Keele University

What you'll study

The programme blends practical workshops, technical training and academic modules across film and music. In early stages you build core skills in cinematography, digital video production, sound recording, multitrack music production and editing. You will study modules in screenwriting, narrative and documentary practice, sound design, music technology, mixing and mastering, and media and cultural theory.

Teaching mixes studio sessions, location shoots, seminar discussion and project work. You progress to more self‑directed work, producing short films, music compositions and collaborative audio‑visual projects. The final year is typically focused on a major capstone project that draws together production, post‑production and critical reflection.

• Core production techniques: camera operation, lighting, and location sound
• Post‑production: non‑linear editing, colour grading and audio post
• Music production: DAW workflows, recording techniques, composition for media
• Sound design and mixing for film and broadcast
• Theory and context: film studies, musicology, media industries and audience studies
• Project management, collaboration and professional practice

Facilities and technical training

You will have access to recording studios, live rooms, computer labs with industry standard DAWs (such as Pro Tools, Logic and Ableton), camera and lighting kit, and edit suites with professional video and audio software. Practical teaching emphasises industry workflows and portfolio development.

Entry requirements

Keele welcomes applicants with a range of academic and vocational qualifications. Typical applicants hold A‑level, BTEC or equivalent qualifications, while Access to Higher Education diplomas and recognised international qualifications are also considered. Successful applicants will demonstrate both academic potential and creative ability.

As part of the application you will normally be asked to provide a personal statement that explains your interest in film and music production and a portfolio or examples of creative work (audio, video or multimedia). Applicants without a conventional portfolio but with relevant experience can often submit evidence of work experience or a brief proposal for a creative project.

Mature applicants and those returning to study are encouraged to apply; interview and audition may form part of selection where appropriate. You should be prepared to show commitment to developing practical skills and collaborative working.

Career prospects

Graduates go into a wide range of creative and technical roles across the audio‑visual industries. Typical career paths include film and TV production roles (assistant producer, camera operator, editor), sound and post‑production (sound designer, dialogue editor, re‑recording mixer), and music industry jobs (recording engineer, music producer, composer for media).

Other outcomes include work in broadcast and digital content creation, live sound and events, podcast production, and roles in marketing and multimedia agencies. Many graduates work freelance or start their own production or music businesses, and others pursue postgraduate study in specialised areas such as film production, sound design or music technology.

Keele’s careers service and departmental support help with work placements, industry contacts and building a professional portfolio to support entry into the sector.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a campus environment with small‑group teaching and close staff‑student contact. The programme emphasises hands‑on learning alongside critical study, led by staff with professional and research experience in film, music and media.

Students benefit from practical facilities on campus and opportunities to collaborate across arts and humanities departments, enabling interdisciplinary projects. There are options to gain professional experience through placements or collaborative projects with regional creative organisations, and support to develop a professional portfolio and network for post‑graduate employment or freelance work.

Overall the course is designed to equip you with technical competence, creative confidence and the industry awareness needed to build a career across contemporary film, music and media sectors.