Awarded where candidates have met all of the requirements below:

• Successful completion of all, or exemption from, courses listed in Schedule A .

and

• Achieve the Bahrain Polytechnic General Qualification Requirements as documented in Programme Approval Policy A-AB-001 and Naming and Awarding Qualifications Policy A-AB-004.

       and

• Completion of courses to accumulate a minimum of 480 credits.

The Bachelor of Digital Filmmaking is a specialized undergraduate degree designed for students aiming to develop expertise in the art and technology of filmmaking. Building on the foundational courses shared with the Bachelor of Film and Animation during the first two years, this degree offers a focused curriculum in the final two years that emphasizes advanced digital filmmaking techniques and industry-relevant practices.

The programme equips learners with in-depth knowledge and skills in all aspects of digital filmmaking, including directing, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, and production management. Through hands-on learning, students gain practical experience by working on real-world projects in collaborative teams and individual capacities, mirroring professional filmmaking environments. The programme nurtures creativity and technical proficiency, enabling graduates to excel in roles such as directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, or screenwriters. Students also benefit from optional elective courses in related fields such as Web Media and Visual Design to enhance their creative and technical expertise.

This programme is designed to prepare students for the dynamic demands of the digital filmmaking industry, empowering them to produce high-quality, impactful content for various platforms, including film, television, and online media. By the end of the program, students will have developed a strong professional portfolio and a clear understanding of the global and regional film industries, particularly within Bahrain and the Gulf region.

Along with meeting the general degree entry requirements outlined in the Student Admission Policy A/AB/010, applicants must demonstrate competence in English and Mathematics. This can be met by the successful completion of AP5000 Foundation Programme.

In addition to successfully completing specialized entry courses into degree-level programs in film and animation, students must finish their necessary foundation courses within a year. Based on the achieved GPA, which is reviewed regularly by Deans and approved at Academic Council, it will be determined if the student will be eligible for Diploma or Bachelor studies.

If there are more eligible applicants than available places then priority will be given to applicants who have achieved the selection criteria:

Selection Criteria:

• Successful completion of the Foundation Programme at Bahrain Polytechnic. 

• Results from programme entry tests.

• Submission of a showreel or portfolio that demonstrates creative skills and interest in digital filmmaking.

• Successful completion of an interview to assess readiness for the programme and alignment with its objectives.

• Prepared for and committed to academic study, based on academic track record.

Selection Process:

• Students who have met entry requirements through the Bahrain Polytechnic Foundation programme will be given first priority.

• Priority for all other applicants will be based on:

  • Results of entry tests;

  • Assessment of the submitted showreel or portfolio;

  • Performance during the interview;

  • Alignment with the selection criteria.

N/A

To be placed on the NQF Framework

Institutional attendance requirements are described in the policy Student Attendance A-AB-006. There are no programme specific attendance requirements; however, certain courses will require students to organise and implement production shoots outside of scheduled class times. 

The Bachelor of Digital Filmmaking is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed for individuals passionate about advancing their education in the fields of film production, digital editing, storytelling, cinematography, and screenwriting. This degree aims to provide learners with an in-depth understanding, advanced knowledge, and practical skills in digital filmmaking, empowering them to apply their expertise in real-world scenarios.

This programme is suitable for students passionate about digital content creation and seeking to develop their skills in various aspects of filmmaking, from directing and cinematography to advanced post-production and producing. Students engage in hands-on, real-world projects, collaborating in teams and gaining first-hand experience in professional digital filmmaking. They also have opportunities to enhance their knowledge through elective courses offered from related programs and fields, such as Film and Animation, Animation and VFX, Web Media, and Visual Design. By combining the art of storytelling with cutting-edge digital technology, students are prepared for both simulated and real-world work environments.

In the first year of the program, students study a range of foundational subjects, including Digital Filmmaking 1, Recording Principles, Mixing Techniques, 2D Animation, and Stop Motion Production. These courses provide a solid foundation for exploring various specializations in subsequent years, equipping students with essential technical, creative, and collaborative skills. In the second year, students deepen their technical knowledge and develop their storytelling abilities by taking courses such as Screenwriting, Applied History of Cinematic Arts, and Visual Storytelling, along with 3D Animation and Sequential Art. Additionally, students can select electives to broaden their expertise, tailoring their education to align with their career aspirations.

The third and fourth years of the programme emphasize advanced specializations in digital filmmaking. Students have opportunities to work on industry and community projects, applying their knowledge in real-world contexts. Courses such as Documentary Filmmaking, Film Directing, Music Production, Advanced Digital Filmmaking, Cinematography, Advanced Post-Production, Media Psychology, and Film Producing enable students to refine their technical, creative, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Furthermore, students undertake major capstone projects, such as Filmmaking Final Year Projects, where they produce high-quality films that demonstrate their expertise, innovation, and readiness for the professional world.

The Bachelor of Digital Filmmaking degree also prepares students to work in Bahrain and the wider GCC region, as well as in global filmmaking markets. Through partnerships with industry professionals, hands-on experiences, and a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, the programme cultivates graduates equipped to thrive in the competitive world of digital filmmaking.

The programme aims to:

• Provide “hands on”, highly interactive learning experiences, taking into account relevant industry issues of today, as well as issues that will fuel and inspire the fields of film production, film editing, visual storytelling, cinematography, and screenwriting in the future.

• Provide an environment which encourages students to achieve excellence within their discipline areas and to develop their cultural and aesthetic sensitivities, leading them to an understanding of human factors essential to the effective communication of ideas.

Graduates of this pogramme can progress to Masters of Arts in Creative Media and Design.

Depending on the focus of study, this programme prepares students with advanced skills in at least 3 of the following areas:

• Directing
• Producing
• Screenwriting
• Cinematography
• Video production
• Video post-production
• Audio recording
• Mixing techniques
• Audio post-production
• Digital animation
• Media Management
• Media Psychology

There is a shortage of skilled film and animation specialists in Bahrain and the GCC. This degree is a preparation for a variety of careers including:

• Filmmaker
• Director
• Producer
• Cinematographer
• Assistant Director
• Gaffer
• Video producer
• Media Manager
• Content Creator
• Social Media Manager
• Sound Designer

Graduates will be sought-after employees in any company or sector of the economy that uses film, video, sound or animation as part of their business operations, e.g. media, advertising, design, marketing, travel, banking, government or universities. Many digital filmmakers choose to become independent contractors or freelancers, working in several different sectors. Qualified graduates can also start their own companies.

Employability Skills Generic Definitions:

Communication: Communicate in ways that contribute to productive and harmonious relationships across employees and customers.

Team Work: Work effectively independently and in collaboration with others.

Problem Solving: Think critically and respond appropriately to changing needs within a growing and diversifying economy.

Initiative and Enterprise: Apply resourcefulness, innovation and strategic thinking to a range of workplace situations.

Planning and Organisation: Plan and manage their working lives.

Self Management: Demonstrate self discipline and adaptability, and be able to plan and achieve personal and professional goals.

Learning: Understand the need for and engage with continuous learning throughout the lifespan.

Technology: Utilize information technology effectively and ethically in their personal and professional lives.