BA (Hons) Film

From your very first day in the BA (Hons) Film programme, you’ll be doing much more than listening to lectures. You’ll be creating films, analysing and critiquing work, collaborating closely with peers, and working with real-world industry partners. Northumbria equips you with professional-standard facilities—broadcast-quality cameras, sound recording gear, Mac editing suites, a high-end colour grading suite, green-screen studios, and specialist lighting setups—so you’re learning with the same tools used across the film industry.

You’ll also benefit from Northumbria’s strong links with cultural and industry partners, including the British Film Institute. Through these connections, you’ll gain opportunities for live briefs, guest talks, and a professional placement module that helps bridge the gap between your studies and the film industry.

How Experiential Learning Works in This Degree

Use of Industry Software and Editing Suites
You’ll develop technical expertise using the same software professionals rely on. Northumbria is an official Avid Learning Partner, meaning you’ll train on Avid for editing, Pro Tools for audio production, and professional colour grading systems for post-production work.

Studio and On-Location Production
You won’t be confined to one space—student films are often shot on location as well as in purpose-built studio environments. The studios are equipped with green screens, advanced lighting rigs, and effects setups that allow you to experiment with style and storytelling.

Group Projects and Collaborative Work
Many modules are team-based, giving you the chance to take on roles like director, cinematographer, editor, or sound designer. You’ll create a range of projects across genres—from drama and documentary to music video and experimental film—mirroring the collaborative nature of real-world production.

Professional Placement Module (Core, 20 Credits)
A highlight of the course is the professional placement, where you’ll gain hands-on experience within a production environment. Past students have completed placements with companies such as Third Films, Arcus Studios, and Twenty Six 03, developing industry connections and practical insight into professional filmmaking.

Live Briefs and Cultural Partnership Projects
Through Northumbria’s partnerships with the BFI and other cultural institutions, you’ll have the chance to work on live briefs for real clients, attend masterclasses and Q&A sessions, and even contribute to film screenings or archival events—offering genuine industry engagement.

Research-Based Final Project
In your final year, you’ll choose between producing a practice-based film project or writing a traditional dissertation. This capstone project allows you to specialise in your personal interests and graduate with a polished portfolio or research piece that showcases your skills.

Library, Archives, and Digital Resources
You’ll have access to extensive library collections, specialist film archives, and streaming resources, including the BFI Player, enriching both your creative and academic work.

Support Through eLearning and Digital Tools
All course materials, guides, and communications with lecturers are accessible via the university’s eLearning portal (Blackboard), ensuring a smooth and connected learning experience.

Career Prospects After Graduation
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to step confidently into the creative and screen industries. Many of our graduates go on to work as film producers, screenwriters or script editors, film festival curators, or post-production editors — roles that make full use of their hands-on filmmaking experience, critical insight, and professional connections built throughout the course.

University Services & Support

Northumbria offers a wide network of support to help you transition smoothly from university to industry:

• Graduate Futures provides one-to-one career guidance, CV and portfolio advice, internship and job matching, and connections with potential employers.

• JobsOnline gives you access to part-time roles, internships, and graduate opportunities across the UK and internationally.

• You’ll have the chance to attend employer fairs and recruitment events hosted by the university, featuring companies like Turner & Townsend, EY, and Procter & Gamble — great opportunities to network and meet employers face-to-face.

• During your studies, you can take on professional placements or live briefs with industry partners, helping you gain real-world project experience and build your portfolio before you graduate.

Employment Statistics & Graduate Outcomes

• Graduates from media, journalism, and communications courses at Northumbria typically earn around £21,500 three years after graduation, with a range between £17,500 and £26,500.

• After five years, that average rises to around £24,500, with most graduates earning between £20,500 and £30,000.

• Northumbria is ranked among the top 20 UK universities for the proportion of graduates entering skilled employment — a testament to the strong career pathways and employability support available.

University–Industry Partnerships

You’ll benefit directly from Northumbria’s close links with the British Film Institute (BFI) through workshops, masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and opportunities to work on live briefs alongside BFI projects.

Past student placements have included collaborations with Third Films, Arcus Studios, Twenty Six 03, and Candle & Bell Productions.
The School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries also partners with cultural institutions, archives, museums, and film festivals, giving you valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.

Reputation & Accreditation

Northumbria’s Art & Design discipline ranks 4th in the UK for research power (REF 2021), adding significant prestige and academic strength to your degree.

The programme aligns with the standards of professional bodies across the creative and design industries, helping ensure that your skills are recognized and respected by employers.
As a Northumbria graduate, you’ll carry the name of a university that’s well-regarded across creative and cultural sectors — a strong credential when applying for roles or pitching projects.

What Graduates Go On To Do

Graduates typically move into roles in:

• Film production, directing, editing, post-production, or screenwriting

• Festival programming, archival curation, or film distribution

• Freelance or project-based work in media, advertising, or social content creation

• Emerging creative fields such as digital storytelling, VR/AR experiences, and multimedia production

Many also continue developing their creative voice through film festivals, commissions, or collaborations, building impressive portfolios that open even more doors.

Further Academic Progression

After completing your BA (Hons) Film, you’ll have several exciting routes to advance your studies:

• Pursue a Master of Arts (MA) in Film Studies, Filmmaking, Screenwriting, or Post-Production to refine your expertise.

• Choose an MFA in Film or Cinematic Arts for a practice-led, portfolio-based approach.

• If research interests you, consider a PhD in Film or Media Studies, contributing new knowledge to the field.

• Alternatively, explore postgraduate diplomas or short courses in areas like film preservation, sound design, visual effects, or archival studies to deepen your technical skillset.