Communications and Film & TV BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Nottingham Trent University

Program Overview

This degree gives you a unique mix of communications theory and hands-on film & television practice. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how media shapes society while also learning how to craft compelling stories on screen. It’s perfect for students curious about culture, identity, media change — and who also want practical experience in making films, TV shows, and multimedia content.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll lay the foundation for both theory and practice. You’ll study Understanding the Communications Revolution alongside Film & TV Style in Close-Up, giving you the tools to understand how communication systems work while learning to analyse media texts. You’ll also explore The Bigger Picture: Core Concepts, Contexts and Debates in Film and Television Studies, looking at genre, representation, and the evolving film and TV industries.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll go deeper into both theory and practice. Media, Theory and Society will help you connect cultural theory to today’s media landscape. In Putting Film and TV into Practice, you’ll apply theory by producing real media work. Transformation: Agency and World ties together your learning across both subjects, addressing global challenges, sustainability, and your role in the cultural ecosystem — it also includes an 80-hour placement to gain real-world experience.

Year 3
Your final year is all about independence and creativity. You’ll lead a major project — a Film & TV Major Project (like a film, visual essay, or podcast) or a traditional dissertation. You’ll also complete the Humanities Research Project, bringing together communication and media analysis. Optional modules like Short Film Production and Exhibition, Analysing British Television, or Researching Media and Communications let you tailor your final year to your interests.


Focus Areas

  • Media theory, communication systems, and digital culture

  • Film and television practice

  • Representation and identity

  • Production and post-production techniques


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this degree, you’ll be able to:

  • Critically analyse media texts

  • Understand communication systems and power structures

  • Produce creative media content (film, TV, multimedia)

  • Conduct independent interdisciplinary research in media and communications


Professional Alignment

While the course isn’t tied to a specific external accreditor, it includes industry placements, live briefs, and work-like experiences with external partners, giving you experience aligned with professional standards in media and communications.


Reputation & Employability

Nottingham Trent University ranks 7th in the UK for undergraduate Media, Journalism, and Communications students. Almost all Media and Film & TV students rate the teaching positively, and graduates have gone on to work at organisations like the BBC, Sky, Channel 5, and IBM.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the Communications and Film & TV BA (Hons) degree at Nottingham Trent University gain hands-on experience that bridges theory and professional practice. The course is designed to immerse you in real-world media environments, allowing you to develop practical skills in both communications and creative production. From working on professional briefs to exploring the latest digital media tools, you’ll build the confidence and expertise needed to succeed in dynamic media industries. NTU’s dedicated facilities, collaborative projects, and structured work placements ensure that learning is always active, applied, and industry-focused.

Experiential learning opportunities include:

  • Work-like experience: Engage in at least 240 hours of projects across three years, including client-led assignments, podcasts, video production, campaigns, social media curation, and visual media.

  • Optional extended placement: Take a 10-week work placement in your second year to gain deeper industry exposure.

  • Collaborative transformation modules: Participate in group projects and creative assessments that develop professional skills and personal growth.

  • Digital and media tools: Access industry-standard software and equipment for film, television, and digital content creation.

  • Field trips and ciné-clubs: Explore global cinema movements and gain insights into international media practices.

  • Specialist facilities: Utilize NTU’s media studios, editing suites, and creative labs for hands-on practice.

  • Professional development support: Benefit from mentoring, personal tutoring, and employability workshops throughout your course.

  • Library and research resources: Take advantage of NTU’s extensive media collections and academic support for research-driven projects.

This integrated approach ensures that graduates leave NTU not just with knowledge, but with practical skills and industry-ready experience in communications and film & television.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Communications and Film & TV BA (Hons) at Nottingham Trent University leave equipped with a blend of creative, analytical, and professional skills, ready to thrive in the dynamic media and communications industries. Typical roles include Media Producer, Content Creator, Communications Officer, and Film/TV Production Assistant:

  • University support for employment: NTU’s Careers and Employability Service offers one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to industry networking events.

  • Employment stats and salary figures: Over 90% of NTU graduates find work or further study within six months of graduation, with starting salaries in media and communications roles averaging £22,000–£28,000.

  • University–industry partnerships: Students gain experience through collaborations with media companies, creative agencies, and professional briefs integrated into coursework.

  • Long-term accreditation value: The degree is recognised across the creative industries, supporting career mobility and professional credibility.

  • Graduation outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in television, film, digital media, advertising, journalism, and public relations.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies with postgraduate courses in Media and Communications, Film and Television Studies, Digital Media, or Marketing and Media Management, enhancing their expertise and opening doors to senior roles in creative and communications sectors.

Program Key Stats

£17,500
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BBC
3.0
28
65

N/A
N/A
6.0
73

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Media Producer
  • Film Director
  • Screenwriter
  • Broadcast Journalist
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Digital Content Creator
  • Social Media Manager
  • Cinematographer
  • Video Editor
  • Film Critic
  • Communications Specialist
  • Advertising Executive
  • Production Assistant
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Event Manager

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