Keele University

What you'll study

The programme blends critical study of film, television and digital media with hands-on practice in screen production. Modules cover film history and national cinemas, film and media theory, genre studies, documentary practice, television studies, media industries and contemporary digital cultures. Practical classes teach camera, editing, sound and post-production techniques alongside screenwriting and production management.

Students typically take a combination of core and optional modules across the degree. Core modules build academic skills — close reading, research methods, and contextualising moving-image texts — while option choices allow specialisation in areas such as documentary production, screenwriting, experimental film, sound design, curating and festival studies, or creative critical practice. The final year usually includes a substantial independent project — either a research dissertation or a major production project — supervised by academic staff.

Teaching methods include lectures, small-group seminars, production workshops, screening sessions and one-to-one supervision. Assessment mixes essays and critical analyses with practical portfolios, group productions and oral presentations. There are opportunities to take an optional placement year or short industry placements to gain practical experience within film, television, festivals or digital media organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold qualifications equivalent to UK secondary and post‑secondary credentials. Typical applicants present A‑levels (or accepted equivalents such as BTECs, Scottish Highers or international qualifications) along with evidence of their ability to study at degree level. GCSE-level passes in English and mathematics (or recognised equivalents) are normally required. Mature students and those with non‑traditional backgrounds are welcome; relevant experience, a personal statement demonstrating commitment to the subject, and references are important.

For applicants aiming at the practical production pathway, the admissions team may request a short portfolio or sample of work — for example scripts, short films, edited clips, or critical essays — to demonstrate creative or analytical ability. International applicants will need to meet Keele’s English language requirements through recognised tests or qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the creative and cultural industries. Common destinations include film and television production (development, production coordinating, assistant roles), screenwriting, directing and editing, documentary making, and roles in post‑production and sound. Other pathways include media research, journalism, marketing and communications, festivals and exhibition programming, archive and curation, and creative freelancing.

The degree also prepares students for postgraduate study (MA, MPhil/PhD) in film, media, cultural studies or related subjects, and for professional training such as postgraduate teacher training and industry apprenticeships. Keele’s career services and placement links help students build industry contacts and develop portfolios or showreels to support entry into competitive creative roles.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a campus‑based experience with a strong interdisciplinary approach, allowing Film and Media Studies students to combine insights from humanities and social sciences. The programme is taught by staff active in research on cinema, television and digital media, and students benefit from seminar sizes that support close supervision and feedback.

Students have access to multimedia production facilities, editing suites and screening spaces, alongside the university’s library and research collections. Keele promotes practical experience through optional placements and project work, and provides dedicated student support services for careers, academic skills and personal development. The university’s collegiate campus environment and links with regional creative organisations make it a supportive place to study film and media in depth.