BA (Hons) Future Media Production

At Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Arts (SODA)

Learning here is all about creating. You won’t just sit through lectures or read about media theories — you’ll actually make things. From your first year, you’ll be producing real media work using professional-grade tools, collaborating with students from across creative disciplines, and getting feedback from people who work in the industry. The setup at SODA is designed to feel like the real world — your classes, studios, and projects mirror how the media industry operates today.

What you’ll do and where you’ll do it

• Create real-world projects that respond to live briefs — things like social media content, AR/VR experiences, or digital campaigns.

• Work alongside students from animation, design, games, and sound — collaboration is part of how you’ll learn and build your creative network.

• Use cutting-edge tools such as pre-visualisation and virtual production software to plan, design, and bring your ideas to life in professional labs and studios.

• Shape your own path in your final year by choosing between a major media production, a dissertation, or an internship/placement — giving you the freedom to specialize in what inspires you most.

• Learn directly from industry professionals through guest lectures, masterclasses, and workshops that connect classroom learning with real-world creative practice.

Facilities, tools & support

• SODA gives you access to state-of-the-art creative spaces, purpose-built for digital arts students — including studios and labs designed for video, animation, and immersive media production.

• You’ll use the latest software and hardware for digital content creation, post-production, and VR — from editing suites to pre-visualisation and virtual production tools.

• You’ll be studying right in the heart of Manchester, close to MediaCityUK — home to the BBC, ITV, and a thriving creative and tech community full of networking and collaboration opportunities.

• You’ll also have full access to MMU’s wider resources, including libraries, digital media labs, and technical support hubs — everything you need to research, experiment, and produce your best work.

Within just 15 months of graduating, the majority of Manchester Met media graduates are already on their next step — around 80% are either working or continuing their studies.

Typical roles that alumni move into include Content Producer or Creator, Digital Media Specialist, Social Media Manager, and Media Project Coordinator.

How your future could unfold:

Career & Progression Opportunities

University services supporting your career journey
Manchester Met’s Careers & Employability Service is there to help you shape your professional path from day one. You’ll have access to one-to-one CV and portfolio reviews, mock interviews, networking sessions, and links to recruiters actively looking for creative graduates.

The university also regularly hosts guest lectures, workshops, and showcase events where industry employers come to meet emerging talent and scout for new hires.

Within the School of Digital Arts (SODA), students benefit from hands-on, studio-based mentoring and the chance to work on live projects with local media and digital companies — helping you graduate with real-world experience and industry connections.

Employment statistics & salary insights

• Around 80% of Manchester Met media graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

• The average salary for these graduates is around £25,000 a year, with the median at approximately £23,000.

• Around 70% of those working in media-related roles are employed in highly skilled positions, showing that your degree directly supports meaningful career paths.

University–industry linkages & reputation

The BA (Hons) Future Media Production degree is approved by ScreenSkills, the UK’s industry body for screen and creative media — a mark of quality that ensures your training aligns with what employers are looking for.

Being based in Manchester, you’ll be just minutes away from MediaCityUK — home to the BBC, ITV, and a growing network of independent production and digital companies.

The university’s £35 million investment in SODA reflects its commitment to providing cutting-edge facilities that mirror professional creative environments.

Accreditation & long-term value

This ScreenSkills endorsement adds extra weight to your qualification, helping you stand out in the competitive media sector.

A degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, particularly from SODA, is recognised across the UK and internationally — giving you a strong foundation for career growth, creative ventures, or further study.

Graduate roles & future pathways

After completing your degree, you could find yourself working as a:

• Digital Content Producer / Creator

• Social Media Manager or Strategist

• Multimedia / Video Production Specialist

• Media Project Coordinator / Production Assistant

Some graduates go on to explore exciting areas like immersive media (VR/AR), digital storytelling, or content strategy for creative and marketing agencies.

Further Academic Progression

Your BA (Hons) Future Media Production can open doors to:

• Master’s degrees in Digital Media, Creative Technologies, Film & Television Production, Interactive Media, or Media & Communication Studies.

• Postgraduate diplomas or certificates in specialised areas such as Virtual or Augmented Reality, Emerging Media, or Media Entrepreneurship.

• Research pathways (MRes or PhD) for those interested in exploring the intersections of media, culture, and technology.

• Short professional courses in creative tools or industry technologies, ideal for sharpening specific technical or creative skills.