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Film and Television

Frequently asked questions



1. What is the Swinburne School of Film and Television and what programs does it offer?

The School of Film and Television is located within the Faculty of Design at Swinburne University of Technology. Recognised within industry for its creative edge and high levels of production the School has earned a string of national and international awards in recent years.

The Bachelor of Film and Television is one of Australia’s most successful production focused programs. The program emphasises digital media production through collaborative projects particularly in relation to advanced production skills, creative direction and project management. You can develop your scriptwriting and cinematography skills and even choose to explore animation and special effects.

For a list of programs go to the Film and Television page.

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2. What are the prerequisite subjects for Film and Television?

The prerequisite subjects for the Bachelor of Film and Television are Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 20 in English (any).


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3. What ATAR score do I need for the Bachelor of Film and Television?

The 2012 clearly in ATAR is 85.80.


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4. How do I apply?

Students wishing to commence their studies in Semester 1 should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) or directly to Swinburne through the Swinburne How to Apply website.

The VTAC codes for the Bachelor of Film and Television are 36321 (CSP) and 36323 (IFP).

For further information, visit the VTAC website.

Students wishing to commence their studies midyear can apply directly to Swinburne through the Swinburne How to Apply website.

International undergraduate and postgraduate students can download an application form on the Swinburne International website.

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5. How are students selected?

Undergraduate (Local)
Current Year 12 Students (CY12): ATAR and two-stage process with a middle band of approximately 20%.

Non Year 12 Students (NONY12): Grade Point Average (GPA) form. For those applicants who wish work experience to be considered should complete and submit a VTAC Personal Information (Pi) form.

For further information, visit the VTAC website.

Undergraduate (International)
Year 12 ATAR/UAI/TER score = minimum of 70 or equivalent
A Levels = 8
International Baccalaureate (IB) minimum 6 x 4 = 24
English requirements: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 6.0)


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6. Do I need to submit a portfolio or attend an interview?

Undergraduate (Local and International)
Students entering Year 1 of the Bachelor of Design (Film and Television) and not seeking exemptions are not required to submit a portfolio or attend an interview.

Applicants seeking exemptions for this course must submit a portfolio along with academic transcripts from previous qualifications.

  • Local applicants submit the above at the time of enrolment.
  • International applicants submit the above at the time of application.

Download the Faculty of Design Undergraduate Portfolio Guidelines.


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7. How much are the fees for this course?

You can find undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fee details on the Swinburne Fees website.

International undergraduate and postgraduate student fee details are available on the Swinburne International website.


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8. What subjects will I study and how are they taught?

The major areas of study for Film and Television are:

  • Scripting and directing (narrative film, film and TV production; major film and TV productions)
  • Postproduction and editing
  • Film screening series (contemporary cinema)
  • Production and Direction
  • Production management/sound design
  • Production techniques
  • Documentary production
  • Screen editing techniques and DVD authoring
  • Cinematography and lighting (film production, broadcast tape)
  • Sound design for screen
  • Research project development
  • Major film and television production
  • Advance post-production and digital outcomes

Through collaborative projects, lectures and studio workshops you will engage in the creative, practical and critical processes that define current and future film and television production and post-production. With an emphasis on project work you will achieve an understanding of the creative, technical and business related aspects of filmmaking. You will be exposed to leading professionals through visiting lecturers and guest speakers and have the opportunity to work in industry and establish professional networks. Permanent academic staff are leading practitioners in their fields, sessional staff members are established Film and Television industry professionals who teach specialist subjects within the program.

Through lectures and studio based teaching you will begin learning a broad base of skills such as traditional design and animation fundamentals and techniques. As you progress through the course you have the opportunity to develop specialist areas of interest to prepare you for entry into industry.


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9. How many contact hours per week am I required to do?

Full-time undergraduate and postgraduate Film and Television students undertake 12 contact hours per week.

Part-time students generally undertake 6 contact hours per week (3 contact hours per unit per week).


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10. What career opportunities are available to Film and Television graduates?

Film and Television graduates are able to find employment in:

  • Animation
  • Cinematography
  • Directing
  • Editing
  • Postproduction and special effects
  • Producing
  • Scriptwriting
  • Storyboarding
  • Sound production
  • Television commercials
  • Television production
  • Video game and interactive media development

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11. Are there any pathways available through TAFE?

The following TAFE courses provide a pathway to the Bachelor of Film and Television:

  • Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media – digital film and television stream

For further information, visit the Pathways - TAFE to University page.


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12. Can I undertake industry placement as part of my course?

Yes, any Film and Television student can apply for Industry Placement, however there is a selection criteria and interview process (refer to the Industry Placement website). Once a student has completed an Industry Placement, they must complete an Honours year.

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13. What international study opportunities are available to Film and Television students?

Study tours and exchanges organised by the Faculty of Design provide you with the opportunity to experience another culture, a different type of design education and the chance to expand your international networks.

International Exchange: International student exchange offers you the opportunity to spend a semester at one of our international exchange partners – some of the best design schools from around the world. You will receive academic credit towards your degree by studying subjects approved by your Program Coordinator. Undergraduate Film and Television students are encouraged to undertake exchange in second semester of second year or first semester of third year.

Study Tours (incoming and outgoing): Typical study tours last between 3 and 5 weeks, consist of 10 to 15 students and are conducted during the Summer and Winter breaks. They are short-term programs that allow you to engage with students, lecturers and industry from another country. Previous study tour locations include: USA, Germany, UK, France, Switzerland, Denmark and Italy.

For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.


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14. Are there any scholarships I can apply for?

The John Bowring (ACS) Memorial Scholarship aims to assist a student, from a low-SES, rural, regional, indigenous or non-English speaking background, enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor of Film and Television. The scholarship will provide support for the purchase of course materials including computers, books, film and any other requirements. The Scholarship is valued at $3,000 per year for a maximum period of one year and cannot be used to subsidize fee costs.

For more information visit the Scholarships website.

The Vice Chancellors Design Scholarship is offered to new enrolling undergraduate students who are Australian citizens or became permanent residents pre 1997 and have completed their VCE or interstate equivalent in the year they are applying for the scholarship, achieving an ATAR of at least 97.00. Applicants must also meet the pre-requisites for their chosen course. Swinburne Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships exempt students from paying the Student Contribution Amount.

For more information visit the Scholarships website.


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15. What facilities are available to Film and Television students?

Production facilities are based around High Definition Video (HDV) and progressive scan digital camera equipment. The production equipment interfaces with a high capability Macintosh computer lab. Although there is a focus on the digital outcomes of project work you will also work with 16mm and Super 16mm traditional film cameras. You will have access to specialist high end video editing facilities, sound studios and all necessary production equipment to enable industry standard productions.

Film and Television students have access to the following facilities:

  • Apple Mac Pro / iMac Student lab
  • Media Capture Suite
  • High Definition Capture Suite
  • Student lab
  • Production Meeting Room
  • Media Capture Suite
  • High Definition Capture Suite
  • Green Room Makeup
  • Greenscreen Studio
  • AO Plotter
  • A3 scanners and printers
  • Faculty of Design Gallery

Software:

  • Apple Final Cut Pro Editing software
  • DVD Studio Pro
  • Compressor
  • Adobe Master Collection (e.g. Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere, Dreamweaver, Encore, Illustrator)

A/V Hardware:

  • Sony Z1P , V1P and A1P video cameras
  • Panasonic P2 High Definition cameras
  • Arriflex Alexa Digital camera system
  • Aation 16mm film cameras
  • Sound Devices 744T, 442m 552 digital audio recorders and mixers
  • Assorted Grip equipment
  • Assorted Gaffer equipment

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