BA (Hons) Film and High-End Television Production with Foundation Year

If you’re ready to step into the world of screen storytelling, the BA (Hons) Film and High-End Television Production with Foundation Year at the University of Derby is the perfect place to start. This course combines creative freedom, hands-on practice, and real industry experience — giving you the skills and confidence to become a filmmaker from day one.

Experiential learning

From your very first term, you’ll be behind the camera, working with professional-grade equipment and collaborating on real productions. At Derby, you’ll train with top-of-the-line digital cameras such as RED and ARRI systems, and even have the rare opportunity to work with traditional 35 mm celluloid film — something few UK film degrees offer.

Your learning experience won’t just happen in classrooms; it happens on real film and TV sets, guided by tutors who continue to work in the industry. You’ll also build a professional showreel and portfolio, helping you stand out when applying for jobs or postgraduate study.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life at Derby:

• Industry-standard equipment: Learn using RED and ARRI camera systems and gain hands-on experience with 35 mm film, mastering both modern and traditional production methods.

• Real-world set experience: Take part in live productions — from short films to high-end television and streaming projects — and understand how professional film crews operate.

• Collaborative projects: Work in creative teams across direction, cinematography, sound, and editing, mirroring the way professional productions are structured.

• Placement opportunities: Gain international experience through a six-month placement at the Malta Production Hub, where you’ll work alongside industry professionals on real projects.

• Digital and multiplatform storytelling: Go beyond film and TV to explore emerging media like web videos, podcasts, and digital content creation — essential for today’s media landscape.

• Portfolio development: Graduate with a strong professional portfolio showcasing your films, TV-style productions, and creative projects — ready to impress employers and collaborators.

By choosing this programme, you’re not just studying film — you’re living it. Every project, collaboration, and production helps you grow into a confident, creative professional ready to make your mark in the industry. If you’re passionate about telling powerful stories, creating cinematic visuals, and learning by doing, Derby is the perfect place to begin your journey.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Film and High-End Television Production (with Foundation Year) at the University of Derby leave with hands-on experience, a strong creative portfolio, and the confidence to take on roles across the film and TV industry. Many go on to work as Production Assistants, Editors, Cinematographers or Camera Operators, and Content Producers — stepping straight into exciting production environments both in the UK and abroad.

University Careers and Employability Support
Derby provides outstanding industry-focused support throughout your studies. You’ll have access to a dedicated media-loan hub for professional lighting, camera, and sound equipment, plus a fully equipped Media and Film Studio at the Markeaton Street site. The University’s Careers & Employability team also offers expert guidance on CV writing, placements, and job applications to help you stand out when entering the industry.

Employment Success
Graduates from Cinematics and Photography courses at Derby have an excellent track record — 90% are in work and/or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. The typical median salary is around £22,000, reflecting strong employability in creative and technical roles across media and production.

Industry Partnerships and Placements
During your degree, you’ll have the chance to complete a six-month placement with the Malta Production Hub, one of the world’s most recognised film production locations. Opportunities like this allow you to build valuable industry contacts and gain experience on real, high-end productions — an incredible way to prepare for your career.

Reputation and Accreditation
This programme builds on Derby’s well-established expertise in film production. The University’s subject area in Film Production & Photography is ranked 2nd in the UK for career prospects in the Guardian University Guide 2025 — a testament to the quality of teaching and industry relevance you’ll find here.

Graduate Outcomes
Many Derby graduates now work in high-end film and television using professional-grade equipment such as RED and ARRI cameras, and even traditional 35mm film. Several alumni have gone on to launch their own production companies, showcasing how Derby nurtures creativity, independence, and professional ambition.

Further Academic Progression
After completing your degree, you could advance to postgraduate study with an MA in Film Production, Television and Screen Media, or specialise further in areas like Cinematography or Post-Production. If you’re interested in the business side of the creative industries, you might pursue an MBA to help you manage or run your own production company. For those passionate about research, opportunities also exist to continue into MPhil or PhD study in screen theory or media practice.