BA (Hons) Filmmaking
September 2026
Full time
Four years
Not Available
Suzhou
XJTLU undergraduate students earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally respected University of Liverpool degree.
Knowledge and skills
Upon successful completion of the BA (Hons) Filmmaking programme, students will understand how to:
- master the full filmmaking process from pre-production to distribution with professional-level skills;
- use generative AI tools and emerging formats (e.g., mini-series, motion comics) for cross-platform content creation;
- critically analyse how media forms and genres organise meaning and emotion, and apply theory to creative practice;
- collaborate effectively in cross-disciplinary teams and independently manage complex projects from concept to delivery; and
- synthesise research on industry structures and market trends to identify career pathways.
The Chinese film industry needs to integrate with the international market. At AFCT, top-notch equipment and facilities, academic staff with international backgrounds, and in-depth cooperation with the industry will help our students grow into content creators for a global audience.
Cheng Fang
Programme Director
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a wide range of courses in the first year, including English for academic purposes (EAP), mathematics and physics, and humanities and social sciences. Click to learn more.
Core Modules
Core Modules
Optional Modules
I deeply miss the days when I studied at AFCT. I am grateful for the teachings of every teacher who taught me how to tell stories through the lens and how to extract life from movies. BA (Hons) Filmmaking has provided me with abundant resources and platforms, giving me the opportunity to engage in highly industrialised creations with like-minded classmates. This theoretical and practical learning journey has given me valuable experience and left unforgettable memories. Nowadays, every creation I undertake at the Department of Directing at Beijing Film Academy relies on the solid foundation laid at AFCT.
Chunyuan Zheng
BA (Hons) Filmmaking
In addition to relevant techniques and advanced technologies in film production, I also learned how to face the unknown and accept uncertainty. This not only enriched my creative perspective, but also greatly influenced my decision-making and innovation abilities in starting a production company. The teachers guided us with the eyes of artists, patiently listening to our ideas and providing valuable advice. They inspired me to constantly push boundaries and be brave enough to try new ideas and projects. The education and support from XJTLU have laid a solid foundation for my entrepreneurial journey, enabling me to create an innovative and dynamic company. I am deeply grateful for this precious time, which not only shaped my professional skills and artistic vision but also developed my leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Ting Ye
BA (Hons) Filmmaking
Careers
Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for a range of roles across traditional and emerging visual media, including producer, director, screenwriter, cinematographer, sound designer, editor, and AI content creator. With expertise in diverse formats, you can find opportunities in film companies, streaming platforms, digital media studios, or gaming and animation houses. Alternatively, you may choose an independent, entrepreneurial path – working on your own or as part of a start-up – to develop original content across multiple platforms.
Overview
Whether in short online excerpts or in the cinema, storytelling is more important now than ever. At XJTLU’s Academy of Film and Creative Technology (AFCT), you can learn how to tell stories and bring them to the screen.
BA (Hons) Filmmaking is a practice-based programme that fosters storytelling, creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation. You will learn to create content for a range of formats – from cinema to emerging visual media such as mini-series and AI-generated motion comics.
Your practice will span screenwriting, creative producing, directing for both documentary and fiction, cinematography, sound design, and post-production. In addition, you will explore generative AI tools and techniques to enhance and innovate your creative workflow. The programme also covers the marketing, social media, and business side of filmmaking, including self-promotion and audience engagement across diverse platforms.
Why study Filmmaking at XJTLU?
To explore your creativity in the Yangtze River Delta – the most creative region in China.
In our programme, you will: