3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BA (Hons) Editing and Visual Effects for Film and Broadcast at the University of Salford immerses students in the creative, technical, and storytelling aspects of post-production. Designed for aspiring editors and visual effects artists, the course blends hands-on learning with industry-standard tools, preparing students to bring cinematic stories to life across film, television, and digital platforms.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
In the first year, students build a solid foundation in the principles of film and post-production. Modules such as Introduction to Post Production, Visual Effects and Compositing, and Film Production introduce core techniques in editing, sound, and compositing. This stage emphasizes creative experimentation and developing technical confidence using industry software like Avid and Adobe After Effects.
Year 2:
The second year deepens technical skills and storytelling sophistication. Students explore modules such as Editing: Documentary and Drama, Motion Graphics, and Production Management, where they learn to craft compelling narratives and manage complex post-production workflows. This year encourages collaboration with peers from other creative disciplines, simulating real-world production environments.
Year 3:
In the final year, students take on advanced, industry-facing projects that showcase their individual style and expertise. Modules like Advanced Editing and Compositing, Professional Practice, and the Final Major Project allow them to specialize, refine their portfolios, and engage with clients or external partners. This culmination of study ensures graduates leave with strong creative portfolios ready for professional presentation.
Focus Areas:
Film editing, visual effects compositing, post-production workflows, motion graphics, storytelling, sound design.
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will master the technical and creative processes of post-production, apply visual effects and compositing techniques to enhance storytelling, and demonstrate professional standards in collaborative and independent film editing.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program is designed in close collaboration with industry professionals and is housed within MediaCityUK, a major hub for the UK’s film, broadcast, and digital industries, ensuring strong industry relevance and access to real-world experience.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Salford ranks among the top 10 universities in the UK for film production and photography (Guardian University Guide 2024), recognized for its strong industry connections and excellent graduate outcomes in creative media sectors.
If you choose to study BA (Hons) Editing and Visual Effects for Film and Broadcast at the University of Salford, you’re signing up for a highly practical and creatively focused education. From day one, you’ll be hands-on—working in professional post-production environments, using the same software and tools used across the film and broadcast industry. You’ll learn directly from experienced lecturers who’ve worked in the field, and the course itself is designed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring what you learn truly reflects current professional standards.
Here’s how your experiential learning is structured:
Immersive post-production training:
You’ll explore the entire post-production process—from shooting for post, editing, and sound design to visual effects, finishing, and broadcast delivery. Every stage is built around practical experience with industry-standard tools and real-world briefs that mirror professional environments.
Industry-standard software:
You’ll master editing using Avid Media Composer, create 3D models in Maya, and work on 2D compositing and screen graphics using Nuke and Adobe Creative Suite—all of which are essential tools in modern post-production.
Collaborative, real-world workflow:
In your second year, you’ll take on the “Collaborative Workflows with Industry Brief” module, working as part of a production team to deliver live-style projects that replicate the pace and standards of professional broadcast post-production.
Location and industry exposure:
The course is based at MediaCityUK in Salford—home to the BBC, ITV, and numerous VFX and production companies. This means you’ll be studying right in the middle of one of the UK’s most dynamic creative hubs, surrounded by opportunities to network and learn from professionals in the field.
Professional engagement:
Throughout the course, you’ll attend guest lectures, hear from industry practitioners, and gain insights from professionals actively working in film, television, and visual effects.
Portfolio and final major project:
In your final year, you’ll bring everything together in a Final Major Project or dissertation, developing a polished professional portfolio that showcases your editing and VFX skills—ready to impress future employers or clients.
This degree is built to help you grow creatively, technically, and professionally. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence, practical experience, and portfolio to step straight into the fast-paced world of film and broadcast post-production. If you’re ready to create, collaborate, and bring stories to life through editing and visual effects, this is the course for you.
Graduates from this programme step confidently into dynamic creative roles — producing, editing, and adding visual effects for film, television, and broadcast media. Many go on to work as Editors, Visual Effects (VFX) Artists, Post-Production Assistants, and Broadcast Technicians, contributing to projects that reach audiences around the world.
Progression & Future Opportunities
University Support:
From day one, you’ll have access to Salford’s dedicated Careers and Enterprise team, offering tailored help with CVs, interview preparation, and industry networking. Whether you’re seeking internships or your first post-graduation job, the team helps you stand out in a competitive media landscape.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures:
For related media and film-based courses at Salford, around 95% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree. The average salary for creative arts graduates from Salford is around £21,000 after the same period — and with experience, this can grow significantly in senior or specialist roles.
University–Industry Partnerships:
You’ll be studying right in the heart of MediaCityUK — home to the BBC, ITV, Dock10, and countless independent production houses. This close proximity to industry gives you a genuine feel for professional workflows. The course itself is shaped with input from leading production companies and gives you hands-on experience using Avid, Maya, Nuke, and Adobe Creative Suite — all standard tools in today’s post-production world.
Long-Term Value:
By learning with real-world equipment and techniques, you’ll graduate ready to hit the ground running. Employers in film, TV, and broadcast know that Salford graduates are trained to industry expectations — a major boost to your credibility and employability.
Graduation Outcomes:
In your final year, you’ll complete a major practical project, creating professional-standard work for your showreel. This becomes a key part of your portfolio when approaching studios, agencies, and broadcasters. With the UK film and TV sector continuing to expand, skilled post-production professionals are in strong demand.
Further Academic Progression
After completing your degree, you could advance to a Master’s programme such as MA Production Management for TV, Film and Digital Media, or explore postgraduate study in Advanced VFX, Digital Media Production, or Film Studies. These pathways can lead to senior roles in post-production supervision, VFX direction, or film and television production management.



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