The BA (Hons) Film Production at the University of Portsmouth is designed to develop your creative voice and prepare you for a dynamic career in the film industry. Students will master the art and business of filmmaking, from directing and cinematography to editing and visual effects, while building a standout portfolio.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of film production, learning core techniques in cinematography, directing, and editing. Key modules such as Introduction to Film Production, Media Technology Skills, and Storytelling and Visual Language equip students with hands-on experience and a strong understanding of creative storytelling.
Year 2:
The second year allows students to refine their production skills and explore advanced aspects of filmmaking. Modules like Production Management, Advanced Editing Techniques, and Cinematography in Practice enable students to work on larger-scale projects and develop a professional approach to collaborative filmmaking.
Year 3:
In the final year, students focus on creating industry-standard work and preparing for professional life. Through modules such as Final Major Project, Professional Practice in Film, and Visual Effects and Post Production, students produce their own films, showcase their work at screening events, and demonstrate the full range of their technical and creative skills.
Focus Areas: Filmmaking, cinematography, directing, editing, visual effects, production management, portfolio development
Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to produce high-quality films, manage production processes, demonstrate technical and creative proficiency, and showcase work to industry-standard professional audiences
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by ScreenSkills Select, ensuring industry relevance and access to employability training, scholarships, and bursaries
Reputation (Employability Rankings): Ranked 4th in the UK for film production and photography (Guardian University Guide, 2026), with 93% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey), and Top 30 for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024)
At the University of Portsmouth, the BA (Hons) Film Production program immerses students in practical, hands-on learning that mirrors real industry experiences. From the very first year, students develop their creative and technical skills, working with professional-standard equipment and exploring all facets of filmmaking—from directing and cinematography to editing and visual effects. The program emphasizes collaboration, portfolio building, and industry engagement, ensuring that students graduate with tangible, career-ready expertise.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and active industry connections, which allow them to apply theory in real-world contexts. This experiential approach includes industry placements, workshops with award-winning professionals, and opportunities to showcase work at prestigious screening events:
Access to professional camera systems including Arri Alexa, Sony, and Blackmagic
Use of Avid video editing suites, Pro Tools sound studio, and Baselight colour grading system
Optional one-year industry placement or independent production project
Participation in masterclasses and workshops led by industry creatives
Guest lectures from award-winning directors, such as Philip Barantini
Certification in Avid Media Composer to showcase editing proficiency
Annual film screening at the British Film Institute (BFI), London to present student work
Support through ScreenSkills Select accreditation, including employability training, bursaries, and scholarships
Flexible production spaces for group projects and individual work
This structure ensures students leave with both a polished portfolio and practical experience, ready to step confidently into the film industry.
Future Progression & Opportunities:
Graduates from the Film Production BA (Hons) at the University of Portsmouth enjoy a dynamic career trajectory, with 93% employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation. Many alumni have worked with top studios such as Marvel, Maverick, and Pinewood, contributing to acclaimed projects like Black Mirror and Wonder Woman 1984. Typical job roles include: Film Director, Cinematographer, Editor, and Visual Effects Producer.
Key highlights of your future prospects:
University career services: Access tailored employability training, workshops, guest lectures from industry professionals, bursaries, and scholarships through ScreenSkills Select accreditation.
Employment stats & salary: 93% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months; industry starting salaries for entry-level film production roles often range from £22,000–£30,000 per year.
Industry partnerships: Collaborate with studios like Marvel, Maverick, Pinewood, and showcase films at the British Film Institute (BFI) screening events.
Accreditation value: ScreenSkills Select ensures your degree aligns with industry standards, enhancing employability and long-term career recognition.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have gone on to produce independent films, work on major film and TV projects, or launch their own production ventures.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can advance their studies with postgraduate programs such as MA in Film Production, MA in Digital Effects, or MA in Screenwriting, further honing creative and technical skills to prepare for senior roles in the film and television industry.
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