Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This MA combines creative editing practice with the technical and managerial skills needed for contemporary post-production. Taught modules cover editorial craft, narrative and rhythm, digital finishing, colour grading, sound post-production, visual effects for editors and post-pro workflows. You will work with industry-standard software and hardware used in broadcast and film post houses, and learn techniques for conforming, versioning, archiving and delivery to multiple platforms.

Typical module themes include:

• Editing Practice and Narrative — advanced theories of montage, pacing, continuity, performance shaping and storytelling through edit choices.
• Advanced Post-Production Techniques — conforming, offline/online workflows, codec management and delivery specifications for different platforms.
• Colour Grading and Finishing — primary and secondary grading, looks development and finishing workflows using industry-standard grading systems.
• Sound for Post-Production — dialogue and ambience editing, Foley, ADR workflows, mixing and delivery stems.
• VFX for Editors — shot preparation, basic compositing awareness, working with VFX supervisors and delivering VFX-ready timelines.
• Professional Practice and Project Management — project scheduling, budgeting for post, legal and clearance issues, versioning and client communication.

The programme typically culminates in a major practical project or portfolio: a supervised, self-directed piece of work (for example a short film, documentary edit, series pilot or creative reel) demonstrating your editorial voice and technical competence, supported by a reflective written element.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have an undergraduate degree in film, media, television production, journalism, sound or a related creative subject. Applicants with substantial professional experience in editing, post-production or a related area may also be considered. You will usually be asked to submit a showreel or portfolio of editorial work, a CV, and a personal statement explaining your aims and suitability for the course. References that speak to your academic background or professional abilities are normally required.

As this is a practical course that relies on professional tools and collaboration, basic competence in non-linear editing software and an understanding of media production workflows is expected. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at a level appropriate for postgraduate study; institutions commonly accept qualifications equivalent to the recognised postgraduate English benchmarks.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of editorial and post-production roles across film, broadcast and digital media. Typical job titles include:

• Film/television editor and assistant editor
• Post-production supervisor or coordinator
• Online editor and conform artist
• Colourist or grading assistant
• Sound editor and dialogue editor
• VFX editor or junior compositing coordinator
• Freelance editor producing cutting reels and commissioned edits for agencies, brands and online platforms

The programme emphasises employability skills such as client communication, portfolio development and freelancing practice, preparing graduates for roles in post houses, production companies, broadcasters, advertising agencies and independent production.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University is home to an established film and media teaching environment with strong industry connections and a reputation for practical training. The MA is delivered within a faculty with dedicated post-production facilities, including edit suites, grading rooms and sound facilities, allowing students to learn on the same types of equipment used in professional workflows. Teaching teams include experienced practitioners and technicians who bring current industry practice into the curriculum.

Students benefit from collaborative opportunities across related subject areas such as cinematography, sound design and visual effects, and from the university’s links with local and national post houses, broadcasters and festivals. Support services for careers and enterprise help students prepare portfolios, seek internships and pursue freelance opportunities after graduation.