BA Film and Television

From day one, you’ll dive straight into practical filmmaking and television production — this isn’t about just learning theory, it’s about doing. At Minghella Studios, you’ll collaborate with experienced technicians and faculty in a creative, workshop-style environment. The department boasts versatile theatre spaces, a multi-camera TV/film studio with Arri Alexa cameras, a digital cinema, and a cutting-edge recording and mixing suite.

Through the course, you’ll also be supported by a dedicated Business & Employability Manager. The department maintains strong links with Screen Berkshire and Shinfield Studios, giving you access to real industry networks, on-site facilities, and exciting project opportunities.

In your third year, you’ll put your skills into practice with real community or commercial projects as part of the Commercial and Community Filmmaking module.

Here’s how your experiential learning is structured:

🎬 Hands-on Experience You’ll Gain:

Studio & Set Work:
You’ll shoot in a multi-camera TV/film studio with professional cameras like the Arri Alexa, handling lighting, sound, and camera choreography as part of the production process.

Post-Production & Editing:
Learn editing, colour grading, sound mixing, and visual effects in dedicated post-production suites, preparing you for the real demands of the industry.

Group Projects & Collaborative Filmmaking:
From Year 2 onwards, you’ll work in teams to produce short films, television sequences, or other media content — just like a professional production crew.

Commercial/Community Commissions:
In Year 3, you’ll create content for real clients, such as local organizations or community groups, tackling actual briefs and deadlines.

Workshops, Bootcamps & Simulated Shoots:
Thanks to the partnership with Screen Berkshire and Shinfield Studios, you can participate in bootcamps, hands-on workshops, and full-scale simulated productions, giving you practical experience in planning and executing shoots.

Internships & Industry Exposure:
Through the department’s networks, you’ll gain access to internships, freelance opportunities, and industry placements, helping you build your professional portfolio.

Access to Shinfield Studios:
Located just off campus, Shinfield Studios offers 18 sound stages, exterior backlots, workshops, and post-production support — all providing hands-on production experience.

Library & Research Support:
You’ll have full access to the University’s library and film/theatre resources to support your essays, research, and theoretical study.

Sustainability & Ethical Practice Training:
The program follows the BAFTA Albert scheme, embedding sustainable and ethical production practices into your filmmaking training.

Graduates from the BA Film and Television degree move into exciting and diverse roles across screen, media, and creative industries. Many become producers, directors, cinematographers, media strategists, or creative content managers, giving them the chance to shape stories, lead production teams, and innovate in digital content.

Typical career paths include:

• Film & TV Producer / Production Manager

• Cinematographer / Camera Operator

• Content Creator / Digital Media Manager

• Film and Television Researcher / Critic / Media Analyst

What you’ll gain after finishing BA Film and Television at Reading:

University employment & careers support

• You’ll have access to a dedicated Business and Employability Manager, who can help with CVs, industry contacts, internships, and job applications.

• Reading’s central careers service also provides placements, networking events, workshops, and mentoring from alumni working in arts and media.

Strong graduate outcomes & salary prospects

• Around 93.5% of graduates from Film, Theatre & Television are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.

• Typical starting salaries in cinematics or photography-related roles are around £22,000 (with a range of £19,000–£25,000).

• After three years, typical earnings rise to around £24,000 (£20,000–£28,500), and after five years, some graduates earn up to £26,500.

Industry partnerships & collaborations

• Reading is a founding member of Screen Berkshire, connecting students with local film production companies and studios.

• You may have the opportunity to work near or with Shinfield Studios, located on Reading’s campus, which has hosted Netflix and Disney productions.

• Other partners include South Street Arts Centre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, and MotionBlurr at Pinewood Studios.

• Many practical modules involve real-world projects; past students have worked with organizations like the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading Mencap, and local community groups.

Accreditation & reputation

• The department participates in the BAFTA Albert scheme, promoting sustainable practices in screen production—enhancing your credentials in an ethically aware industry.

• Reading is globally recognized for its work in environment and sustainability, and the department’s research is internationally respected.

Actual graduate outcomes

• Graduates pursue careers in filmmaking, production, performance, cinematography, teaching, fundraising, media and publishing, arts administration, criticism, and advertising.

• Past employers include ITV, Warner Bros Discovery, Ambassador Theatre Group, Moonbug Entertainment, as well as public sector roles in the NHS and civil service.

Further academic progression
Once you complete your BA, you’ll have excellent opportunities to continue learning or specialize further. You might:

• Pursue a Master’s degree in Film, Television, Media Studies, Documentary, Screenwriting, or Post-Production Practice

• Enroll in an MRes, MPhil, or MSt in film or screen research

• Progress to a PhD in Film, Television, or Media Studies, engaging with research groups such as the Centre for Film Aesthetics and Cultures

• Take industry-led postgraduate courses or executive training in areas like visual effects, immersive media, or digital distribution