

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Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Have achieved a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 60, or equivalent qualification.^
  • Or if no ATAR, successfully undertake an interview with portfolio and written statement.


Subject Pre-requisites:

  • English Language Proficiency requirements for Category 2.


Applicants are advised to also address the following:

  • expectations: English (Units 3 & 4, C).


Note: It is a requirement that Queensland-based students hold a current positive notice indicating that they are deemed suitable for working with children and young people whilst studying the Bachelor of Film and Screen Production. Further information about the Blue Card or Exemption Card suitability process is available from the

Interview Information

Applicants for the Bachelor of Film and Screen Production who do not have an ATAR must partake in an interview and provide:

  • a head shot style photo of themselves.

  • a school exit statement or evidence of previous education standard achieved.

  • a written statement (500 words) addressing your goals and aspirations in the film and media industries and what area (eg director, producer, editor, cinematographer, sound recordist, art director etc) interests you the most.

  • a portfolio of examples of your films, and scripts or media works at interview.


The Film and Screen Production majors are offered across both the Toowoomba and Springfield campuses with a variety of on-campus and online offers.

All students are required to satisfy the applicable .

If students do not meet the English language requirements they may apply to study a ¾«¶«´«Ã½app-approved . On successful completion of the English language program, students may be admitted to an award program.

^

These are determined by the ¾«¶«´«Ã½app for specific programs each Semester. The 2023 ATAR and tertiary entrance ranks are based on agreed QTAC schedules which assess formal study at Year 12 or , tertiary, preparatory, professional or vocational qualifications or work experience, as detailed in the QTAC Assessment of Qualifications Manual and QTAC Assessor Guidelines.

Adjustment factors may help you get into the program of your choice by increasing your entrance rank. The additional points don't apply to all applicants or all programs. Please read the information about UniSQ's carefully to find out what you may be eligible for.

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Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of a students' higher education and students pay a , which varies depending on the courses undertaken. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the .

Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called .

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the

Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called provided they meet the residency and citizenship requirements.

Australian citizens, Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens who will be resident outside Australia for the duration of their program pay full tuition fees and are not eligible for .

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, external or online. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the .

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Program structure

The Bachelor of Film and Screen Production (BFSP) consists of 24 units comprising 4 SCA Core units, courses within a 12-unit major, and 8 units of complimentary studies that can consist of a second 8-unit major, or 4-unit minor and/or approved elective courses as specified for each major as follows:

  • • one 12-unit major*, 4-unit SCA Core, and one 8-unit second major, OR

  • one 12-unit major*, 4-unit SCA Core and two 4-unit minors (or one 4-unit minor and 4 units of elective courses)^


*There are 2 x 12-unit majors to choose from - a Film Production major or a Screen Production major. Students may only enrol in one. The second 8-unit major can be chosen from any approved 8-unit major in another discipline in the School of Creative Arts (providing entry requirements are met), or from one of the recommended majors listed below for areas outside of the creative arts. Students wishing to undertake an unlisted major from elsewhere within UniSQ will require consultation and approval from the School of Creative Arts programs director. Recommended second majors from outside of SoCA for this program are: Communication and Media Studies, Photography, Journalism, and English Literature.
^Please note that students may choose to add more film courses as part of their suite of complimentary studies. For more information, consult with the School of Creative Arts Programs Director and/or the Film discipline convenor.

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Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 9 years to complete this program.

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Major studies

Film Production major:

The Film Production major is designed for the digital age. It provides flexibility and a broad range of practical film industry skills while encouraging students to develop their abilities in producing, writing, editing, sound, cinematography or directing, among others. Students will learn skills used in audio-visual media, gain business and leadership skills, and knowledge of how the entertainment industry works. Regardless of your chosen specialisation, this broad base of skills will make you attractive to employers, set you up to better take control of your freelance career or create your own media business. Graduates will be film industry ready for the career path you choose to pursue. You will gain experience in your specialisation by working with other students to produce creative works in film, documentary, scripted television, web series and other related media.

Screen Production major:

The Screen Production major prepares students to work in areas of content creation and post-production for multi-platform distribution across traditional and new interactive broadcast channels which is a specialised, but rapidly growing, area of the film industry. Students will develop both practical and theoretical skills in the field of content creation and post production including visual effects, editing, graphic design, image creation, motion design, branding and interactive design. Students will build expertise in both contemporary and emerging post-production practices, through real-world design projects, a culture of designing for public exhibition and broadcast, ongoing industry engagement, and a strong foundation of creative experimentation and critical thinking. Graduates emerge industry-ready for multiple future-focused and innovative career paths in both the traditional film and television industry or in emerging digital/web production.

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Minor Studies

Minor studies are designed to enable students to widen their knowledge and perspectives.

