Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme balances practical production modules with theoretical and professional studies. You will learn core craft skills—camera, lighting, sound, directing, editing and production management—alongside screenwriting, story development and film analysis. Teaching typically progresses from foundational workshops and collaborative short-film projects in the first year to more specialised modules and individual practice in later years. Key learning areas include:

• Production Practice: hands-on modules covering camera operation, lighting for narrative and documentary, location sound, and production workflows.
• Post-production and Editing: non-linear editing, colour grading, sound design, and finishing for delivery across cinema, broadcast and online platforms.
• Directing and Screenwriting: script development, directing actors, shot planning and storyboarding.
• Cinematography: visual storytelling, lens and exposure choices, camera movement and composition.
• Documentary and Non-fiction: approaches to research, ethical practice, observational and participatory strategies.
• Industry and Business Skills: producing, budgeting, distribution, festival strategy and freelancing.
• Theory and Context: film history, genre studies, media law and the cultural contexts of screen production.

Throughout the course you build a showreel and portfolio of work, culminating in a substantial final major project (short film or equivalent) that showcases your chosen specialism. Optional modules, collaborative projects and industry-facing briefs allow you to tailor the degree towards narrative, documentary, visual effects or television formats.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with qualifications such as A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or an equivalent international qualification. Admissions typically consider a combination of academic results and practical potential demonstrated through a portfolio or showreel, and some applicants are invited to interview or to submit a short practical task. Mature and part-time applicants with relevant experience are welcome.

English language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English; recognised qualifications or secure test scores are accepted as evidence. Specific offers and exact requirements can vary, so applicants should check the university’s course pages or contact admissions for personalised guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates from the film production degree enter a wide range of roles across film, television, online media and the creative industries. Typical career paths include:

• Director, assistant director or producer on short and feature films
• Cinematographer, camera operator or lighting technician
• Editor, colourist or post-production specialist
• Sound recordist, sound editor or production sound mixer
• Production manager, line producer or production coordinator
• Documentary-maker, factual producer or research producer
• Freelance creator for branded content and online platforms, festival programmer, or creative entrepreneur

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in film, media or related disciplines, or build careers in adjacent sectors such as advertising, events, education and cultural organisations. The course emphasises portfolio development and industry-facing experience to support transition into work.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes combines practical, studio-based teaching with contextual study and professional development. The university provides access to production equipment and facilities such as digital edit suites, sound studios and camera kits, and uses industry-standard software and hardware to reflect current practice. Small-group teaching and workshop formats allow close staff feedback on practical work.

The programme benefits from the university’s links with regional and London-based film and media organisations, offering opportunities for placements, guest lectures and networking. Students can further develop their practice through student film festivals, societies and cross-disciplinary collaboration with departments such as media, design and business. The Brookes careers and enterprise services support CV development, placements and routes into freelance and salaried work in the screen industries.