Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines practical production training with critical study of media practice. You progress from core technical skills to more complex production projects, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as cinematography, editing, sound design, documentary, scripted drama and live multi-camera production.

• Foundations of Production: camera operation, lighting, location workflows and basic sound recording.
• Editing and Post-production: non-linear editing, colour grading, visual effects basics and post-production pipelines.
• Sound for Media: production sound techniques, dialogue editing, foley and mixing for picture.
• Screenwriting and Story Development: narrative structure, script development for short film and television formats.
• Documentary and Factual Production: research, observational shooting, ethics and reflective practice.
• Television and Live Production: studio workflows, multi-camera directing, live-switching and broadcasting principles.
• Media Law and Professional Practice: copyright, contracts, distribution, pitching and the business of production.
• Final Major Project: a substantial individual or group production (short film, documentary, series pilot or portfolio) demonstrating technical and creative competence.
• Work-focused Learning: placements, industry projects or a dedicated professional practice module to build experience and contacts.

Teaching is typically a mix of practical workshops, supervised production projects, lectures and industry-led masterclasses. Assessment emphasises finished media work, reflective portfolios and production documentation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised level 3 qualification such as A-levels, BTEC, T-level or an equivalent vocational qualification. Requirements vary by applicant background and intake; the programme regularly considers applicants with a strong portfolio of relevant practical work or industry experience.

• Typical academic entry: completion of a recognised level 3 qualification (specific offer conditions are published by the university).
• Portfolio: applicants are usually asked to submit a short portfolio or showreel demonstrating practical media skills, creative potential and technical awareness.
• Interview or audition: shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or practical assessment to discuss experience and suitability.
• English language: international applicants must meet Bournemouth University’s English language requirements through recognised tests or qualifications (specific levels are set by the university).

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of roles across film, television and digital media. The hands-on nature of the degree develops technical competence, project management skills and creative problem-solving valued by employers.

• Production roles: assistant producer, production coordinator, production manager.
• Technical roles: camera operator, sound recordist, lighting technician, video editor, colourist.
• Creative roles: director, writer, content producer for online platforms, documentary-maker.
• Broadcast and live events: studio operator, technical director, multi-camera crew.
• Adjacent careers: media researcher, post-production runner, social media/content strategist, freelance creative practitioner.

Many graduates combine freelance project work with company roles, progress to senior production positions, or continue to postgraduate study in specialised areas such as film production, cinematography or media practice.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises practice-led learning and strong links with industry. The Media Production degree is delivered using professional-standard facilities, including TV studios, edit suites, sound studios and a range of camera and lighting equipment students use on exercises, on-campus productions and location shoots.

• Industry engagement: frequent guest lectures, masterclasses and project briefs from professionals working across film, TV and digital media.
• Professional practice focus: dedicated modules and placement opportunities to build a portfolio and industry contacts before graduation.
• Practical facilities: access to contemporary production and post-production tools and real-world production workflows.
• Location and networks: a regional creative cluster and university support for entering film festivals, competitions and regional production opportunities.
• Student support: careers and enterprise services help with CVs, showreels, freelance contracting and job placement.

Taken together, these elements aim to prepare graduates to enter the media industries with practical confidence, a strong portfolio and an understanding of the business realities of production work.