As part of the eight units of complementary studies (see Program Structure above), if students are not undertaking a second major, they must take at least one of the Minors indicated in the section of the UniSQ handbook. The remaining courses can be used to undertake a second minor, or a maximum of 4 electives.

All of the discipline areas of the Creative Arts will offer suites of minors from their existing major course offerings but students may also select minors from any recognised area in the university (as listed in the Minor studies link above).. Students should take courses to the value of at least four units in the selected minor study. Choice of a minor will depend on the availability of the subject area, timetabling constraints, quotas and other restrictions such as interviews in certain areas of the Creative Arts, as well as approval of the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts.

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Electives/Approved courses

Elective courses are designed to enable students to further increase their knowledge and widen their perspectives. For recommendations on how electives can fit into the structure of their program, students should consult the Program Structure and Minor Studies sections above. Choice of an elective will depend on the availability of the course(s), timetabling constraints, quotas, and other restrictions such as auditions and interviews in certain areas of the Arts, as well as approval by the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts.

Courses available for elective study are generally those found in Minor studies and are listed in the section.

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IT requirements

Students should visit the UniSQ to check that their computers are capable of running the appropriate software and versions of Internet web browsers and to check the minimum and recommended standards for software.

Students should refer to https://www.usq.edu.au/current-students/ict.

Access to high-level computers is necessary. On-campus students will access appropriately equipped laboratories, but should consider acquisition of their own computer. Students should visit the UniSQ minimum computing standards to check that their computers are capable of running the appropriate software and versions of Internet web browsers and to check the minimum and recommended standards for software.

External students should be able to access a computer with the minimum standards as advised by the ¾«¶«´«Ã½app. All students should have access to email and the Internet via a computer running the latest versions of Internet web browsers such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. The ¾«¶«´«Ã½app has a wireless network for on-campus students' computers. In order to take advantage of this facility and further enhance their on-campus learning environment, students should consider purchasing a notebook/laptop computer with wireless connectivity. A notebook/laptop may be required for some courses.

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Other program requirements

Students undertaking this programme will require personal storage space (e.g. portable external hard drive, cloud storage).

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Articulation

Students undertaking aspects of degrees in the School of Creative Arts as an extension of TAFE studies, or through any of our current Articulation Agreements (such as the College of Creative Arts in Melbourne), are encouraged to visit the for current advice on enrolments.

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Exit points

Students who, for whatever reason, are unable to complete the Bachelor of Film and Screen Production and who satisfy all of the requirements may exit with a Diploma of Creative Arts (DCRA) or the Associate Degree of Creative Arts (ADCA).

Students may exit with the Diploma of Creative Arts (DCRA) if they have completed 8 courses as follows:

  • A minimum of 2 SCA-coded Core courses from the Bachelor of Film and Screen Production and

  • 6 other courses from the Bachelor of Film and Screen Production.


Students may exit with the Associate Degree of Creative Arts (ADCA) if they have completed 16 courses as follows:

  • A minimum of 4 SCA-coded Core courses from the Bachelor of Film and Screen Production and

  • 12 other courses from the Bachelor of Film and Screen Production.


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Credit

Credit will normally only be granted on the basis of formal studies of equivalent material undertaken at a college of TAFE, college of advanced education or university. Studies successfully completed within the last five years are automatically eligible to be used as a basis for a claim for credit. Studies completed more than five years ago will be considered, but should be accompanied by evidence that the knowledge and skills acquired from those studies have been maintained. Students who believe that they may qualify for credit should consult the for further information about the content of courses and the procedures to be followed for credit claims.

Students who have been granted credit have a responsibility to ensure that their knowledge and skills are kept up to date in these areas. This is particularly important when they have been granted credit from a course which is a pre-requisite for another course. Refer to the section entitled Credit and Exemption Procedure in the Guide to policies and procedures.

Students who have completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in an area specifically related to one of the majors in this program within the last five years, will normally be eligible for up to 8 credits and up to 12 credits respectively.

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Course transfers

Students wishing to transfer from another degree into the Bachelor of Film and Screen Production (BFSP) may do so. However, in addition to your UniSQ application, you are required to audition and/or interview for the major of your choice. Please see Admission Requirements above. It is the responsibility of the student to register for this process.

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Honours

Students wishing to undertake further study, and who meet the entry requirements, may apply to enrol in the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) program. Honours pathways are available in the Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts specialisations. Further information is available at BCAH Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours).

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Enrolment

All students are urged to adhere to the recommended enrolment patterns as detailed in relevant sections of this handbook. Completion of enrolment requirements will be necessary before a student will be permitted to enrol in more advanced courses.

Students should also heed the following advice:

  • In addition to the School Cores and a choice of 12-unit major (see Program Structure above), one second major of eight units OR one minor study of four units OR four elective units may be taken from non-Creative Arts undergraduate programs with approval of the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts;

  • on-campus students should take courses in the on-campus (ONC) mode and will only be permitted to take courses externally during Semester 1 and 2 with the approval of the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts or where a course is only available in online or external mode.

