Film and Media BA (Hons)

Here’s how experiential learning is woven into the BA (Hons) Film and Media at Birkbeck, University of London — ensuring you graduate not just with knowledge, but with genuine, hands-on creative experience:

Learn by Doing — From Day One

From the very start, you won’t just study film and media — you’ll create, collaborate, and experiment. You’ll use professional audiovisual equipment, editing software, and production tools to bring your own media projects to life. Birkbeck’s 70-seat cinema is your space for screenings and critiques, while the Derek Jarman Lab provides an inspiring hub for creative film work. You’ll also be part of the vibrant Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image (BIMI), which hosts events, festivals, screenings, and talks — all open for you to join and learn from leading voices in the industry.

Collaborative, Real-World Projects

Your coursework will often mirror professional media environments. You’ll work in teams to design, plan, shoot, and edit projects under real deadlines — developing teamwork, creativity, and production discipline. Guest lectures and workshops from filmmakers, producers, and media professionals bring real-world insight straight into your classroom.

Key Experiential Learning Features

Use of industry-standard tools & software
You’ll gain hands-on experience with image and sound editing, scriptwriting tools, and digital media workflows that reflect real industry practice.

Group media projects & coursework
Collaborative assignments — from short films to digital campaigns — help you build leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Final-year creative or research project
In your final year, you’ll complete an independent project that integrates theory, production, and critique — whether it’s a film, documentary, or research-based piece.

Micro-placement & Career Development modules
At Level 5, you can opt for a short professional placement and a dedicated career development module, linking your academic learning directly with real industry experience.

Facilities That Support Your Creativity

• The Birkbeck Cinema – A 70-seat professional screening space equipped for both 35mm and digital projection, used for teaching, events, and student showcases.

• Derek Jarman Lab – A creative studio where students produce and experiment with film projects.

• Computer Labs – Fully equipped with video editing, layout, and web design software to support your production work.

• Peltz Gallery – A dynamic venue for exhibitions, performances, and media events that often connect directly to your studies.

Connecting with the Industry

Through BIMI and other research centres, you’ll attend public events, masterclasses, and conferences featuring filmmakers, curators, and media professionals. Birkbeck’s strong partnerships with institutions such as the BFI, ICA, V&A, and Tate connect you to London’s thriving film and cultural scene.

And, of course, studying in London means you’re right at the heart of the UK’s media and film industry — surrounded by film festivals, archives, studios, and networking opportunities that can help launch your creative career.

Graduate Outcomes Summary

Graduates from Birkbeck’s BA (Hons) Film & Media degree often go on to exciting and dynamic careers across film, television, and digital media. They combine creative talent with a strong understanding of how the industry works. Many find themselves thriving as film producers, content creators, TV or broadcast researchers, and digital media strategists.

From these beginnings, graduates often grow into senior roles in production, creative leadership, or strategic media management, equipped with the skills and confidence to shape stories that reach global audiences.

Future Progression & Opportunities

University Services & Support

At Birkbeck, you’re supported every step of the way — not just while you study, but even after you graduate.

• The Careers and Enterprise team offers personalised one-to-one guidance, CV and portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and advice tailored to media and creative sectors.

• Through Handshake, Birkbeck’s career platform, you can connect directly with employers, discover job openings, and take part in exclusive networking events.

• The optional micro-placement module gives you the chance to earn credit while gaining real-world experience — a valuable way to build professional contacts and confidence.

• The Career Accelerator programme brings in industry professionals for monthly workshops on personal branding, networking, and interview techniques — helping you stand out in a competitive field.

Employment Rates & Salary Figures

Birkbeck’s media graduates are well-positioned in the job market.

• Around 65% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

• The median salary three years after graduation is approximately £20,000 (typically ranging between £15,000 and £26,500).

• Looking more broadly across all subjects, Birkbeck graduates earn an average salary of £32,700 just one year after graduation — one of the highest among UK universities.

University–Industry Partnerships

Birkbeck maintains strong ties with employers and the creative sector.

• Through its Careers and Enterprise service, the university partners with leading organisations to offer micro-placements, live projects, and exclusive recruitment events.

• Guest speakers and workshops from film, television, and digital media bring real-world insights straight into the classroom.

• Collaborations with initiatives like the Hg Foundation and Access Foundation help students develop advanced digital and technological skills that are highly valued in modern media industries.

Long-Term Accreditation & Value

A degree from Birkbeck is respected both in the UK and internationally, especially within creative, media, and cultural industries.
You’ll graduate with a versatile skill set — in media analysis, storytelling, production, and critical thinking — all of which remain essential as technology and media continue to evolve.
Because Birkbeck’s curriculum is designed around current industry trends and expert input, your learning stays relevant and adaptable to new opportunities in the creative world.

Graduation Outcomes

Birkbeck graduates find success across a wide range of creative paths:

• Film and TV production

• Digital content creation

• Editorial and media research

• Social media and communications strategy

Some go on to freelance or build their own creative brands, while others join production houses, broadcasters, creative agencies, or streaming platforms. With the combination of practical experience, placements, and career-focused support, Birkbeck graduates are well prepared to launch and grow successful creative careers.

Further Academic Progression

After completing the BA (Hons) in Film and Media, many students choose to continue their studies with a Master’s degree in Film, Media, or Screen Studies — such as Birkbeck’s MA in Film and Screen Media. This postgraduate pathway helps deepen your theoretical understanding, expand your research skills, and prepare you for roles in academia, cultural leadership, or advanced creative production.