BA (Hons) Film and Television Production

If you’re thinking about studying BA (Hons) Film and Television Production at the University of Hertfordshire, you’re looking at a course that’s all about learning by doing. From your very first term, you’ll dive straight into hands-on work with professional film and TV equipment — the same kind used in the industry — developing the creative and technical skills you need to bring your ideas to life. You won’t just study how film and television are made; you’ll actually make them, working in real studios, on live sets, and alongside other passionate filmmakers.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the programme:

Using high-end production equipment:
You’ll get to work with top-of-the-line tools like Blackmagic URSA 4.6K digital cinema cameras, Canon C100 and XF305, Panasonic 371 cameras, and Zeiss and Samyang lenses. For lighting, you’ll use professional Kino Flo and Arri setups, and for sound, industry-standard Sennheiser and Zoom gear. You’ll even learn to handle Steadicam rigs, jibs, and dollies — the same equipment used on professional sets.

Studio and location shoots:
You’ll spend time in the Mike Newell Sound Stage TV Studio — a full broadcast-standard HD facility complete with green screen, pedestal cameras, and a railed light rig. For smaller shoots and creative experiments, you’ll also have access to the Doug Milsome Cinematography Lab, designed for more intimate and technical production work.

Post-production and editing facilities:
After shooting, you’ll move into the 40-seat Walter Murch Post-Production Lab or the dedicated editing lab, both equipped with professional software like Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, Baselight, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Draft. The labs are supported by a 120-terabyte EditShare storage system, plus a massive library of over 23,000 sound effects and 4,000 music tracks — everything you need to finish your films to a professional standard.

Creative teamwork and role rotation:
Throughout your degree, you’ll collaborate on real film and TV projects, taking turns in different production roles — from director and cinematographer to sound recordist, editor, or producer. This approach ensures you graduate with a complete understanding of how each part of a production works, and where your strengths lie.

Industry-recognised accreditation and professional links:
The programme is accredited by ScreenSkills and is a member of CILECT, the global association of leading film and television schools. This recognition means your training meets professional standards and connects you to valuable industry networks.

Live research and production opportunities:
You’ll have the chance to take part in The Elstree Project, where students film interviews with real film and television professionals at Elstree Studios. It’s a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a genuine studio environment while learning directly from people who work in the industry.

Library and learning resources:
Beyond the studios and labs, you’ll have access to the university’s Learning Resource Centres, packed with books, journals, scripts, and digital archives. These resources help you deepen your understanding of the theory, history, and cultural context of film and television production.

Graduate Outcomes Summary

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared to step directly into roles within the film and television industry, combining creative vision with strong technical expertise. Typical starting positions include film and TV runner, assistant producer or director, editor, and camera assistant. With experience, many go on to become producers, directors, or senior editors — advancing into leadership roles across production and post-production.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University Employability Support:
The University’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service is there to help you every step of the way — from polishing your CV and developing an impressive show reel to connecting you with industry professionals through networking events and employer collaborations.

Employment Success:
Around 80% of graduates from the programme are in employment or further study within 15 months of completing their degree. Those in related roles typically earn an average salary of around £23,000 during that same period — a strong indicator of positive career progression soon after graduation.

Industry Partnerships and Accreditation:
The course is accredited by ScreenSkills and CILECT, two of the most respected names in film and television education. This ensures your training meets professional industry standards and enhances your employability. The University also partners with renowned production companies such as ENVY Post-Production in London, providing valuable connections and opportunities where many graduates have begun their careers.

Long-Term Value of Accreditation:
Being ScreenSkills-accredited gives you a real advantage — employers recognise this as proof of professional readiness and quality training, helping your portfolio stand out in a competitive industry.

Graduate Destinations:
Most graduates find roles in production or post-production soon after finishing their degree. Alumni have progressed from positions like runners, junior researchers, assistant producers or directors, editors, and camera assistants, later moving into senior creative and managerial roles across film and television.

Further Academic Progression
If you choose to continue your studies after your BA, you can progress into a Master’s degree such as MA Film Production at the University. This advanced programme allows you to refine your creative practice, specialise in production or post-production, and prepare for leadership roles in the industry or academia.