Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This MA combines practical production work with industry-facing modules in development, finance, legal frameworks and distribution. You will study the end-to-end producing process, including project development and packaging, budgeting and scheduling, production management, rights and contracts, marketing and distribution strategies, and sales. Teaching is delivered through workshops, seminars, practical production assignments and masterclasses with industry professionals.

• Development and Packaging — story development, commissioning, script coverage, securing talent and building a package that attracts finance.
• Production Planning and Management — budgeting, scheduling, risk assessment, health & safety, and on-set workflows for both film and television.
• Production Business, Law and Finance — finance models, co-productions, legal issues, rights management and contracts.
• Distribution and Sales — festival strategy, sales agents, international markets, digital platforms and audience targeting.
• Producing Practice — hands-on producing on short films, pilots or multi-platform projects, working with directors, writers and technical crews.
• Industry Project / Major Project — a substantial producing project, which may be a short film, TV pilot, or a comprehensive producing portfolio demonstrating your ability to deliver a production.
• Optional Placement and Live Briefs — opportunities to undertake industry placements or respond to live briefs from production companies and broadcasters.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in film, media, drama, production or a related subject. Applicants with substantial relevant professional experience in production, commissioning or related roles will also be considered. You will be asked to submit a personal statement outlining your reasons for applying and your producing ambitions, a CV, two references and a short portfolio or evidence of relevant practical work where applicable. International applicants must meet Bournemouth University's standard English language requirement for postgraduate study.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to work across the film, television and digital media industries. Typical roles include producer (development and line producing), production manager, production coordinator, development or production executive, commissioning assistant, sales and distribution roles, and independent producing. The programme also prepares students to set up their own production companies, work as freelances on short-form and long-form projects, or progress to further research and industry training.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University’s programme is delivered by the Bournemouth Film School, recognised for its practical, industry-connected teaching. Students benefit from well-equipped production facilities, multi-camera studios, post-production suites and access to professional-standard kit. The course emphasises collaborative projects with filmmakers, regular masterclasses from visiting producers and commissioning editors, and strong links with production companies and broadcasters to support placements and networking. The university’s focus on employability and real-world producing practice helps graduates move quickly into production roles or launch independent projects.