  • students are required to monitor their own enrolments and seek help immediately the SoCA Programs Director or the discipline convenor if anomalies or confusion occurs.


Recommended enrolment patterns

In this section:

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Recommended enrolment pattern – Film Production (12-unit major)


CourseYear of program and semester in which course is normally studiedEnrolment requirements
On-campus
(ONC)
External
(EXT)
Online
(ONL)
YearSemYearSemYearSem

Year 1 - Semester 1

SCA1001 Persuasive Communication: Presenting Yourself and Your Ideas1111, 3Enrolment is not permitted in SCA1001 if CMS1000 or HAC1000 has been previously completed.
FSP1003 Editing Lab 11111Enrolment is not permitted in FSP1003 if FTR1004 has been previously completed.
FSP1001 Location Production 111Enrolment is not permitted in FSP1001 if FTR1005 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor11

Year 1 - Semester 2

SCA1002 Introduction to Creative and Critical Thinking1212, 3
FSP1002 Location Production 212Pre-requisite: FSP1001
FSP1005 Production Management12Enrolment is not permitted in FSP1005 if FTR1007 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor

Year 2- Semester 1

SCA2001 Cultural Responsibilities and Creative Communities2121, 3
FSP2001 Documentary and Reality TV21Pre-requisite: FSP1002 Enrolment is not permitted in FSP2001 if FTR2006 has been previously completed.
FSP2004 Scriptwriting21Enrolment is not permitted in FSP2004 if FTR1006 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor21

Year 2- Semester 2

SCA2002 Arts Business: Making and Managing Your Arts Career2222, 3
FSP2002 Short Film22Pre-requisite: FSP2001 Enrolment is not permitted in FSP2002 if FTR2001 has been previously completed.
FSP2005 Cinematic Language2222Enrolment is not permitted in FSP2005 if FTR1003 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor22

Year 3- Semester 1

FSP3000 Experimental Film31Enrolment is not permitted in FSP3000 if FTR3002 has been previously completed.
FSP3001 Film Project 131Enrolment is not permitted in FSP3001 if FTR3021 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor/Elective31
Second Major/Minor/Elective31

Year 3- Semester 2

FSP3003 Advanced Producing32Pre-requisite: FSP3001 Enrolment is not permitted in FSP3003 if FTR3000 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor/Elective32
Second Major/Minor/Elective32
FSP3002 Film Project 232Pre-requisite: FSP3001

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Recommended enrolment pattern – Screen Production (12-unit major)


CourseYear of program and semester in which course is normally studiedEnrolment requirements
On-campus
(ONC)
External
(EXT)
Online
(ONL)
YearSemYearSemYearSem

Year 1 - Semester 1

SCA1001 Persuasive Communication: Presenting Yourself and Your Ideas1111, 3Enrolment is not permitted in SCA1001 if CMS1000 or HAC1000 has been previously completed.
DIT1001 Aesthetics for Interactive Systems1111
FSP1003 Editing Lab 11111Enrolment is not permitted in FSP1003 if FTR1004 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor

Year 1 - Semester 2

SCA1002 Introduction to Creative and Critical Thinking1212,3
FSP1006 Editing Lab 21212Pre-requisite: FSP1003 Enrolment is not permitted in FSP1006 if FTR2004 has been previously completed.
FSP1004 Graphic Design and Digital Art Practice1212Enrolment is not permitted in FSP1004 if FTR1000 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor

Year 2- Semester 1

SCA2001 Cultural Responsibilities and Creative Communities2121, 3
FSP2003 Post Production and VFX2121Pre-requisite: FSP1003 and FSP1004 Enrolment is not permitted in FSP2003 if FTR2010 has been previously completed.
VIS2101 Visual Storytelling: Building Personal and Cultural Narratives in the 21st Century2121
Second Major/Minor2121

Year 2- Semester 2

SCA2002 Arts Business: Making and Managing Your Arts Career2222, 3
VIS1302 Innovation in Art, Architecture, New Media and Design2222Enrolment is not permitted in VIS1302 if VSA1003 has been previously completed.
FSP2005 Cinematic Language2222Enrolment is not permitted in FSP2005 if FTR1003 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor2222

Year 3- Semester 1

FSP3001 Film Project 131Enrolment is not permitted in FSP3001 if FTR3021 has been previously completed.
FSP3000 Experimental Film31Enrolment is not permitted in FSP3000 if FTR3002 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor/Elective3131
Second Major/Minor/Elective3131

Year 3- Semester 2

FSP3004 Interactive Documentary32Enrolment is not permitted in FSP3004 if FTR3007 has been previously completed.
Second Major/Minor/Elective3232
Second Major/Minor/Elective3232
FSP3002 Film Project 232Pre-requisite: FSP3001