Film and Media BA (Hons)

4 Year On Campus Bachelors Program

Robert Gordon University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Film and Media at Robert Gordon University is a vibrant and creative degree that blends theory with real-world practice. It’s designed for imaginative thinkers who love exploring how film, digital media, and communication shape the world around us — and who enjoy both making content and analysing its meaning and impact. You’ll graduate with a strong creative portfolio and the practical and analytical skills the modern media industry is looking for.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year introduces you to how the media world works, helping you understand the key ideas and frameworks that shape film and communication today. Modules like Introduction to Filmmaking and Visual Culture & Design give you a mix of creative and analytical experience. You’ll also start developing your technical production skills and creative thinking, laying the foundation for future work.

Year 2:
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into both the theory and practice of media. You’ll study modules such as Media Semiotics & Discourse, Integrated Marketing Communications, and Media Law, while also working hands-on with Documentary Discourse & Practice, Web Design, and Digital Filmmaking. By the end of this year, you’ll be more confident in producing content and understanding how media operates in the real world.

Year 3:
The third year is all about choice and professional development. You can take part in a six-week, 12-week, or year-long work placement, or even study abroad at one of RGU’s partner universities. If you stay on campus, you’ll focus on building freelancing skills, research expertise, and deeper critical understanding. This is your chance to explore your interests and gain valuable real-world experience.

Year 4:
Your final year brings everything together. You’ll take specialist modules like Celebrity Culture, Commercial & Corporate Filmmaking, and Postmodern Culture. Working closely with a supervisor, you’ll complete a major research or practice-based project — the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity, technical ability, and critical insight. Throughout your studies, you’ll engage with themes of sustainability and inclusive media practices, ensuring your work reflects the values of today’s media landscape.


Focus Areas

Film and media production, digital storytelling, media analysis, audience engagement, media strategy, cultural and communication theory


Learning Outcomes

Graduates will leave the course ready to:

  • Produce professional-quality media content across platforms

  • Critically analyse media industries, audiences, and cultural trends

  • Apply theoretical ideas to real-world media contexts

  • Engage effectively with digital and traditional audiences

  • Work collaboratively in diverse, fast-paced creative environments


Professional Alignment

The BA (Hons) Film and Media degree is closely aligned with the professional media world. You’ll work on live client projects, take part in industry placements, and learn directly from experienced media practitioners — ensuring you graduate with practical experience and a network of industry connections.


Reputation

Robert Gordon University is ranked top in Scotland for teaching quality and student experience in Communication and Media Studies, reflecting the programme’s strong industry focus and the supportive, hands-on learning environment students enjoy.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re thinking about applying for the BA (Hons) Film and Media at Robert Gordon University (RGU), here’s what makes it stand out — it’s a course that’s all about learning by doing. You won’t just study film and media theory; you’ll actually create, produce, and collaborate from day one.


Experiential Learning

From the start, you’ll be hands-on — shooting, editing, designing, and producing creative content using industry-standard equipment and software. You’ll work on real media briefs, take part in client-led projects, and get guidance from experienced practitioners. It’s a course that blends creativity and professionalism, helping you build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and vision.


How You’ll Learn in Practice

  • Real client and practitioner-led projects: You’ll take on live media challenges from real organisations — not just classroom exercises — so you can see exactly how the industry operates.

  • Student media outlets: You’ll have the chance to join and contribute to RGU’s own media platforms such as RGU Film, RGU TV, Radar Magazine, and the student radio station, giving you space to experiment, create, and collaborate in genuine media environments.

  • Professional placements: During your studies, you can take on placements focused on social media marketing, audience engagement, and content production, giving you real-world experience before you graduate.

  • Flexible Year 3 options: You can choose between a work-experience placement (six, twelve, or even forty-eight weeks long) or a study abroad opportunity — giving you the freedom to shape your practical experience around your goals.

  • Hands-on workshops: Whether it’s storyboarding, filming, or editing, your classes will combine creative practice with theoretical understanding, so you’re always applying what you learn in a production context.

  • Strong technical and learning support: RGU students consistently rate the university highly for its specialist media resources, production equipment, and IT support, ensuring you always have what you need to create professional-quality work.


Why It Matters

At RGU, you won’t just talk about film and media — you’ll make it. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a professional portfolio, real production experience, and a deep understanding of how the media industry works. Whether your ambitions lie in film production, digital content creation, social media, marketing, or corporate video, this hands-on, experience-driven course gives you the creative and practical edge to succeed.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you study BA (Hons) Film and Media at Robert Gordon University, you’ll graduate with the creative confidence and professional edge to step straight into roles such as Media Producer, Video Content Creator, Social Media Campaign Manager, or Corporate Video Editor. The course’s mix of hands-on production and real-world industry focus makes these career paths genuinely achievable.


Progression & Future Opportunities

University support for your career
Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from RGU’s dedicated Careers and Employability team, who offer one-to-one guidance on CVs, interview skills, and job applications. You’ll also have access to part-time, internship and graduate opportunities that help you gain experience while you study.
In addition, the RGU Plus Employability Enhancement Award gives you a structured way to reflect on your skills, record your work experience, and build a professional portfolio — helping you stand out to future employers.


Employment outcomes and graduate success
Around 85% of Film and Media graduates from RGU are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. On average, they earn about £21,000 three years after completing the course.
More broadly, RGU is known for its outstanding graduate employability, with over 96% of all graduates going on to employment or further study within 15 months — one of the strongest records in Scotland.


Industry links and practical experience
This degree is shaped by close collaboration with media professionals and organisations. You’ll learn from guest speakers, practitioners, and live client projects, ensuring your skills stay current and industry-ready.
In Year 3, students have the opportunity to complete placements with well-known organisations such as Aberdeen Journals, Scottish Rugby, Original 106, Aberdeen Inspired, and Aberdeen Performing Arts — giving you valuable insight and networking connections before you graduate.


Accreditation and reputation
While the BA (Hons) Film and Media is not a professional-licensing qualification, it’s designed to build strong practical, creative and employability skills. RGU is consistently recognised for excellence in media education and has been ranked 1st in Scotland for Media Studies in national guides — a testament to the course’s quality and industry relevance.


Graduate profile and career scope
By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong production portfolio showcasing your abilities in filming, editing, and digital storytelling, along with advanced analytical and creative thinking skills. Graduates often go on to work as television or radio researchers, web designers, social media officers, advertising executives, or video production specialists.


Further academic progression
After completing your degree, you can continue your studies with postgraduate options such as an MA in Media Production, an MSc in Digital Media Technologies, or a specialised master’s in Film Studies or Screenwriting. Many graduates also choose to branch into related fields like Journalism, Marketing Communications, or Digital Storytelling, opening the door to more advanced and leadership roles in the creative industries.

Program Key Stats

£16980
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BCC
2.8
27
60

N/A
N/A
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Film Director
  • Producer
  • Screenwriter
  • Cinematographer
  • Film Editor
  • Sound Designer
  • Production Designer
  • Broadcast Journalist
  • Television Presenter
  • Media Researcher
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Digital Content Creator
  • Film Critic
  • Social Media Manager
  • Documentary Filmmaker

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