BA (Hons) Film and Media

From day one, you’ll be doing much more than just reading theory — you’ll be hands-on with real equipment, creating content, collaborating with classmates, and connecting directly with the media world. At Stirling, you’ll be supported by an impressive range of professional media facilities, including studios, a newsroom, broadcast labs, editing suites, and campus TV and radio platforms. Expert staff will guide you every step of the way. You won’t be watching from the sidelines — you’ll be behind the camera, in the edit room, scripting, pitching, and producing creative work throughout your degree.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into your degree:

• Professional facilities: You’ll have access to fully equipped radio and television production suites and a state-of-the-art newsroom on campus.

• Hands-on modules: In Years 3 and 4, you’ll take practical production modules focused on editing, workflow, and content development — all designed to help you build technical confidence and creative independence.

• Creative final project: In your final year, you’ll produce a documentary or undertake a screenwriting dissertation — real creative output that strengthens your professional portfolio.

• Interactive learning environment: Your studies combine lectures, seminars, workshops, group projects, and presentations. Many assessments are based on creative and collaborative projects rather than traditional exams.

• Campus media opportunities: You’ll have the chance to create and broadcast shows on the university’s TV and radio stations, as well as join filmmaking and radio societies to expand your experience.

• Industry engagement: Professionals from organisations like BBC and Sky TV regularly visit campus to deliver sessions, offer insight into the industry, and sometimes mentor student projects.

• Cutting-edge developments: The Stirling campus is investing in a new high-tech film studio designed to host real film and television productions — giving you exposure to professional-scale shoots right on campus.

• Professional connections: The University maintains strong links with media organisations and industry experts, ensuring your projects meet real-world standards and offer valuable networking opportunities.

• Global perspective: You can choose to study abroad to experience different film and media environments, broadening your creative and cultural horizons.

🎬 Graduate Outcomes in a Nutshell – BA (Hons) Film & Media at the University of Stirling

Most Stirling Film & Media graduates step confidently into their careers or further studies soon after completing their degree — around 95% are employed or pursuing further education within 15 months of graduation. Graduates typically earn an average of £23,500 (ranging from about £21,500–£26,000) during that time.

Common career paths include:
Film or video editing, content production, broadcast research, and media management.

🌟 How Stirling Helps You Build Your Career

Career Support Services

• The Stirling Careers Service offers one-on-one guidance, including CV and portfolio reviews, interview practice, employer networking sessions, and career fairs.

• The Faculty of Arts & Humanities integrates employability modules directly into your studies and offers work placements or live media projects.

• The Alumni Mentoring Scheme connects current students with successful Stirling graduates already working in the media industry.

• Through the Enterprise Programme, students and graduates can develop their own media ventures, from content startups to creative agencies.

💼 Graduate Employment and Salaries

• 95% of Film & Media graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

• The average starting salary is approximately £23,500, with most earning between £21,500 and £26,000.

• Across Stirling’s Arts & Humanities graduates, 96% are also in work or further study, reflecting strong university-wide outcomes.

🎥 Industry Connections and Opportunities

• The Film & Media programme is shaped with input from industry professionals and features guest speakers from BBC, Sky, Netflix, and other leading organisations.

• Stirling is developing a high-tech film studio on campus, which will open even more opportunities for student collaboration and hands-on experience.

• The subject area maintains active ties with major media companies such as BBC, Sky, STV, and Virgin Media, as seen in alumni success stories.

🏆 Reputation and Lasting Value

• Stirling’s Media and Film Studies is ranked 2nd in Scotland, reflecting its strong academic and creative reputation.

• The university’s research in Communication, Cultural and Media Studies was rated 100% “world-leading or internationally excellent” in the REF 2021.

• The degree combines creative theory with practical, industry-relevant skills, ensuring graduates stay adaptable as media technologies evolve.

🎓 Career Destinations

Graduates from this programme have gone on to roles such as:

• Film or video editor

• Broadcast researcher or producer

• Media content creator or social media producer

• Radio or podcast producer

• Programming or post-production assistant

• Set or location manager

• Media manager, PR or advertising executive

Notable employers include: BBC Radio 1, Virgin Media, STV, Sky, and MTV.

🎯 Further Study Options

After completing your BA (Hons) Film & Media, you might choose to:

• Pursue a Master’s in Digital Media, Media Management, Film Studies, or Communication (including options at Stirling).

• Continue into research-based degrees like an MLitt or PhD in Film, Communication, or Cultural Studies.

• Specialise in areas such as documentary filmmaking, animation, or digital storytelling through postgraduate diplomas or certificates.

• Combine your media degree with professional qualifications in digital marketing, production management, or sound engineering to enhance your skillset.