Enter OTP
The Film, Photography and Media BA at the University of Leeds combines creative practice with theoretical understanding, preparing students for careers across the dynamic media sector. It suits those passionate about visual storytelling, media culture, and production, offering hands-on experience alongside critical analysis.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both practical and academic skills. Core modules like Screen Narrative, Camera and Editing, and Photographic Practices introduce creative production, while Introduction to Cinema and Introduction to Media and Communication Research develop analytical and research abilities. Optional modules, such as The History of Communications or Introduction to Media and Communication Theory, allow students to explore theoretical frameworks and broaden their understanding.
Year 2
The second year deepens practical expertise and encourages specialization. Students work on projects like Short Film Production or Documentary Production while studying Photography Theory and Practice and Cinematic Themes. Optional modules such as Digital Storytelling, Podcasting, or Technology in Communications and Media enable students to tailor their learning to specific career interests and creative strengths.
Year 3
In the final year, students focus on independent projects and professional readiness. They select a major project—Moving Image Project, Script Project, Photography Project, or Communication Dissertation—and optional modules like International Communication or Placement offer practical experience and industry exposure. This year emphasizes personal research, creative experimentation, and preparing a portfolio that reflects individual skills and interests.
Focus Areas: Film production, photography, media theory, screenwriting, digital storytelling, audience research, visual culture
Learning Outcomes: Develop practical media skills, critical understanding of film and photography, research proficiency, creative problem-solving, and industry-ready portfolio
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Not specified; strong industry connections through placements and project work
Reputation (Employability Rankings): University of Leeds is highly regarded for arts and humanities; graduates benefit from strong employment prospects in media, film, and photography sectors
Students on the Film, Photography and Media BA gain hands-on experience that blends creative practice with academic theory. From the very first year, you'll have the chance to work with industry-standard equipment and software, learning production and post-production skills while exploring film, photography, and media in a research-led environment. The program emphasizes practical application alongside critical reflection, ensuring that students graduate with both creative and analytical expertise.
Your learning journey is supported by outstanding facilities, expert tutors, and opportunities to collaborate on real projects, preparing you for careers in the fast-evolving media sector. Students also have the option to undertake placements or study abroad to gain professional experience.
Key experiential learning opportunities and resources include:
Photography and Film Studios: Fully equipped photography studios and darkrooms for creative experimentation.
Editing Suites: 40 editing suites featuring the latest Adobe video editing software and Photoshop.
Specialist Software: Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop.
Cinema Facilities: 58-seat cinema with HD video projection, 16mm and 35mm projectors, and Dolby Digital surround sound for screenings and analysis.
Equipment Loans: Access to cameras, digital recorders, and other professional production gear.
Group Projects and Collaboration: Work with peers on short films, photography projects, and moving image assignments.
Work Placements: Optional four-week placements in the media industry for real-world experience.
Research-Led Support: Guidance from academic experts, industry professionals, and postgraduate researchers.
Libraries and Resources: Comprehensive access to media and communication research materials to support both practice and theory.
This structure ensures that students not only learn the theory behind film and media but also graduate with practical, portfolio-ready skills that are directly applicable to the creative industries.
Future Progression & Opportunities
Graduates from the Film, Photography and Media BA at the University of Leeds leave equipped with a strong blend of creative and technical skills, ready to enter the dynamic media industry. Many secure roles in film production, photography, media analysis, and digital content creation:
University support for employment: The Careers Centre provides tailored guidance, internship opportunities, and portfolio development sessions to help students launch their media careers.
Employment stats and salary figures: Leeds graduates in media fields enjoy strong employability, with many entering roles offering starting salaries around £22,000–£28,000, with potential for rapid progression.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from collaborations with leading media organizations and guest lectures from industry professionals, enhancing networking and real-world exposure.
Long-term accreditation value: This BA is recognized for its rigorous academic and practical training, offering credibility across the media sector worldwide.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni pursue careers as film and media producers, photographers, digital content creators, media researchers, and more.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies with postgraduate programs in Film Studies, Media Production, Photography, Digital Media, or Communication Studies, enabling specialization or research-focused careers within the creative industries.
A-level: AAB including one arts, humanities or social science subject. Excluding general studies and critical thinking.If you’re taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) you may receive an alternative offer alongside a standard offer. In this case, the typical offer would be ABB plus grade A in the EPQ.IB: 35 overall (16 at higher level, with 5 at higher level in English or 6 at standard level).IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. TOEFL iBT at 88 overall with no less than 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 22 in speaking and 21 in writing.GCSE English Language or IGCSE English as a First or Second Language: C or 4. GCSE English Literature may be considered in certain circumstances for some courses.For Indian Applicants: Standard XII Subject specific grades: 75-90%Typically accepted Standard X qualifications as equivalent to GCSEs, except for Standard X English. Typically required Standard XII English because the curriculum of this qualification is more closely aligned with GCSE English.For US Applicants: High School Diploma 3.0 GPA with two Honors Classes at A, plus one AP at 4. OR High School Diploma with two Honors Classes at A, plus one IB HL course at 5. OR High School Diploma 3.0 GPA with two Honors Classes at A, plus one Dual Enrolment course at B.SAT II scores taken before 2021 may be accepted in lieu of an AP or HL subject (650–750), to fulfill a subject requirement, or to replace one Honors class when combined with other qualifications.English Requirements for US Applicants: Must meet one of the following: Grade 12 English with a 2.0 GPA (70%), AP English Language or Literature score of 3+,SAT (old) 1650 with 550 per section, SAT (new) 1290 (650 EBRW, 620 Math), ACT English 26, or an associate degree with 3.0 GPA. Alternatively, an IELTS 6.0, GCSE English grade C/4, or equivalent is required.Film directorCinematographerVideo editorScreenwriterFilm producerSound designerPhotojournalistCommercial photographerMedia plannerContent creatorSocial media managerVisual effects artistDocumentary filmmakerAdvertising creativeBroadcast journalist
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