BA (Hons) Film and High-End Television Production

Here’s how you’ll truly learn by doing on the BA (Hons) Film and High-End Television Production at the University of Derby — this isn’t just about studying film, it’s about making it. You’ll get hands-on from day one, working with industry-standard equipment, shooting in real studio environments, and building a showreel that proves your talent. Every step of the course is designed to immerse you in the creative and technical world of film and high-end TV, supported by lecturers who actively work in the industry.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Get hands-on with RED and ARRI cameras — and even shoot on 35mm film. You’ll train with the same high-end technology used on professional film sets, gaining the confidence and technical skill that industry roles demand.

• Work in a real production studio. You’ll use the dedicated film and television facilities at Derby’s Markeaton Street site, complete with lighting rigs, sets, and full technical support — just like on a professional shoot.

• Borrow top-quality equipment for your own projects. Through the Media Loan Hub, you’ll have access to a huge range of cameras, lenses, and sound gear, allowing you to create independent productions outside of class time.

• Grow through real productions. You’ll start with small collaborative projects and progress to large-scale, professional-standard shoots by your final year — building an impressive portfolio that showcases your journey and skill development.

• Experience life on a real set. Many students gain hands-on experience as runners, assistants, or crowd marshals on active film and TV productions, helping you understand how large-scale projects run in the real world.

• Take your skills global with an optional placement. You can spend six months working with a production company at the Malta Production Hub — a unique opportunity to build international experience and contacts.

• Showcase your work publicly. You’ll have the chance to screen your films at a premiere event held at Derby’s own Quad arts venue, putting your work in front of an audience and potential industry contacts.

• Learn from professionals. Your tutors are active filmmakers and TV professionals, meaning you’ll always be up to date with current practices, technology, and trends shaping the screen industries.

• Develop your professional edge. Beyond creative and technical training, you’ll gain experience in working to client briefs, understanding audiences, managing productions, and delivering commercially viable content — preparing you for the full spectrum of industry roles.

• Benefit from excellent resources. With 93% of students saying they’re satisfied with the learning resources, you’ll be supported by an environment designed to help you thrive creatively and professionally.

Choosing the BA (Hons) Film and High-End Television Production degree at the University of Derby means stepping into a world where creativity meets real-world impact. This course is designed to help you build the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in the film, television, and streaming industries. Graduates go on to work in exciting roles such as cinematographer, editor, production assistant, or post-production specialist — all essential to bringing stories to life on screen.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Derby, your career development is supported from day one. You’ll have access to the University’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service, which continues to support you for up to three years after graduation. Whether it’s perfecting your CV, preparing for interviews, or connecting with industry professionals, the team is there to help you take confident steps into your career.

Employment outcomes are strong too — around 65% of graduates from courses in Cinematics and Photography (which includes this programme) are in highly skilled roles within just 15 months of graduating. Average salaries for Derby graduates in these fields sit around £22,000, with many earning between £22,000 and £26,000 soon after completing their studies.

You’ll also benefit from hands-on, industry-relevant experience. The course includes opportunities such as a six-month placement with the Malta Production Hub, access to professional-grade equipment including Red, Arri, and 35mm celluloid cameras, and teaching from tutors who actively work in film and television. These experiences ensure you graduate ready for the fast-paced creative industries.

Graduates from this programme have already moved into roles such as sound, lighting, and grip technicians, production assistants, runners, scriptwriters, cinematographers, editors, art directors, directors of photography, and producers.

The University of Derby has an excellent track record for employability — an impressive 96.9% of full-time first-degree graduates are employed or in further study within six months of finishing their course. That means you’ll be joining a community that’s known for turning creative passion into professional success.

With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced staff, and a strong industry reputation, this degree doesn’t just prepare you for your first job — it helps you build a sustainable and rewarding career in the creative sector.

Further Academic Progression

If you decide to continue your academic journey, you’ll have a range of exciting options ahead. Graduates can progress to postgraduate study through programmes such as MA Film Production, MA Cinematography, or MA Film and TV Studies. For those interested in research or teaching, a MPhil or PhD in a media-related field could be the next step.

These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise, open doors to advanced creative roles, and enhance your professional profile within the film and television industries.